Fred Eugene "Frenchie" LaBlanc, 105

Fred was born in Butte, Montana on November 07, 1918, to Alfred and Amy (Lemelin) LeBlanc, the second youngest of four children.  He went to St. Joseph Elementary and Butte High School, but left after 10th Grade, during the depression, to work with the CCC (Civil Conservation Corps), near Alberton, to support his family.

From October of 1935 to March of 1937, Fred worked as a laborer and truck driver, hauling timber from the forest to WPA Camps.  In April of 1937, he began work as an underground miner at the Belmont, St. Lawrence, and Anselmo Mines.

In December of 1940, Fred joined the United States Army, going to Fort Lewis in Washington state.  He was stationed there during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 07, 1941.  Fred was deployed to New Guinea, starting with the Capital, Port Moresby, where they arrived on New Year's Day of 1942.  He moved up the island chain as the War progressed.  For nearly 3 years he drove a truck during missions to transport ammunition, supplies, and equipment from boats and dumps to forward bases.  He also transported troops both to and from battles.  Fred learned to operate the Browing Automatic Rifle, a machine gun with a bipod.  He also qualified as a marksman with the M1 Rifle.  He contracted Malaria, which recurred periodically throughout his life.  Fred received 2 Bronze Stars for his participation in the New Guinea and Papuan Campaigns, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, and American Defense Medal. He was discharged on May 12, 1945, at Fort Douglas, Utah.  His Honorable Discharge papers show he was paid $21.85 for his travel day from Utah to Butte.

On July 01, 1945, Fred married Audrey Lawrence.  They were married for 75 years, until her passing in October of 2020.  They had one daughter, Gayle, who was born in 1952 and resides in Helena, Montana.  Fred worked as a machinist and mechanic.  He received his Certificate of Apprenticeship on April 07, 1949, while working for Wellman Motor Company as an Auto Mechanic.  Fred worked for Wilson Motor Company, the Chrysler – Plymouth – Dodge dealership for most of his career.  The dealership was sold to John Dinsmore.  Fred remained there, as Shop Foreman, until the dealership closed.  Fred was a member of the Mechanists Union, Local 88, and served as it's President for 4 years.

Fred loved to fly-fish, enjoying many outings on the Big Hole River.  Fred and Audrey enjoyed square dancing and were members of the Mile High Square Dancing Club.  They participated in square dancing festivals throughout the state.  Fred was an avid bowler, bowling in local leagues well into his 90's.  Fred and Audrey loved the outdoors and purchased a camping trailer.  Every Friday, after Fred came home from work, they would go camping with their friends for the weekend. When asked the secret to his longevity, Fred would always say, "A shot and a beer everyday",

Fred is survived by his daughter, Gayle; sister-in-law, Jane Senger of Kennewick, Washington; nieces, Diane (Mike) Denny of Butte, Suzette (Jack) Rahmann of Texas, Lynda Senger of Kennewick, Mary Aschenbrenner of Idaho; and nephews, Frank (Rene) Crosby of Butte, Greg Senger and John (Dawn) Senger, both of Kennewick; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; his parents; brothers, Alex and Tommy; sister, Irene Boyle; brother-in-law, Gene Senger; sister-in-law, Ruth Hanson; nieces, Nancy Daly and Sherry LeProwse; and nephew, Marvin Hanson.

Heartfelt thanks and gratitude go out to Veterans Administration Staff; Mary Beth Siewert, CNA, dad's primary personal attendant, for her exceptional care of my father these past years; to Melinda, Ryser, Social Worker, for all of her assistance;  to Michelle Smith, RN, for helping me with the VA Caregivers Program; and to Muhammed Saajid for helping enroll dad in the Veterans Program.  These individuals are exemplary in their service to veterans.

Sincere thanks and appreciation are expressed to all the caregivers and staff from Synergy Home Care, Senior Solutions, and Compassus Home Health for attending to Dad with such care and compassion, allowing him to remain at home for so long.  Special thanks those caregivers and staff at the Southwest Montana Veterans Home that watched over Dad the last few months.  Somebody has to finish his jig-saw puzzle.

To Kim Butler, Frank Crosby, Diane and Mike Denny, and Mark Gollinger, thank you for all your help and support these past months.  Michael Denny, Dad thoroughly enjoyed your visits.

"Dad, thank you for all the years of love you have given me.  I was truly blessed to have such a wonderful father, and pray you'll watch over me and help mend my broken heart.  Enjoy your boiler maker and square-dancing with dear Mom.  Until we meet again" – love Gayle.

Cremation has been entrusted to Duggan Dolan Mortuary.  Graveside services will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Belmont Senior Center, Albert's Angel Fund, or a charity of the donor's choice.