Fritz Daily former State Legislator and self-described---"Butte Guy" passed away on Tuesday 1/27/2026. This is my obituary as written by me.

I write this obituary strictly from my heart, encompassing the love I have for my children, my grandchildren, my brothers and sisters, my nieces and nephews, my children's and grandchildren's spouses, and my entire extended family and friends.

While my life has been difficult at times, I believe I have been successful, and I have lived a good life! I sincerely hope I have influenced other people in my life in a positive way, contributed in some small way to make my children and grandchildren successful, and have made Butte and Montana economically better and a more environmentally safe place to live.

I was always my own man and stood for what I believed! I am a proud Butte, Irish, Catholic, Union, moderate Democrat. I once held a Legislative philosophy that Butte came first, Montana second and the Democratic Party came third. I recently received a correction from a former colleague that described my philosophy as Butte first, Butte second, and Butte third. I think she was correct!

My greatest compliment. Montana Standard quote---" Fritz Daily is a warrior, and in our view one who is owed our gratitude in heaping portions. He fights for the right thing on behalf of Butte. Always has!"

Friend and Butte Guy quote--- "Fritz, When I write my book on Butte, examine those who stood for the…children and the future of Butte….you are and will be a main character in its text.  Before the grace of you go I…thanks for all you have done!"

"As usual you speak truth to the powers that be, and definitely throw down the challenge that Butte deserves better. Thanks, my friend you are the real warrior for the children and folks of Butte"!

I believe you need to have certain things to make life okay! Fair health, happiness, a few bucks, faith in the Lord and someone to share it with are essential. I have been fortunate to have all these gifts.

My wife Gay and best friend passed away on January 4th, 2022. I truly loved her up the moon and back down again a hundred times. We had an incredible relationship. I cherish the great times we had together. Most folks are never fortunate to have such a beautiful, wonderful person to share in their lives---I did!

A special/forever friend is now in my life---Sandee Mischkot. Meeting Sandee and sharing time together may not have saved my life, but it sure put it moving in a positive/survivable direction and definitely helped to restore Fritz Daily back to life!

There are certain expressions that I think define my life and my decisions in life. They are "There are no reruns." "The Clock of life only goes one way!" "You can always deal with the truth; it is the untruths that are so difficult!" "I did my best!" "The greatest quality in life is loyalty!"

I was blessed to have parents, Fritz and Dote Daily, and grandparents who got me to Butte Montana. Butte Montana is the greatest community in the world! I was raised a Catholic and I attended Immaculate Conception Grade School, Butte Central and received a bachelor's and master's Degree from Western Montana College "the normal college."

One of most vivid and fondest memories in life was a few days before my Dad died, my brothers Jim, Bill and I received Holy Communion with him. He had not received the sacrament for several years.

I worked at Butte Vo-Tech, Butte High School and as a Counselor in the Grade Schools. They were extremely rewarding jobs and hopefully I changed and affected many students in positive ways. Teaching is the most important occupation we have!

As a seven-term Montana Legislator, I presented the proposal to fund the new Butte Vo-Tech Center, now known as Highlands College. I was proud to have worked tirelessly to make Butte a safe and healthy environmental community, including securing funding for several environmental projects like Emma Park and McGruff Park. My friend Bob Pavlovich, always says the greatest accomplishment of the Butte Delegation, with whom I proudly had the pleasure to serve, was to save the smaller colleges: Including Montana Tech and Western Montana College. I agree!

I am very proud of the accomplishments of my children and my grandchildren. I also cherish the relationship I have had with my friends. I love and cherish my good times with my brothers and sisters. Never once was I not there for all them when needed. For years I was always the "go to" guy in our family. I am proud of that!

My children survive; Fritz {Lynn} Daily and their children---Kelcey {Paul} Wilson, Kayla Daily and Neil Daily; Michelle {Shawn} Bossert and their children---Harlee {Dylan}Lynch and Bodee Bossert; Lynn Daily, her children Brennan {Ally}Nielsen and Maggee Nielsen, Great granddaughters---Huntlee, Oaklynn, and Beckett Lynch. I was married to Connie Daily who is the mother of my children. We later divorced, but she continues to be a very special person to me, and I cherish our time together!

I am the sixth child in a family of eight children. My brothers Jim {Mitzi} Daily, Bill {Ann} Daily, my sisters Janice Bloom and Mary{Steve} Sullivan survive. The passing of Gay and my Mom and Dad and my sisters Cari Sommer, JoAnn Ellison, and Dotey Shafer were difficult times in my life.

I also love and cherish all of my nieces and nephews. I especially appreciated Marty Daily who made me part of his life. Sadly Marty, Becky Sprunger, Ron Remark, and Ann Baily are no longer with us.

Some of my greatest accomplishments were Boy's State, serving in the Montana Legislature, Toastmasters, President of Butte Celebrations, several local, state and National awards, and serving on a National Committee called the Community Leaders Network. Working hard for Butte and making Butte a better place to live, and the success of my family were always my number one priority!

I would ask everyone who truly cared about me when I was living, to do something special you enjoy and think of me when you are doing it. Go to Mass, have a beer, take a ride, go fishing, go out to dinner, have an ice cream cone, go for a dump ride, or do whatever turns your crank.

Those that I have hurt for whatever reason, I am truly sorry!

Goodbye. Hopefully I am on the up elevator, and I will see you again!

A celebration of life will be held at 11am Thursday February 5th, at St. Ann's Church.  Visitation will begin at 10am.  A private family internment will take place at a later date.  Friends are invited to gather for a reception at a location to be announced.

In Lieu of flowers please send donations to any Butte Charity special to your heart.