Frederick Huppert,

Frederick Paul Huppert, much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother passed away Saturday, September 15, 2012, while attending the Billings Central Homecoming football game. Fred loved watching his 3 sons and grandsons play football at Billings Central. Fred was born on September 24, 1924, in Ismay, MT to Fred and Mary (Foy) Huppert. He grew up in Mildred, MT and worked the family farm and ranch until the age of 17. His father passed away when Fred was just 9 years old. Fred told many stories of operating steam engines, thrashing wheat, and harnessing up the team of horses to plow and summer fallow. In all his stories of hard work in eastern Montana, he always ended with how he wouldn't have traded it for anything and he loved the work. In the years that followed he tried to get into the Air Force as a pilot, and then built 30-40 houses in the Billings area including the family home, before finally becoming a site, heavy earth-work contractor for residential and commercial projects. In his later years he worked with his three sons building golf courses around the country and enjoyed every minute of the daily challenges. He worked faithfully until the young age of 84 and was never as happy as in the seat of his loader. His energy will be missed in the field and at home. Fred married Josephine Marie Cunningham on June 16, 1952 at Sacred Heart Church in Miles City, MT and together they had 6 children. He was a charter member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. He was a 3rd Degree Member of Council 1259 and a 4th Degree Member of the Father Pauwleyn Assembly of the Knights of Columbus. Fred was a soft-spoken, generous, and kind-hearted man and will be missed by all who knew him. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jeanette, and his son-in-law Glen Woodbury. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Josephine, his sister Marietta Huppert of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: MaryJo (Kay) Gabiola of Emmett, ID, and son Vance (Connie) and children Andrew, Zach, Madison, Natalie, and Kaysen, and son Mike (Sandy); Fred (Darcie) Huppert of Billings and children JayDee, Ryan, Quinn, Torry, and Brayden; Greg Huppert; Celeen Woodbury of Whidbey Island, WA, and children David and Alyssa; Nancy Huppert of Billings and son Matthew; and Kevin (Patty) Huppert of Billings. Service: A vigil will be held in Fred's honor at 7:00 PM Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 717 18th Street W. with interment of ashes at Calvary Cemetery, and a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave. North, Billings, Mt 59101 or St. Pius X Parish, 1717 18th St West, Billings, MT 59101.