Mr. Green to many, Fred to most, Fritz to family and Papa to the grandkids passed away on March 15th in Helena. Fredrick Roland Green was born on July 7th, 1931 at 7:00 am in Roundup Montana to Roland and Mardell (Roy) Green.
He grew up in Klein, a typical coal mining town south of Roundup. Fred and his siblings enjoyed their childhood frequently causing a little mischief around town. Growing up he had unique opportunities starting in high school driving a windmill salesman all over Montana which required sleeping in barns and “hotels”. After graduating from Klein High School in 1950 he joined the Navy, serving three years on a mine sweeper in and around Korea and Japan. He liked to remind us that wherever the Marines landed the Navy had already been. He returned to Roundup to work in the oil fields where he met Ruth Uden, a school teacher. They married in 1956 and were together for the next 68 years. He attend Easter Montana College on the GI Bill, graduating in 1960 followed by obtaining a Master of Science degree at Syracuse University in 1965. During his 34 years in the classroom in Absarokee, Glendive and Helena his kind but stern approach to teaching impacted thousands of students.
Not one to be idle, in addition to teaching over the years he worked at a gas station, coached multiple teams and worked at Capital Sports for 15 years. He remained active and fit throughout his life initially with daily runs and then becoming such a disciplined walker that many on the west side set their watches based on his schedule. Once retired Fred focused on documenting the Green & Roy family genealogy’s, working on the kids houses and watching after their animals. Fred instilled an incredible work ethic, subtle sense of humor and a clear expectation to do the right thing in his daughters Jennifer (the old one), Jane (the favorite) and Susan (the boss) which has been passed on to his grandkids.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents Roland and Mardell Green, his siblings Donald Green and Tootie Duffey. He is survived by his wife Ruth of Helena, sister Norma Helmts of Billings, his daughters Jennifer Green of Helena, Jane Green of St Petersburg FL, Susan (Drew) Malany of Helena, grandkids Cody (Jess) Green, Morgan (Tyler) Malany, Keegan (Emily) Malany, Claire (Armando) Malany, and great grandsons Rowan & Finley Green.
A private family service with military honors will take place at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery on May 30th, 2025. A celebration for Fred’s life will be held following the service at Brothers Tapworks located at 40 S Last Chance Gulch St., Helena, MT 59601 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Pad for Paws, 2115 Euclid Ave, Helena MT 59601, Tails as Old as Time, P.O. Box 684, Lewistown MT 59457 or Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 E Custer Ave, Helena MT 59602. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Fred.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday May 30, 2025
Brothers Tapworks
40 S Last Chance Gulch St.
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday May 30, 2025
Brothers Tapworks
40 S Last Chance Gulch St.
Helena, MT 59601
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Janet says
My favorite teacher. I’m sorry to learn he passed.
Cathy & Virg says
Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to all of the Green ladies during this difficult time. It’s so hard to lose such a great guy and a friend to all. He touched so many lives and will live on in our hearts forever. I especially won’t forget him and the way he would say “Campbell!” when i tended to go a little beyond annoying! It still brings a smile to my face! Love you Mr. Green!
Janna and Larry says
Larry and I are sorry for the loss of Mr. Green. I remember him as a father to my childhood friend who was nice and Larry remembers Mr. Green the great teacher at CR Anderson. Our thoughts go out to the family.
Elizabeth says
Mr Green was my seventh grade science teacher. He was amazing, so sorry for your loss.
Sharlene Stav says
Dear Ruth, Jennifer, Susan and Jane,
I was so sad to hear of your father’s passing. Your folks are truly one of a kind, and I know you will miss him.
“Mr Green” as he always was to me was not only a super treacher, but a true friend of my family.
Please remember that he knows how much you loved him.
With hugs and tears, Sharlene Goodman Stav
Debbie Hermes says
Sorry for your loss! Very special person and teacher.
Rosie Petrino says
He was such a wonderful and kind man. Fantastic teacher and loved always seeing him at Capital Sports.
Sending all my love and hugs to the green family!!!
Rod Applegate says
To Jane, and the Green family.
My thoughts go out to you and all your family. What a legacy your dad has left. Not only as an admired and respected educator, but also as a kind and caring person, who touched the lives of so many.
Amy says
Such a lovely person. Loved seeing him driving with Charlie as his copilot🧡. What wonderful daughters Fred has!
Jennifer says
I remember Mr. GREEN amazing teacher always chewed gum. And talked about his trucks he lost when ice fishing. Very special person. Sorry for your loss!
Will and Rose says
As neighbors just a few blocks down Hauser, we always looked forward to a quick chat with Fred on his daily walks. He was a role model for curiosity, kindness, and making the world a better place through small, daily, humble actions. We’ve missed Fred for a while now, but his influence continues to stroll through our lives.
Our deep sympathies for your loss.
Laurie Volesky Kops says
What a guy!! My time working at Capital Sports was enhanced greatly by Fred working there as well. He had the best, dry sense of humor, generally found the positive side of things (except for a few regular customers), and shared how much he loved his family and community. His wisdom wasn’t ever delivered in an overt way, but more subtly with just a hint of sarcasm, and he was always right on. He was a gift….I’m so sorry for your loss.
Morgan Maynard says
Sorry to hear of my favorite Earth Science teacher’s passing. Sending positive vibes to Jenny and family.
Mike DeGrandpre says
A great teacher who had a significant role in influencing my decision to become a scientist.
Ann Power Scherner says
Mr Green- a calm and caring teacher and it was always fun to be at the Green house- I was good friends with Jenny and it was always fun to spend time in their home- my condolences to all the Greens- Mr Green left a wonderful legacy as a teacher and touched many lives- take care
Jeff Thomas says
One of the best teachers at CR Anderson. He taught many of us boys (now getting to be old men ourselves) riflery and gun safety in the basement at CRA.
I remember running (literally) past Mr. Green on many of my runs on the Westside and he remembered me even after all the years out of school. Jane, your dad was one-of-a-kind. What a great life he had!
Carol Bridge says
Ruth and family, I was saddened to hear of Freds death. He was a sweet person always pleasant, I am sure his daughters may disagree with that at various times in their lives but he and Ruth were one in a million beautiful souls and still are. Blessings and prayers are with you all.
Paul Montgomery says
Mr. Green was singularly the most influential teacher I had as a student in Helena’s Public Schools. His embrace of science, critical thinking and subtle sense of humor were infectious, even to the vast majority of fellow baboons in my 7th grade class, circa mid 70’s. He did not demand respect, but earned mine with his genuine nature. Vive la évolution, Fred. You will be missed.