W.E. “Sonny” Frickel went to be with our Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Sonny was born on May 11, 1928, the second of four children to Henry Frickel Jr. and Mabel Zier. His childhood and teen years were spent helping on the family farm in Hardin, Montana. He married his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Maxine Smith, on December 11, 1949. They had two children, Susan and Scott.
After serving in the Navy for 6 years, he returned to Hardin and held various jobs and continued to help his father on the farm. In 1963 he began working for the Montana Highway Department, GVW Division. In 1968 he was promoted and moved his family to Helena, leaving behind many close relatives and friends. In 1978 he became the Bureau Chief of the GVW Division, a position he held until his and Maxine’s retirement in April of 1989. Their plans for a long and happy retirement together were cut short when Maxine passed away in 1992.
Sonny loved life, his family and his many friends. He was so proud of his five grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching all sports, especially football. His favorite activities were dancing, working out at the gym, and he always looked forward to going to coffee and Taco Tuesday with his friends. He was a long time member of the Elks and volunteered at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Sonny is survived by his daughter Susan (Dennis) Jerke of Austin Texas and son Scott (Julie) Frickel of Helena, grandchildren Allison, Ryan, Megan, Kelli and Kayla, seven great grandchildren, sister Evelyn Whitson and brother Jerry Frickel. His sister Marjorie passed away in August 2014.
A memorial service celebrating Sonny’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home. Memorials in Sonny’s name are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601.
Jeanne Vladic says
My deepest sympathy to all of Sonny’s family. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all.
Love, Mom/Jeanne
Jeri and Joe Dalbec says
Thoughts and prayers for your family. So sorry.
Carrie & Scott Hunnicutt says
Prayers for you and your family. Remember the fun times and all the laughs you shared together.
Relish the greatness of Jesus and His love for Sonny.
We love you,
Carrie & Scott
Jim and Deana Beneventi says
Sending our love and sympathy for the loss of your Dad/Grandfather. So glad Kelli and Kayla will be with you. Take comfort in each other’s love.
Cathy Christian Ireland says
Scott and Family, so sorry to see of your dads passing. He always had a dance for me whenever or wherever we saw each other. I always thought he was the most handsome man I knew! May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories and may the lord comfort you at this time.
Jeane Didriksen says
Dear Scott & Julie ~ I hope you know you’re being thought about, and hope you
find comfort in knowing that your Dad and all he meant to you ~ will remain in
your hearts forever! No words seem adequate, my friends. Love, Jeane
Knapp Insurance Agency says
We were so sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing this morning. It is sad to know that we won’t get to see his happy smiling face here anymore. Our thoughts are with the family, may you heal quickly.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Sonny will truly be missed by all who crossed his path,Play Thru ,God Bless…
Elaine House says
Susan, Scott and all the Frickel family, this is really hard news to believe. Sonny was such a favorite and loved life. His looks and energy were so amazing for an 86 year-old gentleman. He might not have liked my mentioning his age, because he was always so “young”. Will miss seeing him. Gene and I send our sympathy to all of you and your families. Very nice obituary. Elaine
Bev and Don OPITZ says
Dear Ones, Every time we saw Sonny he had that wonderful smile on his face. He just made you happy. He will be missed. Hugs to all of you. We care.
Ken Lind says
When i heard of this passing, i was greatly saddened. I spoke with dad and he mentioned that he was best man at Sonny and Maxine’s wedding. I am encouraging dad to go to the funeral even though he does not like to sit in the car that long. I always thought of Sonny as an uncle, even though he technically was not. He was for me. My sympathies to the whole family. May God bless his passing and all of your families in this most difficult of times.
Marlon & Susan Mangus says
To a wonderful Uncle who I always wish I could have spent more time with. You had a zest for life and always showed genuine interest in me and my family. You were uplifting to be around. Your disarming chuckle could always melt through the tense moments and put everyone at ease.
Most of all you were my Mom’s older brother and I know that she looked to you for comfort and reassurance, she being your little sister. I remeber you working at the farm or at the Chevy Garage in Hardin, MT almost as if it were yesterday. Your famous picture on the front of Look Magazine in commemoration of the Battle of the Little Big Horn was a thrill to me although no one could see you in the picture. I still bragged that you were in the picture. We took your word that you were there, flat on the ground, holding the reins to Jerry’s horse Swanee (who was playing the part of Custer’s horse Commanche). You were our hero then and you will always be a hero. Well done & standing ovation. Love, Marlon & Susan Mangus & Families
Art & Clara Gilreath says
We are sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. He was a good friend and will be missed.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Rusty Wrigg says
Sorry to have heard about Sonny’s passing. He was always one of my favorites to meet and greet in the halls of MDT (Highway Dept.) He was always cheerful and friendly, you just couldn’t find a nicer guy.
Ken and Terri McLaughlin says
Scott and Family, so very sorry to see that your dad has passed to the big golf course above. Praying many good memories will comfort you.
Diane White says
Scott, Julie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Diane White
Dick and Lori Schultz says
Scotty and Family, We enjoyed watching Sonny and Maxine dance at the Elks years ago…What a team they made!! He always came to the Optical Shop to tell me of all the compliments he got from the designer frame he purchased from me…Always enjoyed him and our talks…We will miss him>>>Dick and Lori
Mike and Cindi Wood says
Dear Susan and Family…May God continually comfort you all. So glad we got to meet and know him! I know you will miss him greatly… May you all find peace in your memories and knowing you will be with him for eternity! Our most sincere and deepest sympathy… From all the Michael and Cindi Wood Family
Amy Marsh says
I was so sadden to hear of Sonny’s passing. I enjoyed seeing him in the mornings at Crossroads and I will sure miss his smiling face. What an inspiration he was- he will be missed.
Jack Stults & Daphne Crosbie says
Sonny and Max were wonderful neighbors. Red Letter Street was happier and richer with them here for so many years. We will be poorer without Sonny now.
Sue Lane says
I just want to extend my condolences to Scott, Susan and their families. I worked with Sonny at GVW and spent a few good times at Sonny and Maxine’s house. They were both great people and I know that Sonny will be greatly missed.
Carol & Walter Nelson says
So sorry to hear of your loss. May wonderful memories guide you through this difficult time.
Neil Harrington says
Dear Scott, Julie, and Family, my sincere condolences to you on the loss of Sonny. Take care.