Gene Floyd Friesz passed peacefully on October 19, 2017. Gene was born in Glasgow, Montana in 1939 to Elizabeth and Reinhardt Friesz. Gene was the middle child of three boys, and was raised on a ranch between Dillon and Twin Bridges. Despite his varied travels and occupations, Gene remained a small town Montana boy.

Gene had three children, Mitch, Vince, and Julie, with his first wife Barbara Willis. Growing up, the children remember that the house was always filled with various rocks that Gene had brought home.   As a prospector, Gene's kids were raised with placer gold in the house, but he would have laughed if you ever called him rich. Gene was a trapper, hunter, and fisher, and he was as comfortable outside as he was in.   Although Gene had many jobs throughout his life, they all involved working with his hands.

Gene met his wife Deb when he moved in next door while building the road between Fort Benton and Highwood in 1992. Although Deb attempted to pass him off on various friends, he kept coming back. The man was stubborn and knew what he wanted. Deb finally took pity on him, and they dated for two years before marrying on July 30, 1994.

Gene was never lacking for social companions and seldom made enemies. He never met a stranger, and could talk to a fence post and make it talk back. A natural peacemaker, friends and family could always rely upon him to calm the waters. Gene was always involved in his communities, and was a Mason and a Shriner. At one point, Gene established the United Lime & Gypsum Workers Union, and was elected president for two different terms.

When Gene spoke, people listened, not only because he had a deep, gravelly voice, but because Gene only spoke when he thought there was something important to say. Of course, importance is subjective and generally irreverent remarks were Gene's words of choice. But when Gene had something profound to say, his intelligence and insight were apparent. Gene loved to sing Johnny Cash and Ray Price, and was blessed with the rare singing voice to pull off both.   Gene's songs will be sorely missed, and he will forever be remembered when For the Good Times plays.

A fan of great food and expensive scotch, the family is certain that Gene is enjoying the good life in the afterlife. It's likely that he's already regaling his new-made friends with his stories, which he frequently ended with "and this is no shit." If cussing is frowned upon in heaven, Gene may need a grace period.

Gene is survived by his wife Deb Friesz, mother Elizabeth Friesz, brother Marven Friesz (Eileen), son Mitch Friesz, son Vince Friesz (Brenda), Julie Friesz (Warren), six grandchildren Stephanie (Don) Clark, Aaron (Cameryn) Friesz, Brianna Friesz, Janet (Chad) Ball, Ethan Friesz, Seth Friesz and four great grandchildren, Coryn and Elias Clack, Alexis and Amya Friesz.  Gene left behind a lot of family and even more friends. He will be remembered at a Wake hosted at the Palace Bar on November 3 ^rd at 6 p.m. in Fort Benton. The family invites all who knew him to come celebrate his life, tip back a few drinks in his honor, and tell irreverent stories about him. And this is no shit.

Memorials may be made in Gene's name to: Dedman Foundation and Shriners