Fred Merritt was born in Sparta, Missouri on June 2, 1920. His family moved to Salida, Colorado when he was an infant. He graduated from the Salida high school and started working for F. W. Woolworth. The company transferred him to Kalispell, where he met Betty Rouselle. They were married in 1942 and Fred left immediately for service in the Army. He fought in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. He left the Army as a first lieutenant and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
After the war, Fred and Betty moved to Ronan, Montana, where Fred managed the Woolworth store. They later moved to Kalispell, where Fred worked for 26 years in the banking industry and retired from Wells Fargo Bank. They maintained a second home in Rollins for many years. In 2001 Fred and Betty moved to Helena to be closer to their daughter.
Fred was a master fly fisherman, avid outdoorsman, and a private pilot. He loved gardening and had a special affection for dahlias. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Gerry Daumiller and several nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 64 years, in 2006.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
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James Lohn says
Fred and my Dad, Vic Lohn, worked together and were good friends. Fred and Dad built the cabin we used out on Echo Lake. Fred also took Vic to Lewistown to pick up his second 1936 Chevrolet with a rumble seat. We met them in a strip club in Great Falls for dinner.
Fred always had a smile and I’m very glad to have known him and spent time with he and Betty. When Fred quit drinking he took two boxes of booze to my dad and he gave most of it to me.
God Bless you and your family, Marilyn, in this time of grieving. I loved your Dad and felt like he would be a great Father.
My Stepmother, Evelyn, also sends her prayers and best wishes your way !!
Jim Lohn, Barb Lohn and Evelyn Lohn