Fred Malesich left this world peacefully on Christmas Eve at the age of 78.
He was born May 12, 1943 to Joe and Emma Malesich in Butte, MT. Fred was the youngest of four boys, one of whom shared the same birthday.
Fred was raised in McQueen and grew up with all the neighborhood families. He was a prankster, which got him laughs, but also into occasional trouble as he attended Franklin School. His artistic talent showed at a young age with an ability to draw anything from animals to cars to cartoons. Fred was also very mechanically inclined.
Summers were spent in Dillon on his uncles’ and cousins’ ranches. After graduating from Butte High he joined the Navy where he served in Hawaii as a torpedo man. Fred returned to Butte working a variety of jobs including delivering bottled pop, selling insurance, bucking freight at Garrett Freight Line, working for BSB County, the Safeway Warehouse, for Suttey Auto and for lifelong friends at Pioneer Weed Control and Baker Auto.
His free time was spent painting pictures, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and taking his buggy to mountain lakes.
Fred was preceded in death by his mother, Emma; father, Joe; brothers, Bill (Lavinia), and Joseph; sister-in-law, Carol Malesich; along with endless pets that he dearly loved.
Fred is survived by his wife, Michelle; their son, Tony Mazzola; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jake Mazzola; his sons, Jim (Janet) Malesich, and Brent (Stuart) Malesich; brother, Tom Malesich; grandchildren, Trevor Shearer, Noelle Malesich, Josh (Alysha) Keltz; and great grandchildren, Ellie and Brody Shields, and Kaci Keltz.
Thank you to the health care staff at St. James Health Care, Pioneer Rehabilitation, and Barrett Hospital.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7th at the McQueen Club in Butte.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Fred. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Fred and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 PM
Friday January 7, 2022
McQueen Athletic Club
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 PM
Friday January 7, 2022
McQueen Athletic Club
Butte, Montana 59701
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Georgene Cachola says
Our condolences to Brent and all of Fred’s family.I grew up on Willow St. in McQueen as did Fred. We played ball, bicycled, had spats,and ice skated with all our McQueen friends. And of course my name ended in “ich”, Boksich, as did Fred’s. We both had great parents!
Brent, I’m very sorry for your loss.
Georgene (Boksich) and Sal Cachola
Memphis, TN
Sandi Jaksha says
RIP Fred. I too grew up on Willow St. Next to the Malesich’s, Fred had a few crazy pets growing up. A pet skunk that he walked with a leash, a woodchuck that lived in his basement and his great little black and white minature bulldog named Tiny. He built a kidney shaped pond in his back yard, painted the cement blue and filled it with fish. He loved animals. Great memories, good neighbors. Rest in peace my friend. John & Sandi (Mihelich) Jaksha.
Lynn Thatcher-Orr says
Michelle,
I am sorry to read of Fred’s passing and sending condolences to you, Tony and the entire family. If there is anything I can do to help out, please let me know. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Lynn Thatcher-Orr