Col. Robert “Bob” George Feddes finished his race peacefully on February 11, 2024 at St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings. Bob was a devout Christian and was confident of the things to come.
Bob was born the 3rd of 6 children to Henry and Bertina Feddes on May 12, 1942. He grew up in Belgrade, working on his family’s farm and was a 1960 graduate of Belgrade High School where he excelled in sports, but not necessarily academics.
However, that changed when one day Bob was working on the farm and a friend drove by and asked him if he wanted to go to college. His father said it was OK as long as it didn’t interfere with his chores. He graduated from Montana State University in 1964 with a bachelors degree in education. This was followed by a Masters degree from Texas A&M and a PhD from the University of Utah, both in meteorology. Bob was commissioned in the Air Force in 1965. During his military service, he served his country in Vietnam. He retired from the US Air Force in 1989 at the rank of Colonel. After his retirement from the military, Bob went on to work another 18 years for Lockheed and The Aerospace Corporation, finally deciding to retire completely in 2004. Bob and Cindy moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2002 and wintered in Arizona for many years, while spending lots of time with grandkids and enjoying a slower pace.
He married Cindy on December 23rd, 1963 and together they raised Marcie, Stephanie and Brett. He encouraged good grades, good work ethic and a good sense of humor into his children and they had the opportunity to live and vacation in many different places across the country while growing up.
Bob was an avid sports fan, never missing an Indianapolis 500 or Super Bowl. He loved watching any sport, whether it be live, on TV or watching his kids and grandkids playing. He especially enjoyed watching spring training baseball in Arizona. He could quote many statistics from almost any sport and as technology evolved, he would ask Siri to double check his statistics, but he was almost always correct. He was able to list every college sports team and what Conference they were in and most recently he was able to list almost every Montana High School and what class they were in. He loved the Colorado Rockies and was hoping that the Buffalo Bills would have made it to the Super Bowl this year.
Bob had a great sense of humor. He would constantly tell funny stories of his childhood and pranks that were done to and from classmates and colleagues over the years. Bob loved a good joke and would comment “you better laugh or I’ll tell it again”…and in fact he would tell it again and again.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Bertina Feddes; brothers, Jack and Leon; sisters, Thelma and Lois; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Cindy; daughters, Marcie and Stephanie (Dale); son, Brett (Rhonda); as well as 6 grandchildren, Andy Feddes, Jacob Feddes, Sam Feddes, Alaina Feddes, Rylee Forbes and Zachary Forbes; brother, Bruce (Wanda); brother-in-law, Rollie Zempel; sisters- in-law; Bonnie and Dee Feddes; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bob will be missed for his sense of humor, his devotion to family and friends and his strong faith and character. The family wishes to thank Dr. Shawna Yates for her excellent care and the staff and neurosurgeons at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings for their compassionate care of Bob during his final days.
A private family ceremony with military honors will be held Friday February 16th in Helena.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Bob and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Bob.
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Phyllis and Don Wilson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, during there time of grief. Bob was an outstanding Christian and friend over the years when they lived on Fairborn, Oh , we shared wonderful times with him and Cindy, enjoyed times together and trips we will always hold dear. They were an outstanding family always reaching out to others. Heaven has gained a wonderful person. We will miss him and we pray for Cindy and his children. God bless you.
Glen and Marge Roberson says
Our thoughts and prayers go with Bob’s wife Cindy, his children, grandchildren, as well as his entire family and all of their many friends. We know he lived his life well and is now at peace in the presence of God. We pray the Holy Spirit is with you all during this time of grief, giving strength and comfort at every turn. Much love to you all.
Carol Nickal says
Will cherish the times we shared with Bob & Cindy in Cheyenne & the RV park in Tucson. Prayers for Cindy & family . Love you all Carol & Cal Nickal
Anna Hutchinson says
I have many fond memories of meals spent with Bob and Cindy in their home. It was evident that Bob had a strong Christian faith! The way he prayed has become part of my spoken prayer. His voice showed courage, seriousness and trust in the Lord. “On this day, at this hour…”
My thoughts are with you Cindy and your beautiful family. Anna
Dan and Judy Smiley says
Oh Cindy, We are so sorry to hear about Bob, knowing he had suffered. We remember with joy the many lunches we shared at the Outback after Meals on Wheels deliveries. I remember his kindness carrying the heavy sewing machines down the stairs for us old ladies! I will continue to miss you both and those fun times together. We are so thankful you are close to your family and much wonderful love and support! Bob was an amazing man and friend!!?!
John Rocha says
Cindy and my mom were close so over the years so I had some interaction with Bob and Cindy. They trusted me to work on their home and we would share meals at my mom’s house once in a while. I loved to listen to bob talk about his work and experience in the military. I could listen to Bob’s stories for hours …and he could talk for days. That man was such a wealth of knowledge and it seems like everything he was involved with was of the highest level. I’ve missed seeing him over the last few years that they’ve been in MT but my mom keeps me filled in.
Cindy, you and Bob are in my prayers. Your husband was a great man and will be missed by many.