Gene Frehse, 75, passed away at his home in Kalispell, the Lake Blaine community, on Thursday, June 21, 2007, of natural causes. He was born Feb. 27, 1932, in Falls City, Neb., the son of William Frederick and Faye Rita (Gunn) Frehse.

His work included a lot of driving; whether it was trucking furniture, fuel, or "precious cargo" - namely the kids who were destined to be on his bus routes. His life was well-lived, full of adventure, and laughs. It is said that if laughter makes you a happy person, then his life was most definitely a happy one.

Most of Gene's days were spent in the mountains and valleys of western Montana. He loved hunting, fishing, seeing the countryside, golfing and a good tale told. He loved his family, his friends, and most of all, he delighted in his grandchildren. The last few years he spent much of his time contemplating the mountains out his backdoor and counting the deer in the fields. Every now and then he had to head east of the mountains to "stretch his eyebawlls".

As we reminisce about his life, many stories (whether true or not) come to mind. It is a well known fact that Gene had a lot of stories to tell - anyone that knew him heard at least one or two of these myths. After all, what is life but a story!

"… Down in the hen house on my knees, thought I heard a chicken sneeze…it was only a rooster sayin' his prayers, sayin' his prayers to the hens upstairs …"

He was preceded in death by his son, Ed Frehse; his parents; and five siblings.

His survivors include, his companion Vicki Hileman of Kalispell; Ernie and Dawn Frehse, also of Kalispell and their children, Justin Frehse, Brittney Frehse, Ryan Dennison, Jordan Dennison, and Nate Dennison; Duane and Chris Frehse of Danvers, and their children, Arin Peters, Jesika Frehse, and Julius Frehse; Diana Sweeney of Libby and her children, Sean Sweeney, Ben Sweeney, Caitlin Sweeney, and Alyssa Sweeney; Linda Frehse of Rimrock, Ariz.; Ed's daughters, Christina and Andi Frehse of Washington; daughter-in-law, Peggy Frehse of Spokane Valley, and her children, Gabe Anderson, Hank Anderson, and Willow Becker; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Karen Olson and Donna Engleman; cousins, Duane and Helen Lockard; and numerous other relatives, nieces and nephews

Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, in the Johnson Mortuary chapel There will be no visitation. Urn burial will be at a later date in Falls City, Neb.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Gene's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Gene's guestbook.