Roger Fred Ereaux

MALTA-Roger Fred Ereaux, 81 years old, passed away of natural causes on Monday, August 28, 2017, at the Great Falls hospital.

Rosary was 6:30 p.m., Sunday, September 3, at Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Sharing of stories was at 7 p.m., after the rosary. Funeral Mass was 10 a.m., Monday, September 4 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Interment was in the Malta Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Roger was born on January 6, 1936, to Fred and Ilene (Burlingame) Ereaux in Wheeler, Mont. He was the oldest of 11 children. Roger's youthful days were spent attending South Wagner School. Many hours were spent playing basketball, baseball and learning to dance. His love of hunting, fishing, all sports and hard work began at that early age. He graduated from Malta High School in 1954, married Alice Cauffman in 1955 and had 10 children divorcing in 1988. Roger was a salesman, promoter, and developer who held his community and friends with the highest regards. He sold insurance, owned and operated bars and hotels, EH&S Construction Company, Holiday Realty, member of the Montana National Guard and volunteer fireman. He became widely known for promoting and rebuilding the community of Malta. The many boards he served on benefitted from his visions to make things better for the people of Phillips County and the state of Montana. Among his many accomplishments were bringing to our county famous country music artists such as Charlie Pride, daredevil Robbie Knievel, helping to organize the breaking of the Guinness Book World's Largest Hamburger, promoting both district and state high school rodeos, the original Milk River Pavilion, helping to make the new Phillips County Hospital a reality and helping keep the Hi-Line Retirement Center open. He spent many hours fishing on the pontoon at Nelson Reservoir, played a lot of pinochle, whist, 31, poker and threw some dice. He won some and lost some.

Allie and Roger traveled to all parts of the U.S. with good friends Swede and Lois Goodheart, his faithful secretary Grace, Cliff and Helen Heck, Marvin and Donna Korb and many others. He was especially fond of Aunt Sadie and Uncle Don Pope, living with them during his high school years and building a log cabin at the lake with them. Many parties, reunions, and get-togethers were hosted there by Roger, Allie and the Pope's that were enjoyed by many friends and relatives.

He married Velma (Pickles) James in later life and made their home at the Sleeping Buffalo. He remained at the Sleeping Buffalo until 2013 when he moved to Malta to semi-retire. Roger had a good life with many successes and setbacks. He lived it to the fullest extent possible, had a lot of fun and helped others to do the same.

He is survived by his 10 children Roger Dale (Brenda) Ereaux of Fort Benton, James Howard Ereaux of Malta, Mont., Shaune Marie Kuszmaul of Great Falls, Mont., Michael Fred (Nancy) Ereaux of Malta, Mont., Anita Faye (Brian) Green of Malta, Mont., Darcy Ann (Brian) Kirkhorn of Fairfield, Mont., Mark Allen Ereaux of Spokane, Wash., Donald Earl Ereaux of Malta, Mont., Daniel Edward Ereaux (Barbie) of Metaline Wash., Kenneth (Kathy) Ereaux of Malta, Mont., and 23 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Roy (Marian) Ereaux, of Malta, Mont., sisters Claris Darrah of Malta, Mont., Phyllis Harrington of Helena, Mont., Stella (John) Murray of Great Falls, Mont., Darla (Leo) Barthelmess of Malta, Mont., sisters-in-law Jane Ereaux and Lynette Ereaux of Malta Mont., and Jean Ereaux of Morgan Mill ,Texas, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ilene Ereaux, Aunt Sadie and Uncle Don Pope, son-in-law Don Kuszmaul, daughter in-law Donna Ereaux, brothers Ezzie, Carrol and Byron Ereaux and sisters LaDonna Itcaina and June Fitzpatrick, brother in-laws Jean Itcaina and Jim Fitzpatrick and niece Monica Darrah.