Fred Happel

Fred Happel, age 86 passed away peacefully in his sleep Sept. 30th of natural causes. He was born July 2nd 1923 in Bozeman to Fred J. and Hattie (Toepper) Happel. At age 8, his father passed away and Fred went to California to live with his sister. He returned to Bozeman 4 years later and completed high school at Gallatin Co. High School. He worked various janitor jobs before enlisting in the Army and was stationed in Japan at the conclusion of WWII. Upon his return to Bozeman, he purchased the 40 acres on Gooch Hill Road. In 1947, he met and married Mae Stine. Together they began their life on the small farm raising black angus cattle and most of the other farm animals for their main income. Fred also took on part time janitor jobs. In 1961, he founded Happel's Clean Cut Meats at their home and later expanding into a very modern plant well recognized as one of Southwest Montana#8217;s premier meat processing businesses. The tradition of that business is carried on to this day with his youngest son, now managing the business into the 21st century. Music was Fred#8217;s life long passion. He could play five instruments without a sheet of music. He knew 100#8217;s of songs from heart. In his early years his musical talents where in demand at many a school house dance and other gathering spots throughout the Gallatin Valley and beyond. Throughout his entire life he was an avid fisherman and hunter The summers (and even some days in the winter) where used to take his sons on a day or night fishing trips which brought about many fond memories and adventures. In later years he and his wife, Mae, enjoyed a long life of fishing at Canyon Ferry. One of Fred#8217;s most cherished attributes was his unique sense of humor. He made people laugh while poking fun at himself or others. It was one of his ways to express the love he had for his family and his friends and his many customers. Fred was born with a hard work ethic that was unparalleled Any job worth doing was worth doing well was his motto. He built his business on cleanliness and service making the name Clean Cut Meats so appropriate. In his later retirement years he found many ways to keep meaning and purpose in his life and continued to work hunting season at the business as the #8220;Jerky Master#8221;. He loved gardening and always prided his tomatoes in his hot bed and did his best to keep the surrounding lawn areas well groomed. He remained active as a prolific reader of magazines and newspapers and many books. As a consequence, he was always up to date on the current politics and all the local and world events. Because of his knowledge you could engage him in any conversation about current or historical events. He was particularly knowledgeable on all aspects of Hitler and World War II and the rise and fall of the German Empire. He often stated how history so often repeats itself. Living a long and rewarding life with such a positive influence on so many of his good friends and on so many customers who became his friends will cause Fred to be missed dearly. But his property on Gooch Hill Road and the growing business he founded will carry his remembrances for a long, long time to come for those of us who knew him. Fred was 64 year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles He is survived by his wife Mae of 62 years, his two sons Logan (Doreen) and Lyle (Robin) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, Art, Lawrence, Harold, Arnold and 1 sister Lora. Next summer the family will have a private memorial on his property that he worked so much to improve and will overlook the same great view of the Gallatin Valley he enjoyed and loved right up to the last day of his life. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com