Fritz Rehbein

Fritz Rehbein age, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette, Wyoming.

Fritz was born on January 27, 1929, to Alfred and Agnes Rehbein in Lane, Montana. Fritz was the 13th child from a family of 15. Fritz shared a birthday with his twin sister Gertie, she was born just a little before him and he would say from that day forward, “Ladies First!” and that 13 was his lucky number. In that same year Alfred and Agnes moved their family to the family ranch southeast of Lambert, Montana. He grew up on the family farm and ranch. Fritz’s mother would describe him as being a very independent child. He loved animals and ranch life at a young age. At age 3 he would tag along to help his older brothers do the chores. He would jump on the calves to see how far he could ride them. Fritz first started rodeoing in 1946 as a teenager competing against guys in their 20’s-30’s, but he held his own winning here and there. The last rodeo he entered was in 1978. He graduated from Lambert High School in 1947 from a class of 12. Fritz met the love of his life, Ann Heiser at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Lambert Montana. He not-so-patiently waited two years to marry her knowing his dad wouldn’t sign for him to do it any earlier than age 21, so they finally married on February 18, 1950. Their love was unwavering and brought “8 K’s” into this world, Kurt, Kent, Kitty, Karen, Kim, Kevin, Kristie, and Kyle. His one and only love, even though he would jokingly refer to her as his “First Wife”. Fritz and Ann were married for 68 years, 4 months, 6 days, 14 hours and 26 minutes. Fritz and Ann lived a life of farming, ranching and raising their children and many others in the Lambert Montana area. Adventures that took him and Ann to Europe, they toured Vatican City in Rome, Italy, they went to France, Germany, Arizona, even rode a mule down the Grand Canyon. Fritz made a trip to Oregon and Washington with his daughters to see his twin sister Gertie, and sister-in-law, Marcy Fink in Pasco, Washington where he got to see his oldest grandson Joe Blankenship in Pendelton, Oregon. In 1958 he won the All Around in Terry, Montana. 40 years later his grandson, Joe Blankenship won the All Around in Terry, Montana. Fritz rode in Brockway, Montana in 1971, along with his sons Kurt and Kent and his nephew Bobby Rehbein In 1973, they left Lambert and moved to Ekalaka, Montana. Fritz worked for Baker Cement in Baker Montana. They left Ekalaka in 1977 and moved to Gillette, Wyoming. The first year in Gillette he hauled drilling mud to the drilling rigs. Then he went to work for the Farmer’s Co-op, delivering propane and livestock feed to many of the ranchers in Campbell County. He retired there after 16 years but couldn’t quite stop working so he worked for Kissack Water & Oil Service for 7 years. He then completely retired and enjoyed spending time at rodeos, auction sales, wagon rides that he had a team and wagon of his own, and just going on all the adventures he could. For years he was a member Lambert Saddle Club and the National Rifle Association, and he was a strong Republican. He was a devout Catholic, he had many friends and would go out of his way to even go to a funeral to visit with people. His door was always open, especially for those that took a love of his biscuits and gravy. He took pride in being a friend of Bill W. and being sober for over sixty years. His A.A. friends were like his second family. 

Fritz will be sorely missed but we take comfort in knowing that he is in paradise with our Lord.

Fritz is survived by his sons, Kurt of Rozet, WY, Kent of Sidney, MT, Kevin (Shelley) of Pine Haven, WY, daughters, Kitty (Bill) Blankenship of Glendive, MT, Karen (Tom) Carroll of Ekalaka, MT, Kristie Lou (Gary) Albers of Gillette, WY, daughter-in-law Sandy Rehbein of Sidney, MT; 23 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Agnes Rehbein; wife, Anna; 6 brothers, 8 sisters, his son, Kyle; son, Kim; daughter-in-laws, Marilyn, Susie, Brenda and Debra; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and special nephew, Bobby Rehbein.

To this day when asked, “Where are you from?” Fritz would say “Lambert, Montana. I live by Rozet, Wyoming but I am from Lambert.” Condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St. Gillette, WY 82716, or shared online at www.gillettememorialchapel.com. 

Laugh Lines

After being together constantly for decades and having all sorts of fun, two old friends have the strength now to meet only a couple of times a week to play cards. One day, Fritz looks at his friend and says, “Now, don’t get mad at me. I know we’ve been friends forever, but I just can’t think of your name right now.” His friend thinks for a long time and then says, “How soon do you need to know?”