Fred "Pete" H. Springer

HAMILTON – Fred (Pete) Harry Springer, 80, of Hamilton passed away Tuesday May 27, 2025, at Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital.  Fred was born February 28, 1945, in Hamilton, Montana, the son of the late Ralph F and Ruth (Hobbs) Springer.

Fred was raised throughout the Bitterroot Valley with his favorite place being Lost Horse on a ranch as he loved working with animals.   Fred finished school in Darby, Montana, then worked for a couple years doing dipping bath where he would dip sheep for ticks. He worked for Dan Huggins at a mink farm for about 3 years.  His last place of work was Stolz Conner Lumber until he was forced to retire in 1991 due to back injuries.

Fred married Linda McEntire in Hamilton, Montana in 1968.  When Fred married Linda, he claimed her two children.  In 1970, Fred and Linda welcomed Dwayne, then in1974, Kimberly.  He loved his horses, Brownie and Cocoa, going on trial rides with them in the Selway for several days with family and friends.  Fred enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, motorbikes and snowmobile racing, but his favorite was going to the family cabin.  Fred also enjoyed designing and building his and Linda’s dream home.  He loved his little ranch as he raised chickens, pigs, and mostly cows, getting excited during calving season.   Fred’s favorite thing to do was family gatherings, as there was always something to celebrate and a reason to have BBQs.  He would make up his own songs to sing to his children and later to his grandkids, making them laugh.  His favorite song to sing to his grandsons was “Bimbo” by Jim Reeves.   He was always proud of his yard and garden, as it looked beautiful every year.  Fred greatest joy was having his grandchildren around, to each of which he had special bond.

Fred is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Linda (McEntire) Springer, parents Ralph Springer and Ruth (Hobbs) Springer, and his brother Ralph Wayne Springer.  He is survived by two brothers, Bill and wife Dolly Springer of Hamilton and John and wife Ella Springer of Hamilton; sister Jean and Don Hauge of Clinton; children, Alfred McEntire of Missoula, Alice and husband Jerry Mainwaring of Hamilton, Dwayne and wife Sharon Springer of South Dakota, Kimberly husband Clayton Rockwell of Hamilton; grandkids Ashley and husband Kirk Fochtman, Cody Springer, Cody and wife Allison Rockwell, Alyssa Rockwell, and Thomas Rockwell;  great grandkids Hadlee Fochtman, Caden Rockwell, and KJ Fochtman.

A celebration of life will be held at the Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.  Please bring stories to share with the family as they would love to hear them.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.