Robert "Ferd" Krattiger

Robert “Ferd” Krattiger was born on August 30, 1936, to Frank and Elsie Krattiger in Valier, Montana.

He attended school in Valier and graduated in 1955. In high school, he participated in football and basketball. In 1954, he was the State C free throw champion. He served in the Army from 1958 to 1960 and was stationed in Germany. After the Army, he worked for Fuller-Webb on the missiles. He then went to work for Industrial Steel and then to Great Falls Iron Works. In 1962, he joined the Boilermakers Union, where he worked construction in many different places and states. He helped build the Colstrip Power Plant. He was a strong union man and retired in 1996.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He shot many elk and deer and caught too many fish to count. He and his wife, Sis, made numerous trips to Alaska, where one year he was lucky enough to draw a moose permit. It was a successful hunt. He was involved in youth hockey for many years when his sons were playing and was on their board.

In February 1962, he married Harriet “Sis” Brown.

He is survived by his sons, Steve (Kim) and Tony (Teresa); grandchildren, Amy (Chris) McKinney, Holly (Kyle) Burwell, Megan (Donnie) Zuhoski, and Bryce Krattiger, all of Great Falls, Jacqueline (Niko) Vassallo of Seattle, and Logan Krattiger of San Diego; great-grandchildren, Grace, Kirby, Nolan, Beckett, Halen, Kaleb, Adalee, Aubree, Emma, Maggie, and Makenna; special family, Melissa Moorehead, Ashley (Ryan) Osterman, Madelyn, Emmett, and Kinley, all of Great Falls; brother, Larry (Cheryl) of Three Forks; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother; sister; and a nephew.

At his request, no services are planned, and cremation has taken place.

Donations can made in his honor to Great Falls Rescue Mission, Great Falls Food Bank, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.