Freddie ‘Fred’ Wambeke

Nov. 21, 1929 – Feb. 10, 2026

Freddie “Fred” Wambeke, 96, of Deaver passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by his children and daughters-in-law.

He was born November 21, 1929, to Ivo and Alice Wambeke in Deaver.

Fred grew up working on the family farm, where a lifetime of hard work began and his relationships with his brothers and sisters flourished through shared work and lively escapades. Fred enjoyed many years hunting with his brothers. Those close bonds remained strong throughout his life. He was proud to be the first in his family to graduate from the old Deaver High School in 1948.

On June 21, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Florence Bell. Together they shared 75 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, family and community. They made their home in Deaver, where they raised their five children.

Fred dedicated 45 years of service to the Deaver Irrigation District, beginning as an operator of draglines, Northwest and Bay City. After about five years, he became the manager. He was known as a hardworking and fair-minded leader, respected by the farmers he served and appreciated by those who worked alongside him. When he retired in 1994, the community honored his years of dedication by declaring a “Fred Wambeke Day,” a tribute to the quiet but lasting impact he had made.

Even in retirement, Fred never slowed down. He returned to the fields to help his brothers and nephew on their farms. He loved climbing into a tractor to open the beet fields or set the irrigation water, work that connected him to his roots. Fred believed in helping his neighbor simply because help was needed, never seeking recognition. 

He was active in his community through his service on several boards. He helped create the town park, paved Deaver’s streets and helped to construct the raw water line. Though he did not expect accolades, he and Florence were honored with a community volunteerism award in Deaver, a fitting acknowledgment of their quiet generosity and lifelong service. He and Florence also enjoyed traveling together with friends and family, visiting many places.

Above all, Fred was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and uncle. He led quietly, loved deeply and worked faithfully. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florence; son-in-law Ernie Troutman; sister Simona; brothers Julian, William, Marsell, Frank and Eddie; and parents.

He is survived by his five children, Jeff (Debbie) Wambeke, Rod (Diane) Wambeke, Becce Wambeke, Ted (Ann) Wambeke and Alicia Troutman; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother Robert; and sisters Alice and Joan. His legacy of hard work, humor, devotion to family and love of community will live on through them all.

A Rosary was held Monday, Feb. 16, at 5 p.m. at St. Barbara’s Church in Powell. Funeral services were held the next day, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Barbara’s. Interment was at the Deaver-Frannie Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the North Big Horn Senior Center in Lovell or to a memorial fund for Fred in care of Ted Wambeke.