Fred Verhasselt, 100, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive, Montana.

Fred Verhasselt was born in Glendive on 8 April 1925, spending his childhood in Glendive. He attended Glendive Public Schools up to the 8th grade. Fred joined the Navy on 7 April 1943 at 18 years of age. He went to boot camp in northern Idaho at Naval Training Command Farragut, Idaho, established to process the great number of men wishing to serve their country in the Navy. He progressed from a recruit to Seaman 2nd Class and was assigned eventually to USNAB 943 (United States Naval Amphibious Boat, also known as an LST). In World War II, Landing Ship, Tank (LST) vessels were not given names.

Seaman First Class (S1c) Fred Verhasselt served U.S. Navy 1943-1946. After demonstrating proficiency in naval duties aboard the LST Fred would have been advanced to Seaman First Class, when he was discharged after the ship was back in the states in 1946, probably in Bremerton Naval Base in Washington.

When Fred returned to Glendive in 1946, he resumed his life, getting a job with Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU). In 1948 he met and married the love of his life Violet (Vi) Malkuch from Circle, Mt. In 1962 Fred transferred to the MDU plant in Sidney, MT. The couple had five children: Connie, Martin, Laura, Victor, and L’Fred. In 1970 they bought the El Rey Motel. Fred retired from the MDU shortly after. In 1987 they closed the motel. Vi passed away January 11, 2009. Fred married Kathryn “Kathy” Watts whom he knew from the Assembly of God church they attended. Fred was proceeded in death by Violet “Vi” Verhasselt 1/11/2009. Kathryn “Kathy” 1/26/2025. Fred is survived by 3 sons, Martin Verhasselt, L’Fred Verhasselt, both of Sidney, MT. Victor (& late Jodi) Verhasselt from Castle Rock, WA. 2 daughters Connie (& late Larry) Galles from Aitkin, MN. Laura (Stephen) Anderson. Five grandchildren & 12 great grandchildren.

MAY OUR LOVING DAD REST IN PEACE.