Jerry Frament

Jerry Frament passed away March 22 at his home with his family by his side after a battle with cancer. Jerry was born June 22, 1944, to Frank and Marian (Louprette) Frament in Troy, New York. He grew up in Cohoes, Nev. He entered the United States Navy just before turning 18, allowing him to sign on as a “kiddy cruiser” and was honorably discharged just before turning 21. In the Navy, he attended missile-tech school in Dam Neck, Va., where he acquired skills with electronics that he would use the rest of his life. He was stationed at Point Mugu, Calif. Upon discharge, he used the GI Bill to attend college, graduating from Fullerton State with a bachelor of arts in theoretical mathematics. While in college, he met and married Evelyn Rigge. They had two daughters, Shelley and Jacqueline. They later divorced.

In 1979 Jerry decided to make some life changes and accepted a job with the Modoc National Forest in Alturas, Calif. He was one of the first computer specialists to work for the United States Forest Service, helping them install and use computer systems. His daughters stayed with him every summer and Jacqueline later came to live with him in Cedarville during her high school years. In 1985, he met his life partner, Ellen Olson. She came to the Modoc National Forest as an analyst and they quickly built a life together. They married in 1986.

Jerry and Ellen moved to Steamboat Springs, Colo., in 1988 where Jerry continued his career as a computer systems analyst. Their son Joseph was born in 1991. Jerry then retired from the forest service in 2000 and they moved to Libby to continue Ellen’s career with the forest service.

As a retiree, Jerry became very involved with the community, the schools, and Christ Lutheran Church. He enjoyed putting on presentations about astronomy at the local schools and helping to judge science fairs. He served on the school board for six years, serving as board chair his final year. He was especially proud that his signature is on his son Joe’s graduation diploma as board chair.

 Retirement also allowed him to pursue other passions, including his love for cosmology and astrophysics. He was an active member of the Kootenai Stargazers Astronomy Club, where he enjoyed sharing his passion for mathematics and cosmology. His other great hobby was tinkering with and restoring his 1927 Chevy Capital Coupe. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where he served on church council and was always available to lend a helping hand.

Jerry was known for his humor and love of jokes. He always had a story to share and tried to be a positive influence on those around him. Jerry’s greatest love was his family. His children and grandchildren held a special place in his heart.  

His parents and sister Darleen preceded him in death.  

He leaves behind his wife of almost 29 years, Ellen; daughters, Shelley (Ted) Stewart of Arcata, Calif., and Jacqueline Harris of Antelope, Calif.; son Joe Frament of Missoula; grandchildren Hannah and Jacob of Antelope, Calif; special friend JP Paulson of Philipsburg; and brothers Frank (Frances) of Camano Island, Wash., and Jim of Chico, Calif.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2015, at Christ Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Endowment Fund at Christ Lutheran Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.