Roll Call Tribute

Robert George "Bob" Feddes, Col. USAF (Ret) 

May 12, 1942 - February 11, 2024 

Col. Robert “Bob” George Feddes finished his race peacefully on February 11, 2024 at St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings, Montana. Bob was a devout Christian and was confident of the things to come.

Bob was born the 3rd of 6 children to Henry and Bertina Feddes on May 12, 1942. He grew up in Belgrade, working on his family’s farm and was a 1960 graduate of Belgrade High School where he excelled in sports, but not necessarily academics.

However, that changed when one day Bob was working on the farm and a friend drove by and asked him if he wanted to go to college. His father said it was OK as long as it didn’t interfere with his chores. He graduated from Montana State University in 1964 with a bachelors degree in education. This was followed by a Masters degree from Texas A&M University and a PhD from the University of Utah, both in meteorology. Bob was commissioned in the Air Force in 1965. During his military service, he served his country in Vietnam. He retired from the US Air Force in 1989 at the rank of Colonel. After his retirement from the military, Bob went on to work another 18 years for Lockheed and The Aerospace Corporation, finally deciding to retire completely in 2004. Bob and Cindy moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2002 and wintered in Arizona for many years, while spending lots of time with grandkids and enjoying a slower pace.

He married Cindy on December 23rd, 1963 and together they raised Marcie, Stephanie and Brett. He encouraged good grades, good work ethic and a good sense of humor into his children and they had the opportunity to live and vacation in many different places across the country while growing up.

Bob was an avid sports fan, never missing an Indianapolis 500 or Super Bowl. He loved watching any sport, whether it be live, on TV or watching his kids and grandkids playing. He especially enjoyed watching spring training baseball in Arizona. He could quote many statistics from almost any sport and as technology evolved, he would ask Siri to double check his statistics, but he was almost always correct. He was able to list every college sports team and what Conference they were in and most recently he was able to list almost every Montana High School and what class they were in. He loved the Colorado Rockies and was hoping that the Buffalo Bills would have made it to the Super Bowl this year.

Bob had a great sense of humor. He would constantly tell funny stories of his childhood and pranks that were done to and from classmates and colleagues over the years. Bob loved a good joke and would comment “you better laugh or I’ll tell it again”…and in fact he would tell it again and again.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Bertina Feddes; brothers, Jack and Leon; sisters, Thelma and Lois; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Cindy; daughters, Marcie and Stephanie (Dale); son, Brett (Rhonda); as well as 6 grandchildren, Andy Feddes, Jacob Feddes, Sam Feddes, Alaina Feddes, Rylee Forbes and Zachary Forbes; brother, Bruce (Wanda); brother-in-law, Rollie Zempel; sisters- in-law; Bonnie and Dee Feddes; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob will be missed for his sense of humor, his devotion to family and friends and his strong faith and character. The family wishes to thank Dr. Shawna Yates for her excellent care and the staff and neurosurgeons at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings for their compassionate care of Bob during his final days.

A private family ceremony with military honors will be held Friday February 16th in Helena.

Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Bob and his family.