Freddie Wambeke

Freddie “Fred” Wambeke, 96, of Deaver, was born on November 21, 1929, to Ivo and Alice Wambeke in Deaver. He passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by his children and daughters-in-law.

Fred grew up working on the family farm, where a lifetime of hard work began and where 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.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florence, and son-in-law Ernie Troutman, sister Simona, brothers Julian, William, Marsell, Frank, Eddie, and his 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; and 1 great-great-grandchild, his 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.

Above all, Fred was a devoted husband, 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.

Rosary will be held at St. Barbara’s Church, Powell, WY, Monday, February 16, 2026, at 5 pm. Funeral services will be held the next day, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10 am at St. Barbara’s interment at Deaver-Frannie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the North Big Horn Senior Center, Lovell, WY or to a memorial fund for Fred in care of Ted Wambeke.

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