Fred Oakley Reinhardt

Fred Oakley Reinhardt, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2023, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was surrounded by his loving family and many of the kind and caring staff from both Morning Star Reflections and Stillwater Hospice.

He was born on May 25, 1930, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Mary Crocker and Louis Henry Reinhardt. He began his early education years in New Jersey. However, when he was 17 years old, it was decided that, due to his mother’s severe arthritis, she needed to be in a warmer climate. Both his father and Fred were confident that he could safely drive his mother and little sister Mary Lou across the country to Tucson, Arizona, where his Uncle John lived. His younger brother Richard and his father stayed behind in New Jersey so his father could continue with his job.

When they arrived in Arizona, Fred’s Uncle John had found them a small apartment to live in and started helping Fred get registered for his last two years in high school. Fred’s Uncle John was an auto shop teacher in high school and he quickly enrolled Fred in one of his classes. Fred loved both his uncle and learning about cars. Upon Fred’s graduation from Tucson High School, he and his brother switched places — Fred went back to New Jersey and his brother came to Arizona to finish his high school years and care for their mother and little sister.

When Fred got back to New Jersey, he worked at odd jobs during the day and, at night, he attended Newark College of Engineering to pursue his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. He graduated from Newark College of Engineering in 1957 with a bachelor of science degree.

One of Fred’s early jobs while he was going to school was working at an airport. It wasn’t long before they noticed his keen interest in airplanes and suggested he might want to visit with the Air Force recruiters. He took their advice and soon began his 30 years of dedicated service to his country. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Lt Col.

In his early years as a mechanical engineer, he met his first love, Shirley Harris. They were married in August of 1954. Their marriage was blessed with four wonderful children: Curtis, Douglas, Claire and Marian. Shirley preceded Fred in death.

In January of 2002, Fred met Sharon Fangmeier of Billings at the airport. Both of their planes were delayed due to mechanical problems. While waiting for their planes to be repaired, they started visiting and ended up exchanging phone numbers. A week later, Fred called Sharon from Tennessee and wondered, if he came to Billings, would she like to go out to dinner? She said yes and, from then on, their love blossomed. They were married in a lovely back yard wedding in September of 2012. In this marriage, Fred gained three more children: Bill, Julie and Andy Fangmeier.

Fred excelled in his profession, both as a mechanical engineer and pilot, but he also loved the arts. He was a talented artist and created many watercolor paintings and woodcarvings. He freely gifted many of his art pieces to family and friends. He also loved all kinds of music and ballroom dancing — whenever he heard music, he loved getting dressed up in his tuxedo and heading for the dance floor.

Fred was a very spiritual man. He loved going to church and listening to Pastor Dave’s sermons, attending Bible studies and enjoying fellowship time with his church friends.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sharon; their seven children; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Fred will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 16, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St. West, officiated by Pastor Dave Thompson. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. A military burial will take place at 1 p.m. at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel.

All are welcome to attend.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness during this time, including their many friends, Pastor Dave Thompson, and the caring staff members of Stillwater Hospice, Morning Star and Michelotti-Sawyers.

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