Elden Gene Fresh

Elden Gene Fresh, age 72, of Anaconda, MT passed away on June 12, 2025.

Elden Gene Fresh was born on August 12, 1952, to Merlin O. and Beverly Jean (Furniss) Fresh in Blackfoot, Idaho.

Elden joined the Navy in 1971 at the age of 18. He served for two years in the Phillippines. During his time in the military he received the National Defense Service Medal.

Elden went on to become a Welder and Fabricator. It is spoken by coworkers, family, and friends that Elden was one of the best there ever was in his profession. He fabricated the Montana Technological University arch that you drive under as you enter campus, as well as many fixtures around Butte and Anaconda.

Elden spent his spare time building fires in his front yard, fishing, and camping, with those he loved and kept doing these activities until his health no longer allowed him to. It was his greatest joy to spend his time in these ways with his wife, children, and, eventually, grandchildren. His camping trips also included leading the young men of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Elden was a jokester, often teasing his family and friends. He was childlike in his fun and did things his way. Elden was one of the good ones - an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend, and neighbor.

Elden was preceded in death by his father, Merlin O. Fresh; brother, Merlin “Dylen”; and nephews, John Fresh, and Jeff Fresh.

Elden is survived by his wife, Jean (Keele) Fresh; daughters, Tia Leona Fresh, Angela (Justin) Peterson, and Trudy (Rob) Parks; sons, Andrew (Jennifer) Fresh, Tracy (Lisa) Hamel, and Travis (Von) Hamel;  mother, Beverly Jean (Furniss) Fresh; sisters, Peggy (Wes) Elder, Patty (John) Fulmer, and Debbie (Richard) Oldham; sisters in law, Cindy (Ron) Sanders, Nancy Lutey, and Nora (Brad) Neilson; brothers in law, Danny Keele, and Bob (Lisa) Keele; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and several other folks that were special in his life including Don Bailey, Troy James, Greg Oxman, John Wolf, and all the men and women he built lasting bonds with at the LDS Church in Anaconda.

A celebration of Elden’s life will be held at 3 pm., on August 9, at the Anaconda Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Please come celebrate and share your stories of Elden.

Visit below to offer condolences or to share a memory of Elden.

Longfellow Finnegan Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Elden and his family.