Frederick "Fred" Harry Verlanic

On September 17, 2026, Frederick H. Verlanic joined his beloved wife, Bernice, in heaven. Fred was born on December 5, 1942, in Anaconda, MT, to Lloyd and Gladys Verlanic. He had two older sisters, Dorothy and Shirley. Fred attended various schools in Anaconda and graduated in 1961 from Anaconda High School.

After high school, Fred joined the United States Air Force, beginning a long military career that ended with his retirement from the National Guard as a Command Sergeant Major.

Fred married the love of his life, Bernice M. Kopp, in 1963 in Anaconda, MT. They had two children, Kamala Verlanic and Bruce Verlanic.

Fred attended the University of Montana after his honorable discharge from the Air Force. He graduated with a Business Management degree in 1973. Fred and Bernice moved back to Deer Lodge so he could begin a 32-year career at Montana State Prison as a purchase and supply agent. He retired in 2005.

Besides Fred’s love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was very proud of his military service. He belonged to various veterans’ organizations including the VFW, the American Legion, and the Honor Guard. He was very active in his church, the Immaculate Conception parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; son Bruce; his dad, Lloyd Verlanic; his mom and stepfather, Gladys and Patrick (Pudgo) Laughlin; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Jack Young; and his grandson, Alec Tolon.

He is survived by his daughter Kamala Verlanic and son-in-law Dave Ball; his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Duane Colwell; brother-in-law, Nick Kopp; and grandchildren Trevor Denny, Rochelle Verlanic Anderson, Bridgett Verlanic, Alexandria Verlanic, Chris Ball and Marina Ball. Also surviving are his five great-grandchildren, Alaiya, Jax, Braydon, Addilyn and Oaklynn; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, October 10 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow for both Fred and Bernice at the Hillcrest Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge. Donations can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home is privileged to care for Frederick and his family.