F. A. 'Flick' Riebe

F.A. “Flick” Riebe, 96, passed away Aug. 9, 2018.

He was born Feb. 28, 1922, on his grandparents’ (Radel) homestead in Hog Heaven near Niarada, Mont. His parents were Ruth Ann Radel and John Edward Riebe. He attended West Side Elementary and Flathead High School in Kalispell.

Flick and brother Martin raised horses on the Radel homestead and worked for local cattle ranchers. In 1941, he drove tanker truck for Unity Petroleum Co., and later managed the bulk plant and gas station in Missoula.

He married Alvina Cyr in 1942, and they had four sons (one twin died five days after birth).

Flick was drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1942 and served with the 363rd Regiment of the 91st Infantry Division 5th Army in Italy until his discharge October 1945. He was a Master Sergeant in Communications and Operations. Among his awards are the Combat Infantry Badge, Legion of Merit and Good Conduct medal, and the Italian government awarded him the Cross of Valor. In 1987 he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in World War II.

After the war, he returned to Missoula where he worked for Buick as a mechanic, parts manager and service manager until 1969. He became general manager/owner of Skyline AMC Jeep and International south of Polson until 1977.

In 1974, he married Rose Mary Mitchell Jacobson. He worked for Pioneer Chevrolet in sales and as service manager. Later, he worked at Ronan Auto Body as sales manager until he retired at age 64. To keep busy after retirement, he drove school bus for Polson Schools until age 80.

After Rose Mary passed away, Flick moved into the Missoula Manor to be closer to his family. In April 2018, he moved in with his son Ted and wife Betty until his death.

Mass will be at the Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1475 Eaton St, in Missoula at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18. Interment with military honors will follow at 3 p.m. in the Lake View Cemetery in Polson with a reception to follow at the Polson VFW Hall.