Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Fritz Daily Obituary
Fritz Daily, former State Legislator and self-described---"Butte Guy"--passed away on Tuesday 1/27/2026. This is my obituary as written by me.
I write this obituary strictly from my heart, encompassing the love I have for my children, my grandchildren, my brothers and sisters, my nieces and nephews, my children's and grandchildren's spouses, and my entire extended family and friends.
While my life has been difficult at times, I believe I have been successful, and I have lived a good life! I sincerely hope I have influenced other people in my life in a positive way, contributed in some small way to make my children and grandchildren successful, and have made Butte and Montana economically better and a more environmentally safe place to live.
I was always my own man and stood for what I believed! I am a proud Butte, Irish, Catholic, Union, moderate Democrat. I once held a Legislative philosophy that Butte came first, Montana second and the Democratic Party came third. I recently received a correction from a former colleague that described my philosophy as Butte first, Butte second, and Butte third. I think she was correct!
My greatest compliment. Montana Standard quote---" Fritz Daily is a warrior, and in our view one who is owed our gratitude in heaping portions. He fights for the right thing on behalf of Butte. Always has!"
Friend and Butte Guy quote--- "Fritz, When I write my book on Butte, examine those who stood for the…children and the future of Butte….you are and will be a main character in its text. Before the grace of you go I…thanks for all you have done!"
"As usual you speak truth to the powers that be, and definitely throw down the challenge that Butte deserves better. Thanks, my friend you are the real warrior for the children and folks of Butte"!
I believe you need to have certain things to make life okay! Fair health, happiness, a few bucks, faith in the Lord and someone to share it with are essential. I have been fortunate to have all these gifts.
My wife, Gay, and best friend passed away on January 4, 2022. I truly loved her up the moon and back down again a hundred times. We had an incredible relationship. I cherish the great times we had together. Most folks are never fortunate to have such a beautiful, wonderful person to share in their lives---I did!
A special/forever friend is now in my life---Sandee Mischkot. Meeting Sandee and sharing time together may not have saved my life, but it sure put it moving in a positive/survivable direction and definitely helped to restore Fritz Daily back to life!
There are certain expressions that I think define my life and my decisions in life. They are "There are no reruns." "The Clock of life only goes one way!" "You can always deal with the truth; it is the untruths that are so difficult!" "I did my best!" "The greatest quality in life is loyalty!"
I was blessed to have parents, Fritz and Dote Daily, and grandparents who got me to Butte, Mont. Butte, Mont., is the greatest community in the world! I was raised a Catholic and I attended Immaculate Conception Grade School, Butte Central and received a bachelor's and master's Degree from Western Montana College "the normal college."
One of most vivid and fondest memories in life was a few days before my Dad died, my brothers, Jim, Bill and I, received Holy Communion with him. He had not received the sacrament for several years.
I worked at Butte Vo-Tech, Butte High School and as a Counselor in the Grade Schools. They were extremely rewarding jobs and hopefully I changed and affected many students in positive ways. Teaching is the most important occupation we have!
As a seven-term Montana Legislator, I presented the proposal to fund the new Butte Vo-Tech Center, now known as Highlands College. I was proud to have worked tirelessly to make Butte a safe and healthy environmental community, including securing funding for several environmental projects like Emma Park and McGruff Park. My friend Bob Pavlovich, always says the greatest accomplishment of the Butte Delegation, with whom I proudly had the pleasure to serve, was to save the smaller colleges: Including Montana Tech and Western Montana College. I agree!
I am very proud of the accomplishments of my children and my grandchildren. I also cherish the relationship I have had with my friends. I love and cherish my good times with my brothers and sisters. Never once was I not there for all them when needed. For years I was always the "go to" guy in our family. I am proud of that!
My children survive: Fritz {Lynn} Daily and their children---Kelcey {Paul} Wilson, Kayla Daily and Neil Daily; Michelle {Shawn} Bossert and their children---Harlee {Dylan}Lynch and Bodee Bossert; Lynn Daily, her children, Brennan {Ally}Nielsen and Maggee Nielsen, Great-granddaughters---Huntlee, Oaklynn, and Beckett Lynch. I was married to Connie Daily, who is the mother of my children. We later divorced, but she continues to be a very special person to me, and I cherish our time together!
I am the sixth child in a family of eight children. My brothers, Jim {Mitzi} Daily, Bill {Ann} Daily; my sisters, Janice Bloom and Mary{Steve} Sullivan, survive. The passing of Gay and my Mom and Dad and my sisters, Cari Sommer, JoAnn Ellison, and Dotey Shafer, were difficult times in my life.
I also love and cherish all of my nieces and nephews. I especially appreciated Marty Daily who made me part of his life. Sadly Marty, Becky Sprunger, Ron Remark, and Ann Baily are no longer with us.
Some of my greatest accomplishments were Boy's State, serving in the Montana Legislature, Toastmasters, President of Butte Celebrations, several local, state and National awards, and serving on a National Committee called the Community Leaders Network. Working hard for Butte and making Butte a better place to live, and the success of my family were always my number one priority!
I would ask everyone who truly cared about me when I was living, to do something special you enjoy and think of me when you are doing it. Go to Mass, have a beer, take a ride, go fishing, go out to dinner, have an ice cream cone, go for a dump ride, or do whatever turns your crank.
Those that I have hurt for whatever reason, I am truly sorry!
Goodbye. Hopefully I am on the up elevator, and I will see you again!
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 5th, at St. Ann's Church. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Friends are invited to gather for a reception at a location to be announced.
In Lieu of flowers please send donations to any Butte Charity special to your heart.
Memories and Condolences
for Fritz Daily
Sponsored by Duggan Dolan Mortuary - Butte.
Fred Klein
February 3, 2026
Most likely Fritz's family just knows of me from my time on Butte radio
from 1973 to 2020. Although I've been retired now since 2020
I've made it a point to listen to Party Line on KBOW where Fritz
has often been a guest, a caller, commentator and always spoke his mind,
pulled no punches when it came to speaking up and about his passion to make the community
of Butte, Mt. an environmentally safe place not just for the present generation but
all the generations to come. It is mind boggling and truly sad that the safety he had
worked so hard to secure has yet to see its completion. Fritz worked tirelessly and
for decades to make his dream a reality. I know he has many supporters, I among them,
and I hope more will join this effort so that even though the man is sadly no longer with us
his spirit will spur other spirits on to do the right thing so his super human efforts will not be in vain.
His dedication and voice, his sincere fight for truth and justice will be sorely missed. A true Butte legend
and the real definition of an influencer. Keep guiding us now from your lofty perch!
RIP Fritz Daily - Fred Kenny
Dee Scalabrin
February 2, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sorry to hear about Fritz's passing.
Bob and Dee Scalabrin
Darnell Fosness
February 1, 2026
Fritsy. I'm so sorry life has been so unkind. You always had a big smile and a joke to tell. I wish you peace and happiness with Gay in Heaven. One day I will see you there.Rest in peace.
Tom Stetzner
February 1, 2026
Most every time I saw Fritz at Saint Ann Masses i Itold him “thank you for everything you do and have done for Butte”
I felt very comfortable to say it and he humbly thanked me.
He will now enjoy the covenant promised.
How you can show support
Stephen Palmer
February 1, 2026
My former teacher in high school my former coach in baseball mostly I remember the h bar j softball team games that you my dad griff louie etc were a part of and I loved being around. My condolences to fritzi and the whole family
Susan (O'Donnell) Konda and Family
January 31, 2026
Rest in peace Fritzy. AND Thank You.
Brenna Albracht
January 31, 2026
You were an amazing friend and forever apart of all of our hearts. Thank you for the awesome memories! See you in Heaven
Chuck Swysgood
January 31, 2026
To the Fritz Family, I want to express my condolences to you for your loss. I had the honor of serving with Fritz and the other Butte delegates in the Legislature. While I was on the opposite side of the aisle we were very good friends. Fritz will be missed. God bless.
Colleen Larson Loshesky
January 31, 2026
Rest In Peace Fritz
George Foley
January 31, 2026
We can all be sure of one thing.... Fritz is going up where he belongs. He has done so much for this city and this state. Heaven will be getting a true fighter in Fritz. While I cannot envision any environmental issues in heaven, I know Fritz will grab all the best people up there ( from BUTTE) and fix them come Heaven or high water. Prayers to his family, friends, and the throngs of people who are better for knowing Fritz.
Steve Brody
January 31, 2026
I was a secret supporter of all your efforts to address environmental issues in Butte. I don't know of anyone who worked harder. Your energy will be greatly missed.
Tim Lowney
January 31, 2026
Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.i have read a lot of articles about fritz the last two days.what a legacy.
Donald Antonietti
January 31, 2026
Fitzzy.. You will be missed and Thank You for all you did for Butte. I will remember the good old days at the legislature when my mom Kay Antonietti would make pasties for the Butte and Anaconda delegation. And we would sit around the table and tell stories about the good old Butte days. My Dad Dan would always look forward to that day. RIP My friend. And praying for the family. Fritzzy was a great friend and I will miss Him Daily
Ed Armstrong
January 31, 2026
Lucky to have known you, and in the history of Butte, You are definitely Not just one of the "the good guys, ne of the "Great Guys", in Butte´s history
Tom Schneider
January 31, 2026
Fritz and Bill were friends of mine when I was at Tech. I respected Fritz and the Butte and Anaconda delegation in the Legislature. We connected, talked the same language and shared some beers...didn´t always agree but we were friends! Fritz´s big smile and hearty laugh always warmed my heart. We had a good visit at the a good visit at the funeral of Bill (Dixie) LaHod...Fritz was a bright light and Butte to the core! Tom Schneider
Sheldon Brien
January 31, 2026
RIP Mr.Daily you were a kind and fair person to all! Long live the Greeley Hawks!
Tom Henderson
January 31, 2026
A very successful life
John Connole
January 31, 2026
Rest in Peace, Fritz!
Charlie & Diane Delaney
January 31, 2026
Our heartfelt sympathy to all Fritz's family. God's peace.
Gary Rivenes
January 31, 2026
Miss you Fritz, you were so special to my family, I’m sure that you are showing some love to mom and dad again. Thanks for being a teacher, coach, mentor, and most importantly friend to all. RIP and enjoy seeing all this Butte Guys and Gals again.
Pam Pennell
January 30, 2026
From an early age, I remember being told I was your favorite cousin but I think you said that to everyone. LOL. No matter what you have been there for me and I will never forget that! You helped me with losing my mom and dad. I bet they had a Miller Lite waiting for you. RIP Fritz! Love and miss you
Ronald Deriana
January 30, 2026
Rest in peace Fritz.
Chad Okrusch
January 30, 2026
Fritz was one of those people who made you feel like you weren’t crazy for caring. Like you weren’t being “dramatic” for asking if the water is safe, if the cleanup is real, if the rules are being followed, if the people in charge are telling the truth.
He didn’t just talk. He showed up. He read the boring stuff nobody wants to read. He went to meetings most people avoid. He asked the questions that make powerful people uncomfortable. And he kept asking them—because that’s what love for a place looks like when the place has been hurt.
In Butte, “the environment” isn’t some far-away thing. It’s our yards, our creeks, our kids, our health, our future. Fritz understood that. He treated it like a community issue, not a PR issue. He didn’t let “it’s complicated” become an excuse. He basically said: fine—then let’s understand it. Let’s get the facts. Let’s hold people accountable. Let’s not accept a half-fix and call it good.
He was my friend, and he was a champion for a lot of people. Fritz had this way of encouraging you without sugarcoating anything. He’d look at you like, “This matters. Keep going.” That kind of encouragement can change a person.
So here’s what I hope we do now: don’t just post nice words and move on. Carry on Fritz’s way. Pay attention. Ask questions. Learn the details. Show up. Be stubborn about the truth. Be loud when you need to be. And don’t let anyone convince you that Butte should settle for less than a clean, healthy future!
That would make Fritz proud.
Marylyn Ruckwardt Klesh
January 30, 2026
Fritz,
Thank you for the positive ways you touched my life and all the ways you have improved Butte.
It was nice knowing you in high school and attending class reunions with you. May you rest in Peace.
Marylyn Klesh
Thomas Barnicoat
January 30, 2026
I always thought the best about you Fritz!!! Rest In Peace my friend, I will see you again one day. My prayers are with you and your family!!!
Ann Craig
January 30, 2026
He was a good neighbor and friend and will be sadly missed in the community. If my husband, Hugh Craig was still here, he would have sent sincere condolences, with me, to all of Fritz's family and friends, so this is on behalf of us both.
Michelle Kambich
January 30, 2026
I want to send prayers and sympathy to all Fritz’s family and friends. Bless you all.
Tressie Mulcahy
January 29, 2026
Well Fritzzzy gosh you have been an amazing teacher. You were my guidance counselor in “junior high” at West. You helped me through those difficult teenage years with your guidance and wisdom. Fast forward to the last several years and I found you again in my adult life and wow I really enjoyed your sense of humor and your ability to make me feel good. Rest easy my friend and keep your watchful eye over our beautiful city of Butte. Many prayers to your family as they navigate this terrible loss.
Teresa Maloney-Mielke
January 29, 2026
I remember Fritz as Mary’s big brother that took care of the family after their dad passed. A wonderful man and an obituary worth reading more than once. God speed to a true Butte legend.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Memorial Events
for Fritz Daily
People and places connected with Fritz
Mason City, IA
Globe Gazette
Recent Obituaries
How to support Fritz's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Fritz Daily's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
