Jacque Reed

Lifetime Thermopolis resident Jacque Reed peacefully passed away on June 24, 2024.

Jacque was born in East Thermopolis, on May 3, 1928, to Frank and Bertha Reed. He was raised on the Owl Creek family ranch. Frank passed away in 1935 and Jacque and his mother, through hard work and perseverance were able to hold on to the ranch during the Depression. Jacque attended a one room school house and at times he was the only student enrolled. As a high school student, Jacque actively supported the War Bond Drive during WWII by using his own money to buy enough bonds which would have paid the cost of a jeep for the army.

After graduation from Hot Springs County high school in 1945, Jacque enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the island of Saipan after the war officially ended although, he recalled holdout Japanese soldiers would steal his soap!

Upon returning to civilian life he began a career with Mountain Bell Telephone company as a lineman. This job changed his life; he met his future bride, Barbara "Bobbie" Frihauf while working in Wheatland, Wyo. After Jacque and Bobbie's marriage in 1950, they spent the next year traveling the state with the line crew. When the opportunity to return to Thermopolis came up they took advantage and he worked for "Ma Bell" until 1958. The high school war bond purchase payed off when those bonds provided the down payment on Jacque and Barbara's home where they lived until 2020. After leaving Mountain Bell, Jacque used his master electrician license to start United Electric which he and Barbara operated until 1978.

Jacque was not one to quickly throw things away because, "they might come in handy someday." After retirement he put some of his collected artifacts to use making several tractors, including one featured in a tractor aficionado's magazine. Jacque had a special fondness for cats and always had at least one in his care. Jacque took a keen interest in politics that lasted until the end of his life. He served as a Hot Springs County Commissioner from 1991 - 1995 and avidly followed national politics daily.

Jacque is survived by his wife, Barbara with whom he celebrated 74 years of marriage on June 17, 2024; daughter, Carol Thompson (Jim Anderson); John Reed; Roger Reed (Ellen) and six grandchildren.

There will be no service, in lieu of a memorial, the family asks that you raise a glass to a life well lived.

"The sailor does not pray for wind, he learns how to sail." - Gustaf Lindbor