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Sidney Today
By the People, for the People
Fred J. Verhasselt, 99, Longtime Sidney, MT Resident, Passes Away
Verhasselt served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later owned the El Rey Motel in Sidney.
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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Fred J. Verhasselt, a longtime resident of Sidney, Montana, passed away at the age of 99. Verhasselt was born in Glendive, Montana in 1925 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he worked for Montana Dakota Utilities and later owned the El Rey Motel in Sidney with his wife Violet, who passed away in 2009. Verhasselt is survived by three sons, two daughters, five grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Why it matters
Verhasselt's life story reflects the experiences of many World War II veterans who returned home to build lives and businesses in small-town Montana. His decades-long career with the local utility company and ownership of a small motel also highlight the economic and community ties that long-time residents forge in places like Sidney.
The details
Fred J. Verhasselt was born in Glendive, Montana in 1925 and attended school there until the 8th grade. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 at age 18, serving aboard an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) vessel during World War II. After being discharged in 1946, Verhasselt returned to Glendive and got a job with Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU). In 1948, he married Violet "Vi" Malkuch, and the couple later had five children. In 1962, Verhasselt transferred to the MDU plant in Sidney, Montana. The couple bought the El Rey Motel in Sidney in 1970 and ran it until retiring in 1987. Verhasselt later remarried after Vi's passing in 2009.
- Fred J. Verhasselt was born on April 8, 1925 in Glendive, Montana.
- Verhasselt joined the U.S. Navy on April 7, 1943 at age 18.
- Verhasselt was discharged from the Navy in 1946, likely at the Bremerton Naval Base in Washington.
- Verhasselt married Violet "Vi" Malkuch in 1948.
- Verhasselt transferred to the MDU plant in Sidney, Montana in 1962.
- Verhasselt and his wife bought the El Rey Motel in Sidney in 1970.
- Verhasselt retired from the motel business in 1987.
- Verhasselt's wife Vi passed away on January 11, 2009.
- Verhasselt remarried Kathryn "Kathy" Watts, who passed away on January 26, 2025.
The players
Fred J. Verhasselt
A 99-year-old resident of Sidney, Montana who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later owned the El Rey Motel in Sidney with his wife Violet.
Violet "Vi" Verhasselt
Fred Verhasselt's wife, who passed away in 2009.
Kathryn "Kathy" Watts
Fred Verhasselt's second wife, who passed away in 2025.
Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU)
The utility company where Fred Verhasselt worked for many years.
El Rey Motel
The motel in Sidney, Montana that Fred and Violet Verhasselt owned and operated from 1970 to 1987.
The takeaway
Fred Verhasselt's life story reflects the experiences of many World War II veterans who returned home to small-town Montana and built careers, families, and businesses that became integral parts of their local communities. His decades-long tenure with the local utility company and ownership of the El Rey Motel highlight the deep community ties that long-time residents forge in places like Sidney.
