Dale Norman Ginther, 64

Dale Ginther, 64, passed away on Oct. 10, 2005, at home in Kalispell. He had been ill with emphysema for some time.

Dale was born in Fairview on Feb. 18, 1941, to Molly Mesmer and Fred Ginther. He was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters. Dale was raised on the family farm and attended schools in Fairview.

Dale joined the National Guard in 1963. He married Alva Grasvold and had three children, Jason, Christie, and Todd. They later divorced.

Dale was self-employed in the heating and plumbing business in Williston, N.D., and Culbertson. He moved to Whitefish in 1994, and married Diana Weitzel on June 22, 2003.

Music was great entertainment at the family farm while growing up. Dale learned to play the guitar at an early age. Brother Harold and sister Norma would play the accordion, Dale on the guitar, and sing for their own entertainment, or jam together with other friends and family. Dale later played guitar in a band with his brother, Harold and his wife, Hurlyn, and nephews at many eastern Montana towns.

Dale loved to tell and hear jokes and stories. His smile, sense of humor and music will be missed! Dale and Diana loved to go dancing and fishing when they first met.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ella Seaman, Louise Usselman and Alma Schow; and brother Harold Ginther.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Diana, at the family home in Kalispell; his children, Jason, Todd and Christie; grandchildren; his sister, Norma Servo and husband, Garfield Servo, of Columbia Falls; brother, Rienhold Ginther and wife, Anna, of Fairview; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cards and donations may be sent to Diana Ginther, 1312 Seventh Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901.