William 'Allen' Arlint Sr., 81

William "Allen" Arlint Sr., 81, "passed into the arms of his Savior" on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2006, at his home in Kalispell. He was born on July 24, 1925, in Kootenai, Idaho, to William and Hazel (Kaufman) Arlint.

Allen moved to Ronan at the age of 5 after living in Livingston and Missoula a short while. He received his early education in Ronan.

On Sept. 5, 1942, Allen married Betty Drebes in Ronan. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving his country from 1943 to 1945. Returning to the Ronan area, Allen worked for Milo's Conoco and also farmed west of Ronan.

On July 24, 1956, he started working for Glacier Wholesalers and was able to buy into the business in 1967. He eventually purchased the business and just recently celebrated 50 years of service there. Despite retiring, Allen could be found working at Glacier Wholesalers with his sons who now operate the business.

Allen was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as financial secretary and elder.

He enjoyed farm work, especially building fences and driving his tractor.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Howard and Ralph; and a sister, Mildred Black.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; three sons, William Allen "Bill" Jr. and wife, Linda; Timothy James and wife, Barbara; and John David Arlint and wife, Tamra; and one daughter, Thelma Mae Weigum, and husband, Archie, all of Kalispell; sisters, Marie Decker and Elizabeth Reum of Ronan; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Allen will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Cutler officiating. There will be a private family burial.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Youth Center & Camp.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Allen's family.