Leonard Allen Wurtz, 77

Leonard Allen Wurtz, 77, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell after many years of a long hard battle with lupus and other illnesses. "He left this world for a far better place."

Leonard was born Feb. 6, 1929, in Black Diamond, Wash., to Frank and Ella (Heins) Wurtz. The Wurtzes had homestead land in the North Fork in 1913, and after Leonard's birth they returned to the homestead. Leonard attended school in the North Fork and Kalispell.

At age 14, he went to work for the Forest Service, manning fire lookout stations. Then at the age of 17 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Alaska for two years. Leonard was very proud of his service in both. After his discharge from the Army, he returned to the Forest Service for several years. From there he moved on to help build the Hungry Horse Dam. Leonard worked in many different trades until 1956, when he joined the operating engineers and drove heavy equipment on construction. He helped build many roads across Montana. He took great pride in his work. He retired in 1996.

In 1950, he met Pearl Gleason and they married in March 1951. Together they raised four children while living in the Kalispell area. They were married for 55 years until "God called Leonard home."

Leonard loved the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing. One of his greatest joys was sitting with a fishing pole in hand while swapping stories with his best friend, Rod Gleason. Later in his life it was going for a friendly lunch with his good friend Glen Koski. He was always there to give a helping hand to his family and friends. His strength through his struggle with his health and adversities was a testimony to his character.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Fairy Marie, Louise, Thelma and Dorthy; brother, Harold Frank; a grandson, Shilo David; several nieces and nephews; and best friend, Rod Gleason.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl Wurtz, of Kalispell; two daughters, JoAnna Aurand and husband, Dan, and Janice Delaney; two sons, Larry Wurtz, and Nicolas Wurtz and Therssa, all of Kalispell; six grandchildren, Brandy, Alta, Nicole, Brady, Shane and Hayden; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no public services. There will be a family memorial service at a later date.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Leonard's family.