David Neil Creighton, 77

David Neil Creighton, 77, of Kalispell, "went peacefully home to be with the Lord" on March 9, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

He was born on Aug. 19, 1928, in Janesville, Wis., to Thomas and Anna Creighton. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Gearson Tousey.

As a young man he bought his own truck and hauled pulp until enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1954. During his service in the military, he was stationed in Austria.

After his honorable discharge he traveled the U.S. until he settled in Montana, where he began working on a survey crew for the U.S. Forest Service. He became district engineer for the Hungry Horse Ranger District, Flathead National Forest. In 1976 he left the Forest Service and started a re-vegetation business, Agro Tech, which continues today as a family business.

On July 27, 1957, he married Ellen Bernice Keich at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell.

Most importantly, he was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ellen; six children and their spouses, Greg and Gloria Klemp, Dave and Neila Elgin, Eric and Ann Creighton, Tim and Theresa Creighton, Francisco and Rachel Saenz, and Paul and April Creighton; 25 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Markus and David Tousey, and their wives; and many other relatives.

He will be missed dearly by family and friends.

Viewing will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. Services will be held at 11 a.m., March 13, at Dave's church, Saint Peter's Lutheran Church, 201 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, with Pastor Marty Kaarre Officiating. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

"We know that in everything, God works for good with those who love him-who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28