Garnet L. Minster, 88

Garnet L. Minster, 88, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. He was born Feb. 7, 1919, at Ellensburg, Wash., the son of Roy and Anna (Retzlaff) Minster.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in North Africa and Italy during World War II. After being honorably discharged, Garnet returned to Missoula where he met and married Clara Manthe on June 24, 1946.

Garnet worked for Montana Power Company for 37 years, retiring as district manager in 1984. He was active in many civic, church and charity organizations, including; president and director of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce; past president of Rotary Club, was also a member and congregational president of Bethlehem Lutheran Church; and president of the United Way.

Garnet was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, photography and cross country skiing.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Minster, of Kalispell; and a son, Allen Minster, and wife, Claudia, of St. Louis; three granddaughters, Jamie Minster-Selby of Charleston, S.C., Katherine Minster-Faulkner of St. Louis, and Jessica West of Charleston; one great-granddaughter, Lotus Garnet, of Charleston; a sister, Anna Mae Cheff, and husband, Floyd; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Garnet will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 16, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell with Pastor Larry Stappler officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

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