Douglas Dwaine Darsow, 73
Douglas Dwaine Darsow, 73, 'went to his Lord and Savior' on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at the Montana Veterans Home after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Doug was born in Columbia Falls to Fritz and Dorothy Darsow on April 25, 1934. He attended school at Canyon View in Half Moon and Columbia Falls before going into the Air Force in 1951. He served in the forces until 1955.
Doug worked for the railroad for a short time before being employed by Plum Creek. He remained a dedicated employee for 42 years until his early retirement in 1995 due to his disease. During his employment he received many high quality awards for his grading. We were always very proud of him.
Doug married Cherie Barnhart Nov. 5, 1960, and became the father of five children. He was a member of St. Richard's Catholic Church, active member of Knights of Columbus and did a lot of projects with them.
He enjoyed the outdoors and spent a lot of time fishing, hunting and doing projects with his sons, family and friends. He looked forward to retirement so he could spend more time doing the things that he loved, fishing, hunting, camping and restoring his old cars, a 1930 Hudson and 1957 Chevy. He enjoyed playing the guitar with the Jammers and singing with the Troubadors. They often played at the nursing homes and senior center.
He has resided at the Veterans Home for almost seven years. During that time he learned to play cards and board games. He enjoyed playing pool and going for walks while he was able. He had many visitors while he was there and appreciated the company.
He was a faithful husband and loving father and grandfather. He will be missed by his family and friends.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Dorothy Darsow; and three grandsons, Brandon Burghduff, Zachary Darsow and Wayne Lukenbill.
He is survived by his wife, Cherie; brother, Dale Darsow, and family of Kalispell; sisters, Jeanette James of Kalispell, and Rose Schnaidt and family of South Dakota; sons, Tony and Lisa Darsow and family, Tom Darsow and family, Terry and Babe Darsow; daughters, Theresa and Pat Downing and family, and Tammy and Duane Burghduff and family; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Rev. John Miller will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Richard's Catholic Cemetery in Columbia Falls. Military graveside honors will be by the United Veterans of the Flathead.