Donald E. Schweigert, 74

Donald E. Schweigert, 74, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born June 21, 1932, in Plevna, the son of John S. and Clara (Christman) Schweigert.

He was educated in Ekalaka, until enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served during the Korean conflict. Upon his return, he began his lifelong work as an operating engineer, building roads all across the state and also in Wyoming and Washington. He loved his work.

He enjoyed being around his family and friends. He and his longtime companion, Dolores Wagner, spent several winters in Arizona. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union for 40-plus years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Dolores Wagner, of Whitefish; his four children, Ken Schweigert and wife, Nancy, of Butte; Tracy Stieferman and husband, Dennis, of Jefferson City, Mo.; and Tammy Schweigert and Lori Schweigert, both of Billings; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a special granddaughter, Jennalee Wilkerson, of Kalispell; two brothers, Ken "Whitey" Schweigert and wife, Audrey, of Ekalaka, and Charles Schweigert and wife, Arlene, of Billings; three sisters, Eleanor Talkington and Gloria Preuss, both of Ekalaka, and Carol Hofiedt and husband, Paul, of Miles City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Don will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Johnson Mortuary chapel, with Pastor Paul Ogle officiating. There will be no visitation.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Northwest Healthcare Cancer Fund, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the charity of the donor's choice.

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