Aril Ryder Engebritson, 93
Aril Ryder Engebritson, 93, of Kalispell, passed away Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at his home.
He was born on Oct. 12, 1914, in White Earth, N.D., to John and Matilda Engebritson. He spent his earlier years in North Dakota and came to Montana in 1935 in an immigrant car with his parents, livestock and personal property.
He accomplished many things in life and lived it to the fullest, which included a 70-year marriage to his wife, Dorothy Mae.
He was a farmer, woodsman, welder, builder, taxi driver, security guard and a janitor for nine years at Calvary Lutheran Church where he was a charter member. He dug two basements for the church and was involved in its construction. He also built four houses in the Flathead Valley and remodeled one other.
He also had a local farm with 165 head of cattle. He piled brush for the Forest Service for 20 years with his 'Cat.' He also cleared many acres in the Flathead Valley for many farmers. He was employed by Plum Creek Lumber for eight years as a security guard.
Aril was preceded in death by his parents, John and Matilda; a grandson, James; a great-granddaughter, Jennifer; seven sisters, Jerda, Orpha, Bernice, Luella, Patty 'Vivian,' Mavis and Clarice; four brothers, Egil, Glise 'Gus,' Erling, and Sidney; an infant brother, Cliff; and a nephew, James Byrne.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Mae; son, Vernon and wife, Agnes; and a daughter, Vivian, all of Kalispell. Grandchildren are Tina Engebritson, Vernon Engebritson and his wife, Tracy, of Kalispell, Annette Berryman of Bigfork, and Terry Caudill and husband, Mike, of Kalispell; great-grandchildren are Chance and Cheyene Ovnicek, Chrissy Van Zant and her husband, John, Trevor, Mike and Lisa Caudill, Kyle and Shane Engebritson, and Brandon and Nathan Berryman of Virginia; great-great-grandchildren are Mya Mcneely and Jowel Engebritson; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Aril will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Kalispell with Pastor Kurt Rau officiating. Aril will be laid to rest at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will take place at the church for one hour prior to the services.
In lieu of flower memorial donations can be sent to Calvary Lutheran Church or Hospice.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Aril's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Aril's guest book.