J. Daniel Moser III, 66
J. Daniel Moser III, 66, "began his journey into a new life" on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, with family and friends at his side.
The oldest of five children, Dan was born July 16, 1941, in Norristown, Pa., to Cecelia and Jacob D. Moser Jr. His childhood was filled with fun and loving memories building forts, sheltering animals and sharing his knowledge of invention with others.
Immediately after graduating Norristown High School in 1959, he joined the Navy, working as a radar detector and fixed wing mechanic, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After active duty, he served in the Naval Air Reserves for 10 years.
In 1961, he fell in love with and married June Latsha, his beloved wife of nearly 47 years.
He followed in family footsteps, creating fine custom woodwork and cabinetry. He and June moved to Martin City, with the Moser family in 1971, where he was instrumental in re-establishing the family business, Moser Cabinets.
Dan loved camping and sailing the lakes of Montana and Idaho, piloting small planes over the Rockies and Flathead Valley, making music with the old-timers in Martin City, oil painting, renovating old vehicles, building ships in bottles and designing remote-operated planes. He enjoyed teaching these things to his nieces, nephews, and children of family friends who became "Dan and June's kids."
With great pride, he continued to serve his country in the National Guard, Kalispell, until his retirement in 2002. He was a member of the Martin City Fire Department.
Dan was preceded in death by his father, Jake; and his nephew, Lt. Travis Moser.
He is survived by his wife, June; mother, Cecelia Moser-Salter; three brothers and one sister and their families, Bill and wife Judy, Nancy, Larry, and Chris and wife Pam; many beloved nieces and nephews; and special friend, Col. Mary Marshall.
He leaves behind many family members and friends, though memories of his smile and sparkling blue eyes remain with us.
The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Canyon QRU, or Martin City Fire Department.
Arrangements have been made with Columbia Mortuary for visitation from 1 to 8 p.m. today, June 4. Services will be held to celebrate Dan's life at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 5, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Rev. John Miller will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Richard's Catholic Cemetery with military graveside honors. A reception will follow at the church.