Rae Virgil Kalbfleisch, 78
Rae Virgil Kalbfleisch, 78, of Shelby "went to join his wife Ann" on Monday, Sept. 8, 2008. He died of natural causes.
A rosary will be said at 6 p.m. on Friday, at Whitted Funeral chapel in Shelby, with a gathering afterward at St. William's Church Hall. The funeral service will be held at St. William's Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Burial at Mountain View Cemetery will take place after Mass, with a reception at the St. William's Church Hall afterward.
Survivors include daughters, Lauri and Eric Tokerud of Shelby, and Ginia Siebenaler of Kalispell; and sons, Mark and Donna Kalbfleisch of Las Vegas, and John and Lisa Kalbfleisch of Whitefish. Rae's "marvelous grandchildren" include Thadd, Traci, Tressa, Alisa and Thane Tokerud; Kellie, Shannon, Kristen, Jace and Maura Kalbfleisch; Kayla, Chris and Kirk Kalbfleisch; and Makenna, Kyersten and Keegan Siebenaler. Siblings and best friends are Bobby Kalbfleisch and Jimmy and Virginia of Shelby, Mary Kay Murphy of Cut Bank, and twin, Sally Peters, of Brentwood, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Kalbfleisch; sister, Genore; and parents, Norman and Virginia Kalbfleisch.
Rae was born Jan. 8, 1930, in Dunkirk to Norman and Virginia Kalbfleisch. He graduated from Shelby High School, and received his degree in business from the University of Montana.
He then enlisted with the ROTC and served in Texas. He then went back to Missoula to graduate in 1957 with his law degree. His degree allowed him to pursue his lifelong passion of helping people in need. He practiced law, up until his death, for the past 51 years in his hometown of Shelby. He was known for helping anyone who walked in his door with a need for assistance.
Rae spent a majority of his professional career, 30 years, serving the public as Toole County attorney.
Rae served the community in a variety of ways. He was a member of the Shelby Elks, Shelby Jaycees, Kiwanis, Galata American Legion, and St. William's Catholic Church.
He also was integral in the start-up of the Toole County Education Foundation, which financially assists young adults in the community to achieve a higher education. Rae also played a key role in obtaining the large veteran flag that flies as you enter Shelby. He was also past president of the Montana Attorney Association and a member of the Montana Heart Association.
Rae lived his life with integrity, honesty and faith. He was a devoted and loving husband to Ann. They were married for 42 years before her death in 1999. He missed her greatly after her passing, but continued their mission of instilling faith, honesty and strength in those he loved.
Family and faith were his main priorities in his life, and he lived these values consistently and well. He led by example, especially to make sure that his family remembered to keep these priorities as well. Rae devoted his life to serving others, and has touched many lives in a positive way.