Valerian W. 'Val' Meyers, 89

Valerian W. "Val" Meyers age 89, passed away Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, at his residence in Kalispell.

Val was born in Great Falls on Aug. 15, 1919, the third child of James and Anna (Kolar) Meyers.

Val grew up in the Depression years when times were tough. His father, being a dryland farmer in the Stanford area, had a very tough time making ends meet. After his mother died, his father was forced to farm him out to be raised by aunts and uncles. He spent the early years of his life on the ranch helping out with all the chores involved with that lifestyle.

Val graduated from Stanford High School in 1937. After graduation, he went out to Oregon to find work. He fished and milked cows for a short period. He returned to Livingston, where he worked on steam locomotives as an apprentice.

Shortly thereafter, World War II began. He joined the U.S. Navy, for which he was trained as an aviation machinist mate. During the war, he was stationed in Hawaii and the Midway Islands and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Val returned to his native Montana, where he bought a small ranch and raised sheep and hauled grain as a second income, but was not able to make it in the tough economy. He eventually ended up in the Flathead Valley.

Val went to work on the construction of the Anaconda Aluminum Company in the early 1950s. He was later hired as a millwright and retired in 1985 after more than 30 years. He was extremely gifted at developing inventions that were used at Anaconda. He was a "master" at fixing anything.

Val met and married Amber Louise Karstetter in 1957. They bought a home in Kalispell and raised their two children, Rebecca and Steven. He lived in the family home until his passing.

Val was an optimist even though he had a hard life. He was opinionated, but had an outstanding sense of humor. He was a warm and loving man who always put his family first. He grew the best tomatoes in town and loved the earth and watching things grow. He touched the lives of many, and he will never be forgotten. His piercing blue eyes and wonderful smile will be greatly missed.

Val is preceded in death by his loving wife, Amber, who passed away in 1999; his parents, James and Anna; brothers, Richard and Larry; and his sister, Eunice.

He is survived by his daughter, Becky Berger, and her husband, Jon, of Elko, Nev.; his son, Steve, and his wife, Linda, of Columbia Falls; and two grandsons, Casey Berger and Nicholas Meyers.

At our Dad's request, no services will be held.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Val's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Val's guest book.