Allan F. 'Chuck' Heuscher, 79

Chuck passed away on Dec. 23, 2008, from many health problems. He was born April 24, 1929, in Creston, the son of Jacob and Elsie (Ruckdashel) Heuscher. He attended Cayuse Prairie School and Flathead High School and received his heavy equipment certificate in 1962.

Chuck started working in the woods at the age of 17 with his father, and continued working in the woods until his retirement in 1989.

On Nov. 23, 1962, Chuck married the one true love of his life, Lavine Maze. They lived in Whitefish, Eureka, Thompson Falls and moved back to Kalispell in 1971, where they continued to live.

Chuck enjoyed fishing, hunting and being in the woods and in his garden, reading and doing crossword puzzles and, of course, coffee at Syke's most every day.

After retirement, Chuck and Lavine both started painting unfinished buildings for their Christmas Village, having finished 40 of them to date. They also enjoyed painting many Santas for their children and Christmas ornaments for their grandchildren.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lester, Leslie, Vern and Ron; and sisters, Luella Johnson, June Rowsey and Shirly Nick; and one son, Barry Heuscher, in 2008.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Lavine; daughters, Carla and husband, Rob Smith, Ellen and husband, Willy Loop, and Sherry Heuscher, all of Kalispell; and one son, David Heuscher, of Libby; sister, Doris, and Ray Ingram, and brother, Stan, and Evie Heuscher, of Kalispell; also nine grandchildren, Sarah, Robert, Michelle, Nicholas, Melissa, Jacob, Samantha, William and Richard; two great-grandchildren, Kayla and Dillon; and many extended family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Risen Christ Church, 65 W. Evergreen Drive.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to an Alzheimer's or diabetic research association of your choice.