Merlin Swede Luckow, 80

Merlin Swede Luckow passed away peacefully at his home in Swan Lake on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010. Born Oct. 6, 1929, to Ernest and Myrtle Luckow in Hettinger, N.D., the family moved to the Swan River area when he was 2. He attended school at Swan River and Ferndale. He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1947 and worked as a truck driver until he went into the military in October 1951. After boot camp he was in special training school at Camp Roberts, Calif., to become a speed radio operator. Swede served in Korea for two years and received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Swede married Patricia Fenby on May 15, 1952, in Missoula. After he was discharged from the military in August 1953, they made their home in Swan Lake. He continued hauling lumber and logs until he retired. Swede s shop was always open to friends and he was always there to lend a helping hand. After he retired, they spent many years traveling throughout the U.S. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Swan Lake; daughter, Tooie, and husband, Barry Johnston, of Bigfork; son, Kyle, and wife, Michelle, of Swan Lake; daughter, Tracy, and husband, Randy Gordon, of Swan Lake; grandchildren, Kyle, Jacob and Cody Johnston, Seth Gordon, Whitne and Jared Doneen, and Summerlee and Rachael Luckow; brothers, Carl and Della, Gerald and Dolores, and Fred and Meiko Luckow; and sisters, Elsie and Phil Poole, and Betty and Joe Lastufka. He is also survived by lifelong friends, Chuck and Marlene Barton, of Bigfork; many nieces and nephews; and the famous Fenby Girls and their spouses. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Swan Chapel, with a reception to follow at the Swan Lake Community Hall. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 5134, Swan Lake, MT 59911; or Home Options Hospice, 175 Commerce Loop, Kalispell, MT 59901.