Rubert 'Butch' Kruckenberg, 79

Rubert “Butch” Kruckenberg passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011, at The Health Center in Kalispell. He was 79 years old.

He was born Oct. 30, 1931, to Amolia (Weigum) and Herbert Kruckenberg in Zap, N.D. He spent his childhood in North Dakota and moved to Montana when he was a teenager. He worked in the timber industry as a young man.

He married Lila Staudacher on Sept. 9, 1951. Had he lived another month, he and Lila would have celebrated 60 years of marriage.

He enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean conflict from 1952 to 1954. When his enlistment was over he and Lila moved to Chester, where he farmed and also had an implement business.

In 1964 they moved back to Kalispell. Butch was once again in the timber business. He spent two years on the haul road in Alaska, then came back and did over-the-highway hauling. He was retired.

For the last 17 years, when he was trucking he saw most of the U.S. He was able to spend a few winters in Arizona and loved going to Mexico. One special trip was to Hong Kong with very good friends, and another to Europe; his heritage was German.

He is survived by his wife, Lila; three children, son Brad Kruckenberg, daughter Rhonda Gibbs and husband John, and son Jeff Kruckenberg and wife Lisa; seven grandchildren, Bryant Kruckenberg, Michael Gibbs, Brandon Kruckenberg, Justin Kruckenberg, Jerrid Kruckenberg, Tanner Kruckenberg, and granddaughter Megan Petersen; seven great-great-grandchildren, Lauren, Shawn, Raiden and Danny Kruckenberg, Justine and Kay Gibbs, and Mason Petersen; and brother, Norman Kruckenberg, and wife Angie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Molly and Herbert Kruckenberg; and twin sons, Michael and Mark Kruckenberg.

There will be a private family burial, and then a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at the United Methodist Church, 329 Second Ave. E., in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, please give to your favorite charity.