Peter Anthony Sprunger, 88

Peter Anthony Sprunger, 88, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2011, at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born on April 29, 1923, in Kalispell, to Jerry P. and Mary B. (Enders) Sprunger.

He grew up in Bigfork and spent most of his life in the Flathead Valley. Peter enlisted in the U.S. Army (A.A.F.) in 1942, and served the majority of his service overseas in India. After completing his tour of duty, he married his wife, Vivian (Bellmore) Sprunger, on Jan. 28, 1945. They settled in Hungry Horse, where Peter was employed by the Bureau of Reclamation, and together they had three children. 

He enjoyed a “successful” retirement in 1978 and filled his time with sign painting, renovating homes, winter trips to Yuma, Ariz., fishing and huckleberry picking, trips to their Flathead property and enjoying the Flathead Valley. They moved to Kalispell in 1994, and after Vivian fell ill, he became her caregiver until her move to the Brendan House. He continued to visit her daily until her death on Jan. 11, 2009.

Peter was preceded in death by his father, Jerry; mother, Mary; and his brother, Elmer, all of Bigfork.

Peter is survived by his son, Randy Sprunger and his wife, Phyllis, of Whitefish, and their two daughters, Erin and Stephannee; his daughter, Katherine “K.C.” Curtis of Belgrade, her son, Shawn, and his daughter, Cameo; and his daughter, Jan Varty and her husband, Warren, of Edmonton, Alberta, and their son, Lucas; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Peter's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Peter's tribute wall.