Bernard A. 'Bernie' Onsager, 82

Bernard A. “Bernie” Onsager, 82, of Kalispell, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, at his residence.

Bernie was born on May 22, 1929, to Alfred and Annie Onsager in Northwood, N.D. He grew up on the family farm, and attended grade school and high school in Northwood.

He lived in the Twin Cities, Minn., from 1952 to 1967, when he moved to Ronan. He moved to Kalispell in 1975.

Bernie was a salesman in early years, but later in life worked for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks as a maintenance worker.

Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, hunting, piloting, stock car racing, mining, coaching baseball and woodworking.

He married Clarice Helen Thingelstad in 1949. In 1977, he married Patricia Ann Malone.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Barbara Thingelstad. 

He is survived by his wife, Pat; and three children, daughter, Cheri Rowbury, and her husband, Guy, son, Al Onsager, and his wife, Carol, and son, Jeff Onsager, and his wife, Ronda. He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside memorial services will be at 11 a.m. today, Oct. 4, at the Ronan Cemetery. A luncheon reception will be held at the Community Fellowship Church immediately following the reception.