Ewald George 'Dutch' Kassner, 85

E.G. “Dutch” Kassner, 85, passed away of natural causes, on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, after a six month decline in his health.

Dutch was born Nov. 16, 1925, in Somers, to Adam and Bertha Kassner. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1943.

He served his country in the Army during World War II as a staff sergeant in the 16th Armored Tank Division, Patton’s 3rd Army, from 1943 to 1945. After the war, he returned to Kalispell vowing never to leave. He was a life member of VFW Post 2252.

Dutch married Thelma Marie Ernster on June 12, 1949.

He was best known for his many years as manager and owner of the Kegler’s Lounge at Skyline Bowl in Kalispell. Later he worked at the Anaconda Aluminum Plant, Todd’s Bakery and the U.S.D.A. Flathead National Forest.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, carpentry, coin collecting and socializing with his many friends. He chronicled his entire life in daily journals and scrapbooks. His, “It’s in the book” ended many disagreements over past events.

Dutch is survived by Thelma, his wife of 62 years; his son, Jay E. Kassner, granddaughters, Brittany and Courtney, and great-granddaughter, Addyson, all of Anchorage, Alaska; grandson, Dr. Adam Kassner, and great-granddaughters, Laura and Kirstin, all of Castle Pines, Colo.; and sister, Elenore Fischbach, of Kalispell.

Arrangements are through Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

At his request, there will be no funeral service. Dutch was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. The United Veterans of the Flathead Valley will perform military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Disabled American Veterans Association or Kalispell VFW Post 2252.