J. Willard Lybeck, 80

J. Willard Lybeck, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Kalispell, surrounded by his wife and three generations of his family.

He was born on the family farm north of Chester. Willard was the youngest of Hans and Karen Lybeck’s five children. He learned from his older brothers, during his early years, and spent his formal first through eighth grade education at the North Chester Country School. Willard was proud to be the valedictorian of his class (he was often the sole student in his grade level).  In grades nine through 11, Willard attended Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman. In his senior year he traveled to Silverton, Ore., for school. He became a certified electrician after high school.

Willard married Shirley Ann Heggen on Aug. 28, 1954, in Coeur D' Alene, Idaho. They made their home in Kalispell. Willard worked on cement construction on Hungry Horse Dam while logging in the winters. He had a dairy farm with his brother Ray and worked as an electrician at the aluminum plant. In 1958 Shirley and Willard moved north of Zurich to farm and ranch. In winters, the family moved to various locations so Willard could work electrical construction. They moved to the valley farm in 1967 and continued farming and ranching until 2003. Willard’s final move was to Kalispell.

Willard enjoyed fishing, golfing, camping, reading, pinochle and whist. He found friends and made connections wherever he traveled. He and Shirley visited Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand and Alaska.  They frequently spent winters in Arizona, then California. Willard volunteered his time as a board member and member of numerous local, state and national organizations.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Karen Lybeck; sister, Cora; brothers, Harold, Clifford and Ray; children, Cynthia Ann and Christina Lynn. 

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Lybeck of Kalispell; children, Brenda Flynn of Gildford, Warren Lybeck of Chinook, and Shari and Edward Ruff of Havre; grandchildren, Whitney and Patrick Wicks of Chester, Jordan Lybeck of Fallon, Jack Flynn of Missoula, and Madison and Rydell Ruff of Havre; and great-grandchild, Lane Wicks of Chester.

A funeral for Willard will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14 at Epworth United Methodist Church in Kalispell. Interment will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.

 Memorial contributions can be made on Willard’s behalf to the local food bank of your choice.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Willard’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Willard’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.