Donald 'Craig' Trankle, 53

Donald “Craig” Trankle, 53, passed away peacefully at his home in Kalispell Feb. 26, 2012, surrounded by his loved ones.

Craig was born in Kalispell July 16, 1958, to Donald and Betty Trankle. He was raised in Kalispell where he graduated from Flathead High School in 1976. After graduation he went to work at Plum Creek in Columbia Falls where he was employed for 33 years.

In 1998, he met the love of his life and married Beverly McClure Aug. 16, 2002.

He was an avid outdoorsman, whether spending free time camping, hunting, fishing, or four-wheeling, he was truly happiest enjoying nature. He spent a large part of his life at his family cabin on Echo Lake where he developed a deep love for the water and boating. He loved being surrounded by his family and friends, and nothing made him happier than being able to share his love of the outdoors with them. He will be missed by many people who were blessed to call Craig “friend.”

He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of Kalispell; his mother, Betty Trankle, of Kalispell; his children, Reggie Trankle of St. Louis, April MacCary and her husband Kevin MacCary of Stockton, Calif., Belinda Connolly of Kalispell, and Cassandra Gleese and her husband Joseph Gleese of Williston, N.D.; his sister- and brother-in-law, Dawnita and Bob French; one nephew, Brandon French; and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Trankle.

A memorial service for Craig will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, at the Church of the Nazarene, 1295 Whitefish Stage Road in Kalispell.

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