Roman 'R.J.' Losleben, 84

Roman Joseph Losleben “passed peacefully into heaven” on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, surrounded by his loving family in Kalispell.

Roman was born Jan. 27, 1929, in Malta to Roman and Dorothy Losleben. The oldest of four children, Roman spent most of his life serving the community of Phillips County. Roman attended schools in Malta and graduated with a degree in pharmacy from the University of Montana.

On October 27, 1950, he married the love of his life, Barbara Louise Harrison. Over the next 50-plus years they raised five children together, Debbie, Jim, Rick, Tom and Joni.

After graduation he went to work for his father, R.J. Losleben Sr., as a pharmacist at the Valley Drug Store in Malta. He bought the store after his father passed. His care and concern for the health of everyone he knew was an example of how he chose to live his life. Romie was so loved by his family and community. Malta missed him dearly when he and Barb moved to the Flathead Valley after retirement.

Roman was active in Kiwanis, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, Bucket (the Malta Club) and he filmed every home sporting event at Malta High School for almost 50 years. After every game he would go to the basement dark room and into the night develop reels and reels of 16 mm film to be reviewed by the coaches on Monday.

Romie and Barb loved to entertain. Whatever the occasion they would cook enough food for an army and invite the gang over.

Roman enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, photography, gardening and stamps. Early Sunday mornings during hunting season, dad could be found outfitting his boys and heading to the Breaks, a farm somewhere or to Nelson Reservoir. Later that same day he was dipping ducks, hanging a deer or cleaning walleye for the freezer. After moving to Kalispell, Roman joined Thursday Men’s Golf at Village Greens; he loved his weekly breakfast and golf with his buddies. He was a huge University of Montana Grizzly fan.

Roman was a lucky man who lived a full and wonderful life. He had a strong faith. “He lived a life as God meant for him to live.” Family was always a very important part of his life and he enjoyed every moment spent with family and friends.

Roman is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; grandson, Bradley Losleben; and his parents. 

He is survived by his five children, Debra Losleben-Fleming of Seattle, James Losleben of Bigfork, Richard Losleben of Florence, Ariz., Thomas Losleben of Polson, and Joan Losleben-Hall of Bellingham, Wash.; his brothers, Bill Losleben and George Losleben (Connie Johnson); sister, Monica Talbot and brother-in-law, Tom Harrison; as well as lots of wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will all miss him greatly.

A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 and a funeral mass in honor of Roman will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Risen Christ Catholic Church in Kalispell. A luncheon will follow at the church.

Cremation has taken place. Roman and Barbara’s remains will be buried together at the Bigfork Community Cemetery overlooking the hills of their Echo Lake Cabin.

To send condolences to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.