Kert Lee Dolechek, 51

Kert Lee Dolechek of Kalispell lost his life in a tragic car accident July 16, 2016.

Kert was born Sept. 20, 1964, in Billings, to Larry and Jeanette Dolechek.

He married Lynae Hogan in Billings June 4, 1988. They have two sons, Logan Paul and Konnor James, born in 1994 and 1996. He and Lynae separated in October of 2015.

Kert attended 12 years of school in Laurel, graduating in 1982. He worked several years, then went to Montana State University-Bozeman, and in 1994, he graduated on the dean’s list with a degree in mechanical engineering. At this time, he became a dedicated Bobcat fan. They moved to Kalispell in mid-1994, and Kert went to work for Semitool, which later became Applied Materials. Kert worked there for 22 years until his death. He was highly respected for his work and had many accomplishments, including numerous patents in his name.

 Kert loved hunting — his annual Smith Hunting Camp trip was a highlight of each year, especially the food they cooked. “The Dodge Guy’s” daily morning donuts will always be remembered along with many of his exotic dinners. Their cook trailer and cooking set-up was a sight to behold. Logan and Konnor started going to the camp with Kert even before they were able to hunt. Kert loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and sighting in rifles. If it was something he could do with his boys, he was even happier. He loved his music and had favorite movies that he would watch again and again and remembered lines from songs and many quotes from movies that he used in life.

Kert became a body builder and weight lifter as a teenager and young adult. He was awarded first place in the Gold’s Gym Classic and was first runner up in the Mr. Montana/Big Sky contest in 1985 and 1986.

Kert developed a passion for cooking, and his meals were seasoned to perfection.

At the age of 19, Kert became the proud owner of his muscle car, a sublime green 1970 Plymouth Duster. He raced it in Lewistown in the ‘80s and showed it at local events in recent years. Sadly, he lost his life in his beloved car.

Surviving Kert are his sons, Logan and Konnor of Kalispell; his wife, Lynae, of Billings; his mother, Jeanette, and her husband, K. Dan Koch of Laurel; his brother Cory (Julie) and their family, Trevor, Ciera, Dustin, Melanie, Demi and Ellie of Denver and Golden, Colorado; his brother Keever (Kristin) and their family, Gavin, Maggie and Reece; his sister Kathy (Cary) and Shaelynn, all of Laurel. Surviving family also are his in-laws, Wayne and Roxanne Hogan and Gary (Mary Jane) Bennie and Mayalee Hogan of Billings. Kert is also survived by a large extended family and he leaves behind Saco, their much-loved dog.

Preceding Kert in death was his dad, Larry Dolechek, in 1988; both sets of grandparents and several special close relatives.

There will be a celebration of life held for Kert at 1 p.m. on Saturday July 23, at Cornerstone Church in Kalispell.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the Dolechek family.