Clarence Gembala, 86

Clarence Gembala passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 4, 2017.

He was born in Loop City, Nebraska, on Sept. 5, 1930, to John and Agnes Gembala. Clarence was one of 10 children, which included four girls and six boys.

Clarence and his brother Leonard moved to Montana in 1955 and began a logging business.

Clarence married Betty Conley in 1962 and made a life with their four children in Bigfork.

Clarence had a love for sports and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate throughout the years. His presence in the Bigfork bleachers and community will be missed by many. He had a special love for the Montana Griz Football team and enjoyed the games in the north end zone with family. Clarence also had a great joy for anything outdoors including hunting and fishing and his love for gardening.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and his nine siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of 54 years; his children, Rick, Randy (his wife Holli), Rod (his wife Tracey) and Brenda (her husband Thaddeus); as well as his eight grandchildren, Amy, Jake, Ryan, MaKenna, Evan, Austin, Adam and Ellie.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork. A celebration of Clarence’s life will be held after the service from 3 to 6 p.m. at Randy and Holli Gembala’s residence.

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