Albertus VandenBerg, 86

“Dearest Family and Friends, I’ve gone home to my Father’s house, where I will spend the rest of my days in eternal life.

I came down with kidney disease and am in the final stages of renal failure. I have enjoyed every moment of life with my family and friends.

I want to thank Dr. Tobin Hoppes and Dr. Scott Borne and all the nurses and personnel at the Dialysis Center.”

Albertus VandenBerg, 86, of Bigfork, “entered into eternity” on April 3, 2018. He was born in Malden, Holland, on Dec. 21, 1931, to Remmert and Johanna VandenBerg. He was raised and educated in Holland and worked on the family’s farm until he came to the United States on June 10, 1952.

He worked for Burlington Northern in the roundhouse and diesel shop until August 1954, then transferred to engine service.

On Aug. 1, 1959, he married Elaine Dester in Great Falls. In 1969, they moved to Whitefish where they resided until they built their forever home in Bigfork in 1991. Al retired from his work as a locomotive engineer on Oct. 22, 1993.

An active church member throughout his life, Al served many years as board member and congregational president in Great Falls, Whitefish and Bigfork. For the later part of his life he was a beloved member of Bethany Lutheran Church, singing in the choir and serving as head lutefisk chef for many years.

Al was a lifetime member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Fireman and Enginemen and later the United Transportation Union of which he was a board member and also served as president for six years. He was secretary for the Railroad Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention committee, Operation Stop.

He was preceded “into eternity” by his parents; his brother, Raymond; and his sister, Elizabeth.

Surviving are his wife of almost 60 years, Elaine, of Bigfork; their daughter, Brenda; three granddaughters, Bridjett Miller, Brielle Miller and Britta Joy (Christopher); two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Aiden Joy, all of Whitefish; their son, Bryce (Teresa) of Kalispell; a sister, Gertie Peters (Eugene) and their sons Raymond and Allen of Great Falls; along with nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to thank Pastor Christopher Miller, secretary Chris Miller, and the entire congregation at Bethany Lutheran Church, as well as Frontier Hospice and the entire community for their time, prayers and compassion.

Immediate burial has taken place at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial in Great Falls. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. April 28 at Bethany Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork, or to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.