Dennis Keith Tobiason, 62

Dennis Keith Tobiason, 62, of Kalispell, passed away April 1, 2019, from complications of diabetes and congestive heart failure at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with his family by his side. Dennis never let his health conditions stop him from living a life full to the brim with enjoyment and happiness.

Dennis was born Dec. 15, 1956, in Culbertson, Montana, to Cynthia (Stevens) and Donald Bergeron. Shortly thereafter Cynthia married Freddie Tobiason; who adopted Dennis. Dennis considered Fred his DAD for life. The family moved around Montana and surrounding states following Fred’s work until they settled in Kalispell when Dennis was in elementary school. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1975. After graduation he worked for several restaurants and Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant before attending Dawson Community College in Glendive. He received an AAS Degree in Political Science in 1979, and became the Town Marshal of Cascade, fulfilling a lifelong dream of law enforcement.

Dennis met the love of his life, Helen Louise Dostal, at freshman orientation in Glendive. Dennis and Helen were married in Helen’s hometown of Geraldine on July 28, 1979, and made their first home in Cascade. He loved his time working with the community and earned the affectionate nickname of “Wilbur” from the local youth.

In 1982 the family moved to Helen’s parents’ farm east of Geraldine. Farming and ranching quickly became a great love of Dennis’. Despite long hours and lots of work he enjoyed the life of wide open spaces, hunting, trapping, prairie dog towns, branding, family, neighbors and friends and the pigs. After two broken knees from farm accidents it was time for a new adventure and back to school he went. Dennis attended the Vo-tech in Great Falls, receiving dual degrees in Micro Computer Management and Accounting. Before graduation he was hired by Park County’s Accounting Department and in May of 1989 the family moved to Livingston. Dennis ran for and was elected Park County Assessor. Even after assessors were made state of Montana employees, constituents would still visit the office and assure him they were voting for him. He was treasurer for the state employee union and served for several years traveling all around the state to meetings and representing state employees in need. In 2000 the family moved to Kalispell to be closer to his parents. In May of that year he accepted a position with Flathead Electric Cooperative and worked in multiple positions until his passing.

Beyond work Dennis was very active serving in leadership roles with many organizations over the years. He was a financial secretary and treasurer for the Knights of Columbus and Elks, Cub Scout leader, BSA scoutmaster and led several scout groups to summer camp at K-M. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and truly loved helping all three of his sons on their path to Eagle Scout. Not to stop there, he was a Girl Scout leader guiding his daughters’ troop to Pompeys Pillar and Wild Rose Camp. At the time of his death he was the Knight of the month at Risen Christ, his home parish.

Dennis and Helen’s love grew into seven children and a multitude of grand and great-grandchildren, all whom survive him. Cassandra Hansen; Christopher (Virginia) Tobiason and children Matthew, Shay and Charlotte; Dennis Mason Tobiason and daughter Kesse; Alexandria (Scott) Warren and children Catherine Warren, Claire (Connor) Murray and sons Michael and James, Joe (Liz) Warren and children Owen and Avery, Kelley (Mike) Walden and sons Nathen and David; Jennifer Tobiason DVM; Bartholomew (Fresa) Tobiason and children Bartholomew II, Lilian and Sebastian; Veronica (Joshua) Roberts and children Kaden and Payton. Also surviving are his mother-in-law Bernadine Dostal, aunts Ardiss (Dale) Kunze, Beverly Tobiason, Uncles Earl (Kathy) Tobiason and Lorring (Ardie) Stevens, brother James (Bonnie) Tobiason and family, sister Valorie (William) Robbins and family and numerous cousins and extended family.

Preceding Dennis in death were his parents, sister Tammy Jean Tobiason, father-in-law Stanley Dostal, maternal grandparents Dennis Mason and Anna Stevens, paternal grandparents Melvin and Bertha Tobiason, uncles and aunts Ralph (Lillian) Stevens, David (Janette) Stevens, Wilbur Tobiason, Arlo Tobiason, along with other extended family members.

Services will be held at Risen Christ Catholic Church, 65 W. Evergreen Drive. Rosary followed by sharing will be 7:45 p.m. Friday, April 12. Celebration of Life Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, followed by a luncheon. Burial of ashes will take place in Geraldine at a date to be announced. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.