Frank Arthur Kellenbeck, 66
Frank Arthur Kellenbeck, 66, passed away Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
He was born March 18, 1952, in Kalispell to Vern and Jean (Kelly) Kellenbeck.
Frank graduated high school in Orange, California. He retired from Plum Creek Timber in Columbia Falls after 40-plus years. He then worked several summers at the West Glacier Golf Course.
He married Jan Hamilton in California in 1973; they later divorced. From this union they had two daughters, Jolene and husband Rawls Howard and grandson Rawls IV of Tarboro, North Carolina; and Aimee and husband Jeffery Wallace and two granddaughters, Lauren and Audrey of Spokane.
On Aug. 9, 2003, Frank married Melissa Kelsey at the family homestead, Kelly’s Camp, Glacier National Park. From this marriage, an extended family was added, John Paul and his wife, Amy Grosch, and granddaughter, Vivian, of Libby; and Hilary and husband, Robert Edgerton, and grandson, Wyatt, of Arvada, Colorado.
He looked forward to going to hunting camp in the fall with his best friend, Russell La Palm. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, golfing, fishing and attending football games at the University of Montana in Missoula.
In earlier years, he waterskied and enjoyed boating and teaching his children how to ski on his beloved Lake McDonald at the Kelly Camp Homestead in Glacier National Park. He spent many summers hosting family and friends and visiting with longtime residents at the OO Cabin.
He was a volunteer fireman for Coram, West Glacier Fire Department, for over 30 years. He was instrumental in building the future new Coram, West Glacier Fire Hall in Coram. He also organized the annual Fireman’s Ball fundraiser. He helped with the Lions Lake kids fishing derby in Hungry Horse and participated in the Adopt-a-Highway clean-up for several years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Jean Kelly and Vern Kellenbeck.
He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa; brother, Robert Kellenbeck and wife, Sara of Great Falls; sister, Ann Donnelly and husband, Greg, of Bigfork; and numerous cousins and nephews.
Memorials may be made in memory of Frank to the Coram, West Glacier Fire Department, P.O. Box 162, West Glacier, MT 59936.
A memorial celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. July 20 at the Kellenbeck residence.
I would like to extend a special thank you to KRMC Emergency and ICU staff for all their efforts and also the first responders.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.