Schwab Kurt Eppler, 85

Proud Schwab Kurt Eppler was a kind and loving gentleman. He loved his Lakeside Montana home of the last 20 years.

He was born in Bissingen, Germany, and lived in Toronto and Pennsylvania before settling in Chicago and Lemont, Illinois.

He was the most elegant skier I have ever seen. Fun loving Kurt high-fived everyone at the top of Thunderhead at Blacktail Mountain for 17 years.

He was a master machinist at the Chicago Tribune for decades. When he became management, he fearlessly retained his union card during a 10-year strike.

He was there for everyone when needed with kindness and understanding. He fixed everyone’s car, while teaching how to do it with quiet patience. He loved to ski, golf, hunt and farm. His orchard is healthy and beautiful.

He was a loving husband to Geraldine Eppler for 48 years; unrelenting in pursuit of her happiness and serenity. He was a devoted father to Melinda and his late son Mitchell.

Preceded in death by his brother, Walter; son, Mitchell Skilondz; brother-in-law, Edmund Brezinski; sister-in-law, Teri Brezinski; and nephew, Jurgen Eppler (Traudl).

We are thankful to the staff at Prestige assisted living facility and the Health Center Hospice. Grateful for the friendship of DeLane Steiner, Chuck Pierce, Fran and Howard Ruby, Eleanor Allen, Art and Doris Hosterman, Patricia Mason and Michael Stone, Steve Spencer and everyone at Blacktail Mountain.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Geraldine Eppler; grateful daughter, Melinda Skilondz; loving sister-in-law, Marion Eppler; niece, Lisa Glad, her husband Tom and son Matt; brother-in-law, Wayne Brezinski and Carol and their children and grandchildren.

All the Brezinski families, Skilondz families, his golf buddies, hunting buddies, Eduard and Tesey and their families in Canmore, Alberta, Gisela and Albert Meroth and their children and grandchildren and all of us who have been touched by the nobility and grace of this great man. He is intensely missed.

A memorial service will take place Wednesday, June 26 with visitation 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, and graveside service at 2 p.m. at Conrad Memorial Cemetery.