John 'Butch' Swartzenberger, 74

John “Butch” Swartzenberger, 74, a longtime Flathead resident and business owner, answered his call to home on the morning on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020.

Butch enjoyed being outdoors, horses and cows, as well as hunting and fishing. He always had a special love for anything with a motor; he was an avid stock car fan and driver. In fact, his first kiss with Sandi, his wife of over 50 years, was at the old Kalispell racetrack. She was a trophy girl and he won the race as well as the girl.

Butch lost his father while still in his teens and left school to share responsibility in the family business that his father started. Three years later he and Sandi married. It was then he assumed the role to us of husband and a father to Bill and Tina. One year later, their son John was born.

Butch worked hard at that time, commuting to work on the Libby Dam while building the family business, where he continued to go six days a week until shortly before his passing.

Butch was also preceded by his mother, Isabel Swartzenberger-Meyer, brothers, Dale and Jim, and most recently, sister Barbara.

Butch loved and was loved by his many grandchildren and great- grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He also held the heart of many, many nieces and nephews, cousins, uncles and aunts — the blessings of a being part of a large and loving family. Butch was second eldest of 11 siblings, and they spent time together, working and playing hard. In addition to his kin are numerous other honorary family members, always embraced at any and all family functions.

The entire family welcomes friends and loved ones to join them at a celebration of life at the Kalispell Eagles Club on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m. to share stories and fond memories of Butch and his life.