Elmer Leroy Bastrom, 91

Elmer Leroy Bastrom, 91, of Whitefish, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2021.

Elmer was born on Aug. 2, 1929, in Ritzville, Washington, the youngest son of Henry and Henrietta (Harding) Bastrom. Although he only went through the eighth grade for a formal education, he was self-educated and never gave up an opportunity to learn a trade or further his knowledge of politics.

Elmer was united in marriage to Donna Hines on June 10, 1950. Elmer and Donna had two children, son Ronald and daughter Kathy. His wife Donna preceded him in death in 2001.

Elmer moved to Whitefish in the late ‘40s and went to work on the Hungry Horse Dam. In 1956 he joined the Operating Engineers Union, Local 400 and remained a loyal lifetime union member for over 50 years, even after he was forced early into retirement after being diagnosed with glaucoma.

He was a member of the Whitefish Moose Lodge and in his free time he enjoyed time with family and friends, fishing, woodworking, and discussing politics. He was also known to always find a home project to occupy additional free time.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Melvin Bastrom, Ruben Bastrom and Victor Bastrom; and three sisters, Viola Buxbaum, Yetta Huldredge and Freida Rein.

Survivors include son Ronald of Marion and daughter Kathy (and Dusty) Torgerson of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Christy (Eric) Logan, Amy (Terry) Zink, Dana (Matt) Diehl, Deana (Mike) Anderson, and Destry (Stacey) Torgerson; great-grandchildren, Ronalae, Robert, Mercedes, Tibb, Holden (Daniel), and Tally; and great-great-granddaughter, Oakleigh.

A graveside service will be June 24 at 1:30 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.