Jack L. Heil

Jack L. Heil of Columbia Falls passed away peacefully in Montana due to natural causes on Aug. 31, 2021, at the age of 82.

Jack was predeceased by his father, Paul Heil, his mother Fern Burnside Heil, his brother Max Heil, sister-in-law Shirley Hummel Heil, brother-in-law Don Rothrock and a daughter-in-law.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Emily, who was by his side through thick and thin. They were together for 28 years, with 14 years as husband and wife. They were married on July 27, 2008, in Kalispell, which was the 14 year anniversary of their first date.

Jack is also survived by his siblings Myra Rothrock of Richland, Mavis and Del McNamara of Eureka, and Paul and Doris Heil of Columbia Falls, his children, Joe Heil and Jackie Gillan of Upper Batavia, Jack and Ronda Heil of Columbia Falls, Jeff and Junie Heil of Yakima, Washington, Jay Heil of Clinton, Angie Bessette of Missoula, and Chuck and Lisa Heil of Kalispell, and his stepchildren, Bud and Cindy Hartley of Kalispell, Lynda Greenland of Kalispell, Melva and Mark Herbold of Kalispell, Alvirda Skramstad of Whitefish, Calvin O’Donnell of Spokane, and Leslie and Amy O’Donnell of Kalispell, as well as numerous cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack Heil, also affectionately known as Ernie Morton Kuzenbaucher III by those who knew him well, was born on Sept. 6, 1938, in Walkerton, Indiana. He moved with his family to Kalispell when he was 10 years old. He joined the Marine Corps at 17 years old and served our country for two years. For close to 40 years, Jack was an employee of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company. He started on the pot lines but was later promoted to iron worker. Jack became one of the best welders in the Flathead Valley and never hesitated to lend his skills to friends and family.

One of Jack’s proudest affiliations was being a member of the North Valley Eagles, especially being a Bald Eagle for many years, raising money for various charities benefiting children. His fluffy white beard made him the perfect choice to play Santa for several of their holiday parties.

Some of Jack’s favorite hobbies were hunting, including bow hunting, fishing, trap shooting and bowling. He even won the Flathead Mack Attack back in the 90s, with his son Joe as part of his team, and he was known for making the greatest smoked fish, which many considered better than candy. He loved living up the North Fork on his forested land where he could work in his shop and host family and friends on his shooting range.

Everybody who knew Jack thought of him as one of the sweetest people they ever met. He was famous for his storytelling and jokes, and was a friend to everybody he met. Jack will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

Jack’s celebration of life will be held at the North Valley Eagles at 1640 9th St W. in Columbia Falls on Sept. 12 from noon to 3 p.m.