David Franklin Maurer, 88

David Franklin Maurer passed peacefully Wednesday, May 11, 2022, age 88, in Kalispell, after an extended period of declining health. He was a man of integrity and will be deeply missed.

Born Oct. 10, 1933, in Upland, California, to Frederic A. Maurer and Helen E. Goodrich, he excelled in school, attending the United States Military Academy at West Point (class of 1955) leading to a 30-year career in the Corps of Engineers. Assigned to Germany, he met a captivating special services officer, Mary Anthony (Toni) O’Neill marrying Aug. 31, 1957. They had 50 years of adventure, living and traveling all over the U.S. and around the world. During his career he obtained a master’s degree in nuclear engineering, taught at West Point, served in Vietnam, was the military attaché in Germany, and was involved with numerous construction projects both in the U.S. and abroad, rising to the rank of colonel before retiring in 1984. His connections to West Point classmates were deep and abiding. The West Point motto: Duty, Honor, Country defined his life.

Following Army retirement, he worked in the private sector, settling first in Claremont, California, and in 2004, moved to Somers where, heartbreakingly, Toni died of pancreatic cancer in 2007. David became reacquainted with a childhood friend, Martha Anderson Richardson, marrying in 2011 and moving to Kalispell in 2018. Martha brought much joy to his final years.

David was a man of faith who cared about the community and actively took part on various advisory boards and with Rotary Club.

David is survived by his wife Martha; son Fred Maurer of San Diego, California; daughter Lisa Jibson (Michael) of Ann Arbor, Michigan, daughter Karen Proksch (Robert) of Emmett, Idaho; and grandchildren David Jibson (Briana), Jonathan Jibson (Betsy), Tara Jibson Fraga (Hugo), William Jibson (Krista), Morgan Proksch Maeker (Tyler), and Eric Proksch.

He was predeceased by his wife Toni and his sister Letty French (Calvin).

The memorial service is Saturday, May 21, 2022, 5:30 p.m. at Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St., Kalispell. Interment at West Point Cemetery will follow later. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan House, 124 Ninth Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901 or samaritanhousemt.com Funeral arrangements are being handled by Johnson-Gloschat (406) 752-6666.