Dave Germann, 70
Dave Germann, 70, died unexpectantly on June 20, 2024 at his home in Kalispell. He was born in September 1953, to Bob and Elizabeth Germann in Buffalo, New York. His family moved across the country a few short years later to Beaverton, Oregon. Dave graduated from Beaverton High School and attended Oregon State, Portland State and Central Oregon Community College earning an electronic engineering degree. He worked seasonally as a firefighter, fire lookout, and carpenter with the US Forest Service and owned his own business as a general contractor specializing in framing, foundation and finish work. He was a hardware design engineer with Intel before working as an IT Specialist with the US Forest Service.
The Pacific Northwest’s opportunities for adventure and physical activity in the great outdoors piqued his interest and served as a life-long love for Dave. He greatly enjoyed all types of skiing, running, hiking, biking, summer and winter climbing, backcountry horseback riding, hunting and camping. He was always the last person at the campfire, taking in the scent and warmth.
He participated in several Hood-to-Coast runs, summited most peaks in the Northwest and was on ski patrol for Mt. Bachelor, Mt. Hood and Crystal Mountain and served as an EMT for over 10 years. He had many motorcycles over the years and memorable adventurous road trips with friends and family, as well as backcountry adventures with his favorite horse Jackson.
He had a keen interest and understanding of renewable energy, leading the way to an electric car and solar panels for his home, and an intent to finish creating his own electric bike. Dave was financially astute and prided himself in managing his own investments.
He loved sweets, especially mint chocolate chip ice cream with a cookie or brownie, and his mother-in-law’s cinnamon rolls and apple crisp. Always an avid Green Bay Packers and Portland Trail Blazers fan, he loved sports, but when watching on TV, he would record everything so he could sideline the commercials. He was a storyteller, with his stories always reflecting crazy and funny real-life situations he experienced throughout his life.
His career with the Forest Service, in addition to his wife’s career with the National Park Service, took him and his family to several beautiful and special places across the country. At each location the adventures were plentiful, and the friendships were many.
One of his greatest joys was his twin sons Grant and Wyatt. He felt ill-prepared to be a father to twins, but was the best father ever, supporting them in their endeavors. Family trips were always a highlight for Dave and the family throughout the years. Grant and Wyatt loved their father very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Ed.
He is survived by his wife, Denise; sons, Grant and Wyatt; and sister, Carol Matarese and her husband, Tony.
A funeral mass will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, June 28, at St. Matthew’s Church in Kalispell, followed by a rosary at 10:15 a.m. Darlington is caring for the family. Online condolences can be shared on the website www.darlingtonfunerals.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave’s name to the Nate Chute Foundation/Bluebird Boxes to support suicide awareness or the Montana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to honor his mom.