Raymond Earl Kalberg

Raymond Earl Kalberg, 83, of Bigfork, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2005, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on Aug. 20, 1921 in Hanley Falls, Minn., to Arnt and Ruth (McCall) Kalberg.

Raymond moved with his family at a young age to Montana were he was raised and lived most of his life in the Bigfork area. He graduated from the Hardin High School in 1939 and on Feb. 16, 1943, joined the Army Air Corps. Raymond advanced quickly; from Private to Master Sergeant and then from a Warrant Officer to Chief Warrant Officer before separating on Jan. 14, 1946.

On Dec. 5, 1945 Raymond married Marian Snell in Hardin, Mont. Upon his return from active duty, Raymond attended Montana State University in Missoula, and in 1949 graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. He worked for Carter Oil for a short time but made his career with the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co. both in Billings and finally in Great Falls, before retiring on March 14, 1975. In 1981, Raymond and Marian moved to the Flathead where he went to work part time for Fun Beverage until ultimately retiring in 1996. Raymond was also a life member of the Elks Lodge.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Kalberg and a brother, Donald Kalberg. He is survived by two sons: Gary Kalberg & wife Sandy of Kalispell; and Dale Kalberg and wife Connie of Missoula; one daughter: Kimberly Kalberg of Hamilton, Mont., and a sister: Thelma Lockrem of Auburn, Calif.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the QRU in Bigfork or to ALERT.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Raymond's family.