Elsie Repnak

Elsie Repnak

Elsie J. (Crawford) Repnak, 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Dec. 20, 2008 after a short but hard-fought battle with lung cancer.

She was born on March 1, 1936, in Polson to William and Melva Crawford.

Elsie met the love of her life and her soulmate William (Bill) Repnak in Polson, and they were married July 12, 1953.

Elsie made a life of caring for her family. She was in her element when she was in the kitchen or spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also loved to go camping and fishing, always looking to catch the first, the most and the biggest. Anyone fortunate enough to have met Elsie knew that she never met a stranger and always made them feel welcome and loved.

“We are thankful for her life, and through our tears we rejoice in knowing that her pain and suffering has been washed away by the loving grace of God.”

Elsie is preceded in death by her father William and sister Lorna.

She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 55 years, Bill; mother Melva Hansen, of Kalispell; children Laurie Repnak, Rick Repnak and Jolene Wolfe and husband Jody, all of Houston, Bob Repnak, of Billings, Luanne McCarthy and husband Don, of Lakeside, and Pam Wright and husband Frank, of Whitefish; siblings Mae Walchuck and Dennis Crawford, both of Helena, Gerry Jore, of Ronan, and Walter Crawford, of Columbia Falls; grandchildren Jill and Katie Goodnough, Anne and Paige Repnak, Nathan and Amanda Wolfe, Amy and Kyle Wright, and Angela Jacobsen; and great grandson Marcus Jacobsen.

A memorial service will be held at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell on Jan. 10, 2009, at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately following at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hospice Program, 175 Commons Loop  No. 100, Kalispell MT 59901 in honor of Elsie’s compassionate caring nature and her love of life.