Kermit Sigward Kvigne

Kermit Sigward Kvigne, 87 passed away on June 27, 2012 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Kermit enjoyed fishing, travel in his motor home, spending winters in Arizona, gardening and Mariner’s baseball of which he was a big fan. He was also a life member of the V.F.W. and the Moose Lodge.

He was employed at the Arco Aluminum Plant in Columbia Falls for 28 years, he retired at 62. Kermit served his country in the U.S. Army from December of 1944 to November of 1946, with tours in the Philippines and Main Land Japan.

Kermit is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy (Thoring) Kvigne of Whitefish, Daughter Cindy (Larry) Trusty of Renton, Wash. Two sons Kerry and Kelly Kvigne both of Whitefish, Nephew Marlan Kvigne of San Diego, Calif., six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Knut and Mary Kvigne.

A graveside memorial service took place on Saturday June 30, 2012 at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell, with full military honors.

Arrangements entrusted to Austin Funeral Home. You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences, share memories and view Kermit’s tribute wall.

Betty Janie Steig

Betty Janie Steig, 69, passed away June 24, 2012 from a battle with cancer.

Janie was born on May 22, 1943 in Baker to Charlie Jack and Dorothy Stevens Clark.

Janie was the youngest of five children and was raised on the family ranch in Marmouth, N.D. until she was 16. It was in North Dakota were Janie met the love of her life, Floyd Steig. Janie moved to Philipsburg with her parents and after Floyd’s tour in the Navy they then were married in Philipsburg on Oct. 12, 1963.

They moved to Bowman, N.D. and worked with Floyd’s family dairy. This is where the first of four children were born, Barbara Ellen in 1964. Then an opportunity to move to San Francisco to work with Janie’s sister and brother- in-law at a portable truck lubrication shop. This is where their number two daughter Kristine Renee was born in 1965.

They spent four years in San Francisco and then moved to Whitefish in 1969 where Floyd worked for the aluminum plant in Columbia Falls. In June of 1970 Jerilee Ann was born and in 1974 Brian Floyd was born. Janie worked many odd jobs in Whitefish which she called her social time, but her “real job” as she always said was to be a mother and wife. Her longtime love and passion was always and always will be riding horses.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd, at the family home. Her three daughters, Barb McKay and (Reid Thilmony), Kris (Shane) Groshelle, Jeri (Vaughn) Murinko. Her son, Brian (Mandy) Steig. Eleven grandchildren. Her brother, Derl ( Rose) Clark of Parump, Nev., as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dorothy; her two sisters, Susie and Olive; and her brother, Chuck.

Donations can be made to Whitefish Ambulance and EMTS, Wings, Local Cancer Society and Brendan House in Janie’s name.

A memorial service was held Friday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at Austin funeral home, followed by interment at Whitefish Cemetery at noon.

Arrangements entrusted to Austin Funeral Home. You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences and share memories and view Janie’s tribute wall.