Albert Kerestes

Albert Andrew Kerestes, 84, of Whitefish passed away Nov. 19, 2008, following an automobile accident.

He was born Nov. 1, 1924, in Mt. Carmel, Pa., to Andrew and Susan (Batcha) Kerestes. Albert was born into a loving old-country Slovak family that was focused upon their faith in God. He was baptized and confirmed in Saint Matthews Slovak Lutheran Church.

Albert attended school in Mt. Carmel and served his apprenticeship as a tool maker and machinist at the Pollack Manufacturing Co. in Newark, N.J.

In 1947, Albert married his life-long soul mate, Cora Payne, of Whitefish. They returned to New Jersey for several years before moving to Whitefish in 1950 to make it their home.

Albert worked on the construction of both the Hungry Horse Dam and the Anaconda Aluminum Co. plant in Columbia Falls. He was one of the first permanent employees hired by Anaconda in 1955 and retired as the supervisor of the machine shop in 1982.

Albert and Cora have been active members of Christ Lutheran Church ever since their return to Whitefish. Albert was a very active person. He and Cora were avid campers and square dancers, making friends everywhere they went.

Albert leaves behind his beloved wife Cora after 61 years of marriage; one son, Glenwood Kerestes and wife Kathryn, of Billings; granddaughter Amy Larsen and husband Christian, of Roundup; and twin great granddaughters Megan and Elizabeth Larsen.

Services were held Nov. 24, 2008, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish with internment to follow in the Fairview Cemetery.