Duane Verl Onstad, 87

Duane Verl Onstad, 87, beloved husband and father, “returned to the loving arms of the Lord” on April 10, 2017, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Duane was born on April 3, 1930, in a farmhouse north of Plentywood to Bennie and Vera (Friberg) Onstad. Where his mother gave birth with only the help of her 2-year-old son, Ervin. Joining the family later was Darrell (of Florida), Jerome (formerly of California), Beverly (of South Carolina).

Duane attended school in Plentywood, graduating in 1948. After graduation, Duane moved around eastern Montana and held many jobs until he joined the Army in 1951, He served during the Korean conflict as ammunition chief until his honorable discharge in 1953. While in the military, Duane traveled to many parts of the country spending most of his time in El Paso and Philadelphia. After the Army, he returned to Wolf Point and accepted a wiring apprenticeship with High Line Electric and later became an active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Duane wired the Heser household where he met his future bride, Margaret, on Dec. 29, 1956, Duane and Margaret were married. They had two children, Nancy of Billings, and Shelly of Missoula.

In 1960 the young family moved to Columbia Falls where Duane worked as an electrician for Anaconda Aluminum Company. In 1967, Duane was recruited by Bonneville Power Administration and moved his family to Vancouver, Washington. In 1969, Duane transferred with Bonneville back to Kalispell where he stayed until he retired in January 1993 as the electrical foreman of Northwest Montana.

During his retirement Duane enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, card games, traveling and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Duane was an active member of the Moose Lodge and of Risen Christ Catholic Church.

Duane is survived by his wife, Margaret, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation for Duane on Monday, April 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. prior to the Rosary. A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 17. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Risen Christ Catholic with burial at Glacier Memorial Gardens and a luncheon following at the Moose Lodge in Kalispell.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.