Orlin H. Skare, 90

Orlin H. Skare, 90, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center HealthCenter in Kalispell. The past few months he had resided at Edgewood Vista.

Orlin is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty; his brother, LuVerne (Shirley); sons, Mike (Margie), Don (Kelly) and Gene (Dianna); daughters, Debbie (Tom) Hamilton, and Marcia (K.C.) Lane; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was born in Grant County, Minnesota, on March 8, 1927, to Helmer and Helen Skare.

He went through eighth grade in rural Barrett, Minnesota. Then he went in through the front door of high school and right out the back door. His dad got a new tractor, which seemed more important.

Orlin and Betty farmed in Barrett until the fall of 1964. They packed up their five children and belongings and headed to Montana.

Orlin worked a few jobs before becoming partners with Bill Rocksund building numerous homes and businesses in the Flathead. Orlin also helped with the additions to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

There were many summers spent camping and later they were snowbirds to Yuma, Arizona.

Orlin was preceded in death by his parents, Helmer and Helen; sisters Delores and Verna, and brothers-in-law Harvey and Lester.

“When asked how he was doing, his reply was “Not bad for the age!”

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls, with Pastor Peter Erickson officiating.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.