Charles 'Chuck' Juntunen, 67

Charles “Chuck” Juntunen, 67, died at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from complications of kidney disease.

Chuck was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on Nov. 17, 1950, to Arthur Sr. and Violet (Lung) Juntunen and raised in Brimson, Minnesota. He graduated from Duluth Central High School.

Chuck drove log truck, chip truck and dump trucks, but his heart was always in playing music. He started playing guitar in a band in junior high school. He made his living for many years playing lead and pedal steel guitar. He played rock music in his younger years, then switched to country music. For the past 30-plus years he played guitar in the local band, Silvertip, until his kidney disease made it too difficult.

Chuck had a huge heart, and a great (if sometimes warped) sense of humor. He was also a big Green Bay Packer fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary. He is also survived by his sons, Cory Juntunen and wife Aimee of Kalispell, Jesse Juntunen and wife Sandra of Columbia Falls, and Chuck Juntunen Jr. and wife Michelle of Duluth; and his daughter, Laurie Olson, and husband Brian, of Superior, Wisconsin. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Taylor, Skyler, Dawson, Kaija, Addie, Derek, Chelsea, Luke, Charlie and Madeline; and two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Emmett.

Chuck also leaves behind many other family members, friends, and our new family at the Dialysis Clinic — Dr. Hoppes, Christina and Lisa. Chuck’s family is thankful for their loving care. Also, a special thank you to the KRMC staff who tried so hard to save his life.

We are not sure how we will live without him in our lives, but we know he is in a much better place now, and we thank God for the many years we had him.

There will be a celebration of Chuck’s life from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Eagles Club in Kalispell on the third floor. Please join us and share your memories and stories about Chuck.

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