Genalgo 'Gene' Charles Alsberg

I passed from a wide assortment of ailments on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. My choice was not to have a funeral as those who knew me would understand (at age 82).

My life began in Wishek, N.D., born to Charles Frederick and Ella (Reick) Alsberg, wonderful parents, on Aug. 31, 1932. It was the Golden Era of "Children should be seen and not heard," and my sister Betty Clara Adams and her husband, Jerry, and brother John Gordon Alsberg and his wife, Linda, often joked about this.

After graduation from Nashua, Montana High School ("Go Porcupines") in 1940, I took on several interesting employment opportunities, including National Guards and United Building Center, which took me from Nashua to Plentywood to Winona, Minn., and eventually starting my own Builders Supply in Billings while residing in Laurel.

I met my wife of 42 years, Jacqueline Hughes, while I was working in Glasgow, getting married in a double wedding with Jacqueline's older brother, Bud Hughes and his wife Geane, in 1951. What a wonderful ceremony. With the help of this lavish salary, I raised four wonderful children, Julie Kleppen and her husband Harley of Plentywood, Charles and his wife Robyn of Neshkoro, Wis., Bryan and his wife, Melisa, of Atlanta, Ga., and Jeff and Simone of Glasgow. All successful and very close – my greatest accomplishment.

During my last few years, I focused on my lifetime hobbies, including auto restoration, fishing, hunting, gardening, traveling and simply having a wonderful yard at my cabin in Fort Peck. Unfortunately, the last two years my health began to fail and I ended up for a short stay in Prairie Ridge (wonderful staff and people) to Nemont Manor and eventually to Valley View, where I was very lucky to enjoy a top-notch friendly staff and was cared for by some of the finest doctors from Billings and Glasgow.

A special recognition to the very caring nursing staff of Francis Mahon Hospital and Valley View. A tremendous thanks to all of you for making my life longer and my last days comfortable.

Again, I enjoyed my life and want to thank some of those that made this possible. Topping the list is family and close survivors, the most important, my daughter, Julie, supported by her husband, Harley, who was with me to the end; my son, Jeff, and his caring wife, Simone, who always was there to tend to all my needs, and my sons, Charles and his wife, Robyn, and Bryan, and his wife, Melisa, who cared for me during my visits giving me tremendous support. Thanks again for always being there.

Surviving is my brother, Gordon, and his wife, Linda, of Kalispell; and my deceased sister, Betty, and her husband, Jerry, of Augusta, Ga. One mistake was not mending fences with my brother and sister. For this I apologize.

Surviving besides my four children, are eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren living in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana, Washington and California. I am so very proud of each and every one of you!

I was blessed almost every morning for the great meal and wonderful company at Nickel Bills. What a truly great start to my days, especially during my many struggles.

I always tried to give new meaning to the word, "Friend." Trying my hardest to be friendly, courteous and hope you took my sharp wit with a smile. Thanks to my many wonderful friends, especially Jake of Havre. I don't know what I would have done living alone my last years without all of your company and enjoyment.

I've had a wonderful life and thank you to all who made it so.

Love, Gene

Bell Mortuary of Glasgow was in charge of arrangements.