Obituaries

Charles L. Welch, 65, of Libby

Charles L. Welch Jr., 65, a longtime Libby resident, passed away at his home on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018. He was born July 26, 1953 in Deadwood, SD to Charles M., Sr. and Verna (Frye) Welch. At the age of three, his family moved to Libby. Growing up in Libby, Chuck enjoyed everything the outdoors had to offer; including making many horseback trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.       Chuck was a certified mechanic and for many years, working on and restoring Fords which was his passion and his trade. He loved spending time with his family and attending family gatherings. Some of the hobbies he enjoyed included collecting old treasures, watching western movies, listening to country music and wood working. His kind heart and sense of humor will be missed by all who loved him. Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Charles M. Welch, Sr. and his brother, Robert (Bob) Welch.

Survivors include his mother, Verna Welch of Libby; children Derek Welch and Shannon Welch both of Sterling, Colo.; Tori Welch of Leesville, La.; stepdaughter Nikki Cress of Leesville, La.; grandchildren Maddix, Caidance, Annhaleina and Angel; sisters Peggy Tong (Larry) of Libby; Jeanne Lohof of Kalispell; and nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service for Chuck was held at 11 a.m. Sept. 28, 2018 at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home Chapel in Libby.  Online memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnack enbergfh.com.

Louie Delbert O’Brien, 86, of Libby

Louie Delbert O’Brien, 86, of Libby, Mont. passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, at his home of natural causes. He was born January 30, 1932 in Eureka, Mont. to Lorenzo Dow and Blanche (Baillargon) O’Brien. He attended school at Lincoln County High School until he graduated in 1951.

Louie was drafted into the United States Army in Feb.  1953 where he drove truck for the Service Co. 18th Infantry Regiment in Germany until Feb. 1955, where he was given a National Defense Service Medal/Army of Occupation Medal. He then returned to Eureka, Mont. and continued his employment with the J. Neils Lumber Company in Eureka. Upon his return, he met the love of his life Beverly Jean (Bernhard) O’Brien and married her on Dec. 3, 1955. They had three children when they lived in camp in Rexford, Mont. In 1962, Louie and his family decided to move to Libby where he could have stable employment for J. Neils in the mill throughout the winter months. When they got to Libby they bought their first house, and had their fourth child. He worked in the woods department mostly, but he was a man of all trades working in various positions, from being out in the woods, plywood plant, greenchain, and his biggest passion driving truck. He became President of the Local Lumber and Sawmill Union in the 70’s until the early 90’s. He got a medical retirement in

  1. Louie loved spending time and traveling with his family, going to California to visit one of his children, and being able to go out camping, hunting, and fishing.

Louie loved being a husband and a parent, and loved all of his grandchildren RJ, Cory, Kyle, Evan, Lee, Justin, and Christina, and his numerous great grandchildren greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lorenzo and Blanche O’Brien, his brothers Fred, Frank, and Richard O’Brien, and his sister Leona Benefield.

Survivors by his brother Leo (Shirley) O’Brien of Kalispell; wife Beverly O’Brien of Libby; and his children Belinda (Ronald) Masters of Libby;  Victoria O’Brien of Libby, Leslie (Tina) O’Brien of Ventura, Calif.; Kelly (Rhonda) O’Brien of Libby; seven Grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Services were at 2 p.m., Sept. 29 at the Baptist Church in Libby. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Veteran’s Administration or the VFW would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com

Service Notice for John F. Sauer

John F. Sauer, 80, died on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018 graveside, at the City of Libby Cemetery. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.