Robert E. Powell 81, of Libby

Robert E. "Bob" Powell passed away on Feb. 3, 2012, at St. John's Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

He was born on March 18, 1930, in Elmdale, Montana, a rural community near Lambert, Mont., the third son born to Roy and Grace Nees Powell.

The Powell family resided on the farm until 1936 when they moved to Whitefish. Bob attended eight grades of school in Whitefish.

In 1944, the family moved to a farm south of Kalispell. Bob attended Flathead County High School, graduating with the class of 1948. He enjoyed and participated in all sports while in school.

After Bob's graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving both on active duty and in the Army Reserves.

On Nov. 1, 1952, Bob married Carol Andersen. They were married for 46 years, until her death in 1998. Three daughters were born of that union: Wendy, Kerry and Dina.

In 1952, Bob went to work for the J. Neils Lumber Co. at Libby. He worked at common labor jobs until 1953 when he went to the Rexford Logging Camp as the timekeeper. He returned to Libby with J. Neils, working as an Administrative Assistant, Logging Superintendent, and then becoming Logging Manager for the St. Regis Corp.

He retired from Champion International Corp. in 1988.

Bob was a lifelong Lutheran in faith, and served as an officer and committee member at both St. John Lutheran and Christ Lutheran Churches. His other volunteer activities included serving as a 25-year member of the company fire brigade, many years on St. John's Lutheran Hospital Foundation, the City of Libby Board of Adjustments, and he was a Past President of the Intermountain Logging Conference.

On May 6, 2000, Bob married Joyce Paliga and gained an additional family - Mitch Paliga and Shannon Snyder, and Lou and Lori Landino.

Bob and Joyce were longtime members and regularly worshiped together at Christ Lutheran Church. Bob and Joyce enjoyed their lives together, especially the trips they were able to make, both long and short. Bob started playing golf after his retirement from Champion, and he and Joyce enjoyed playing together immensely.

Bob shared a love of the New York Yankees with his brother Don and his grandsons Cory and Steven.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Don Powell and Dale Powell; his sisters LaVetta Pedersen and Hilda Powell; his first wife Carol Powell; and his daughter, Kerry. Bob's family would like to thank Dr. Cuskelly and the staff at both St. John's Lutheran Hospital and Libby Care Center for the wonderful care they gave Bob.

Their care and concern during the last months of Bob's life are gratefully acknowledged.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Paliga Powell of Libby; daughters Wendy Powell of Kalispell and Dina Larsen (Steve) of Aurora, Colo.; stepchildren Mitch Paliga (Shannon Snyder) of Berwyn, Ill., and Lori Landino (Lou) of West Seattle, Wash.; grandsons Cory (Katie) Parker of Pasco, Wash., and Steven (Amber) Larsen of Ft. Stewart, Ga.; and great-grandchildren Peyton Parker and Christian, Isabella and Oliver Larsen.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby.

Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or St. John's Lutheran Hospital.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby.