Glenn Aarstad, 78, of Libby

Glenn Aarstad, 78, passed from this life peacefully on March 6, 2014.  

Glenn was born in Wyola, on Jan. 23, 1936, to Daniel Jacobson Aarstad and Della Bea Mildred (Shibley) Aarstad.  They were a big family with nine boys and two girls.  

He attended public school in Wyola where he graduated from the eighth grade.  After that he went to work as a ranch-hand and working cowboy in south central Montana and north central Wyoming.  

In 1958, he met Merrilla Smee of Dayton, Wyo., and informed all who would listen to him that he intended to marry her some day. It would be a year before he could make good on the statement but on April 4, 1959, he was joined in marriage with Merrilla in the home of a family friend in Sheridan, Wyo.  

Glenn and Merrilla had four children between 1960 and 1963; Francis “Frank” Daniel, Glenna Mae, Della Florence and Richard Ray.  

In the hopes of providing a better living for his family, Glenn and Merrilla moved to Libby in 1966. Glenn told Merrilla they would stay only if the fishing was good.  In 48 years, he never once considered moving.

He went to work for the St. Regis Paper Co. in 1966 as a choker-setter on a skid-cat. Two months later, he broke his ankle while on the job but it did not deter him as he embraced the life of a professional logger.  Glenn worked as an equipment operator in the woods department for the company before finding his true calling as a log-truck driver.  

The years following were filled with weddings and the births of his grandchildren as well as lots of fishing trips. Glenn loved to go boat fishing with Dick Peltier and Ray Jellesed.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Glenna Mae; parents, Dan and Della; sisters, Maud Dodge and Alice Jones; brothers, Henry, Clarence, Gene, Dick, Billy and Delbert.  

He is survived by his wife, Merrilla of Libby; daughter, Della (Rod) Brossman of Libby, sons, Frank Aarstad of Libby and Richard (Kim) Aarstad of Helena. Grandchildren, Rick Shaver of Spokane, Wash., Amanda (Brian) Barnes of Libby and Duncan Johnson.  

Surviving great-grandchildren include Chesnie Diane Shaver, Emmah Jo Barnes and Braydun Mitchell Barnes; brothers, Bud Aarstad of John Day, Ore., and Earl Aarstad of Hereford, Texas.

The family received visitors in the Fireside Room of the Venture Motor Inn on Thursday, March 13.  

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made in Glenn’s name to Wings, c/o First Montana Bank, Box 1550, Libby, Mont., 59923.  

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory of Libby.