Ivan 'Bernie' Enger

Ivan “Bernie” Enger, 91, passed away Oct. 11, 2017 at his home in Libby. He was born Oct. 3, 1926 in Watford City, North Dakota to Frank and Blanche (Hallan) Enger. They lived in North Dakota until he was a young man. They moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho where he graduated high school in 1944. That spring he joined the Navy where he was a combat gunner.

Bernie lived in Kalispell when he was discharged where he met and married Betty Burk in 1947. He always said it was the luckiest day of his life because he got to meet all the Burks, Graves and Presnells. He loved them all dearly. Although he and Betty later divorced, when he moved back to Libby in later years they were good friends until her death in 2011.

Bernie was a truck driver, logger and surveyor over the years. He worked for his brothers-in-law Frank Graves and Gib Burk for several years. He worked at Columbia Falls Aluminum plant, on several dams including Libby Dam, and on the Alaska Pipeline in Valdez. He retired from the Washington State Department of Transportation when he was 70. He moved back to Libby in 1998 to be close to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Blanche and younger sister Darlene.

Survivors include his brothers Dale of Billings and Duane of Kalispell; many nieces and nephews; especially dear to him were Jan and Roy Corneliuson, Roger and Arleta Presnell and Joani and Denny Young. He also leaves behind daughter Julie and adored son-in-law Doug Drake (his fishing buddy); treasured beyond words grandchildren Chelsea Drake of Libby and Emily and James Magone of San Antonio, Texas; extra-special “extra” granddaughter Danielle Maiden of Kalispell; and many, many friends who will all miss him dearly.

There will be no services at Bernie’s request. Spreading of his ashes and a memorial will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.