Obituary from the Hungry Horse News


Kenneth David Birnel

At the age of 66, our beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend died at home, peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 19, 2006. Ken was born in Hamilton on July 4, 1939, the son of Malcolm W. and Ellen C. (Rogers) Birnel. Ken served in the Naval Seabees and the U.S. Army, receiving his discharge in 1962.

After his military enlistment, he moved to Martin City with his wife Barbara (Ellison) and raised their 5 children.

Ken was a member of The Union of Operations Engineers Local 400 for 33 years; served as Chief of the Martin City Volunteer Fire Department; a member of the School Board in the Columbia Falls School District; served as Deputy Sheriff in Ravalli County.

He was an outdoorsman that acted as a professional hunting guide and he loved the family fishing and camping trips. Gardening, carpentry, logging, mechanics, cooking and canning were his other passions. He was preceded in death by his parents Malcolm and Ellen; brothers Bruce M. and Forrest D. Birnel.

Ken leaves behind his siblings: Mary Jane Mansfield of Montana, Anna N. Brown of Arizona, Robert E. Birnel of Arkansas(corrected: Alaska), Shirley E. Ferguson of Minnesota; children: Kathy C. (Leonard Jr.) Dailey, Rebecca J. West, Wendy L (Scott) Cyrus, Kenneth D. (Kathy) Birnel, Jr. all of Montana, JoAnn E. (Leonard) Seurer of Arkansas(corrected: Alaska), ; grandchildren: Jennifer and Erin Dailey, Thomas and Michael West, Jessica, Joshua, and Kevin Cyrus, Jill Birnel, Christina and Linda Seurer; several step-children, step-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Family meant everything to Dad - he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Keep your eagles eye on us you “little firecracker."

A memorial service for Ken was held Saturday, March 25, at Dahl Funeral Chapel.

Memorials may be made in loving memory of Ken Birnel, Western Security Bank, PO Box 20637, Billings, MT 59104-0637.