Melvin M Wartenbee

MISSOULA ~ Melvin M. Wartenbee, 87, of Missoula, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2023 at his home with his daughters by his side.  He died of a broken heart.

Born April 8, 1936 in Marvin, SD to Ernest and Edna (Christensen) Wartenbee, he was the third of four children.  He was the only son.

He married Frances Hoerner on September 7, 1963 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  The couple lived in Milltown until 2016 when they moved into Missoula to be closer to their daughters.

Melvin enjoyed hunting with his boys, fishing, playing card games, working on the houses, helping Frances in the yards and having a beer or two with his daughters.  His number one goal was making Frances happy.

He retired from the Stimson Lumber.

Melvin was a loving husband, father, grandpa and recently great-grandpa.  He was loved by everyone.

Survivors include one son, Gerald Burch of Butte; two daughters, Edna (Brian) Kallis and Sara (Kevin) Basolo, both of Missoula twelve grandchildren, David (Jenny) Burch, Elise (Ed) Beach, Jerry, Desiree, Chanel, Christopher, Shawn (Alisa), Joe (Wyntr), Katelynn (Kellen), Cody, Jamie (Wesley) and Brent (Kenna); eleven great-grandchildren with another due to be born in December; one great-granddaughter, whom he never got to meet; one sister, Beverly (Earle) Young and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

Melvin was preceded in death by the love of his life for 60 years, Frances Wartenbee; one son, Michael Burch; twin grandbabies; his parents and two sisters, Shirley (John) Dukowitz and Gladys Pomrenkee.

The family would like to send a special “THANK YOU” to Dr. Jons and Dr. Furlong at Pallative Care Service, Providence, the nurses who got to know and care for him, Hospice and Life Leisure Home Care.

A combined memorial service for Melvin and Frances will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.

To express condolences online, visit www.sunsetfuneralhomecemetery.com