Charles “Chuck” A. Mergenthaler, age 81, of Helena

Charles “Chuck” A. Mergenthaler 81, was born to Art and Katie Mergenthaler on April 11, 1938 and passed away Tuesday June 4^th of complications from cancer treatment.  He fought a courageous battle. He has finally been set free of his suffering. For that we are thankful.

He started working right out of high school for his dad at Mergenthaler Transfer and Storage. After the passing of his father Art, he became part owner of the company until retiring at the young age of 53.  He felt displaced after retiring, but soon went full bore into his many hobbies which kept him busy in a new and enjoyable direction. He also fulfilled his patriotic duty as a member of the Montana National Guard for 5 years.

Chuck was well respected in the community.  He was always willing to give a helping hand or advice to a fellow car enthusiast. He was happiest while working in the garage on his many projects.  Countless hours were spent tinkering, no matter what the weather was like.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Dolores “Toots” (Hildenstab) Mergenthaler.   Son, Ken Mergenthaler and daughter, Teresa (Dave) Sturm.   Sisters; Donna (Mel) Schuland and Sherrie Mergenthaler.  Brothers; Jerry (Pam), Jay (Shelia), and Bob (Gay) Mergenthaler.  Also surviving him are brother and sister in law’s; Patty (Bob) Vonada, John (Deanna) Hildenstab, Lenore Hildenstab and Joyce Mezzano.  Grandchildren; Aimee (Brandon) Hossfeld, Danielle (Tyler) Tobol, Shane Biltoft (Kayla Kirk), Levi Brown and several great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; Art and Katie Mergenthaler and brother, Frank (Maxine) Craig, mother and father in law’s; Louise (Larry Finstad) and Joe Hildenstab.  Also, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was given a lot of help from his best friend Ed Sutheimer with his car projects and Chuck returned the favor.  He especially enjoyed his nephew Jason (Jake) Mergenthaler because they shared the same interests.

Chuck was always willing to help out his children and grandchildren especially when they purchased a new home. He would provide and plant flowers, trees and shrubs.  He was also good for a free oil change for the grandchildren at any time.

Chuck bought a 1959 Ford Convertible like one he owned in 1959 and sold.  One day Toots said, “You ought to fix that old car up”.  She is still kicking herself for saying that, as that started the whole chain of events that led up to building a garage to store them all. Then when it filled up he had to start renting space to store the excess vehicles in.

He enjoyed gardening, planting and watching his flower and vegetable gardens grow, much more than weeding them. Traveling around Montana looking for treasures. Camping, fishing and spending time with family. He loved going up to the family cabin at North Deadman Creek.  Riding his motorcycle up to the stream seeking out his favorite fishing holes.  The fish always had to come back to Toots, cleaned and beheaded before she would cook them.

He loved listening to country music, especially Don Williams and The Statler Brothers.  He believed in God but never attended church services.  Loved most all animals especially his last dog Ladd.  He enjoyed bird watching, collecting and restoring old cars, toys, bicycles, antiques and searching for gas station memorabilia. He entered his restored cars and trucks in many car shows winning several trophies.  He had more restored cars/trucks than people that he allowed to drive them to car shows.   He loved watching football and basketball.  Many times if you walked by the house, you would hear him cheering on or yelling at his team during the game.  Mom would occasionally have to shut the front door so the neighbors wouldn’t hear him. Up until the time of his death he would not miss an NBA Finals Basketball game.

We love you; we miss you, and we will never forget you.

A memorial service will take place 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. A burial will follow the reception at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Helena. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to read the full obituary and to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Chuck.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

1:00 p.m.

Tuesday June 11, 2019

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the memorial service

Tuesday June 11, 2019

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial

Following the Reception

Tuesday June 11, 2019

Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery

Helena, Montana

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