Einar Brosten of Helena, MT passed away peacefully Friday evening November 20, 2020 at the age of 90 with his wife of nearly 67 years at his side.
Einar was born August 6, 1930 in Sidney Montana. He was the youngest of nine children born to Norwegian immigrants Hallgjerd and Arne Brosten. After Einar’s father died suddenly in 1931 his family relocated to a farm in the Lower Flathead Valley.
Following graduation from Flathead High School in Kalispell MT Einar enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country as a staff sergeant. He married Betty Lou Erickson, of Bowman, ND on January 17, 1954. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force and enrolled at Montana State University in Bozeman. He earned a bachelor’s degree (in Agricultural Education ‘58) and later a master’s degree (Public Administration). He began his lifelong career in education teaching Vocational Agricultural classes in Belfry and Hardin high schools. In 1965, Einar and his family moved to Helena when he accepted a position teaching post secondary Agricultural Mechanics at what is now known as Helena College. He served there until he retired in 1988 as the Assistant Director.
Einar was proud of his Norwegian heritage and a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church (ELCA). He instilled in his children the importance of family. He excelled at repairing and maintaining equipment and telling stories with rich detail, vocabulary and humor.
Einar is survived by one sister, Gwen Knudsen, of Mercer Island, WA, his wife, Betty, and their three children Barry (Nancy) Brosten of Helena, Bonnie (Tom) Waters of Portland, OR and Bart (Laura) Brosten of Seattle, WA. He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Claire, Patrick, Allen, Ben, Peter and Rachel, two great grandchildren Quinton and Zavier and 15 nieces and nephews.
A private grave side service will be held at Fort Harrison military cemetery. A memorial service may be held in the future after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to charities of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Kelly Johns says
Such sad news. He was a very kind man who always greeted you warmly. He was such a bright light!
Linda Gaughan says
Barry, Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your lost. Lots of love, prayers and hugs to you.
Kelly Baraby says
Dear Barry and Nancy, sorry to hear of this loss. We all think of you often and as family our hearts go out to you.
Much care and peace,
Kelly Baraby & Brian Smith an all our kids.
Carol Bridge says
It was an honor to see Einar and Betty and be of service to them in the Cancer Treatment Center. Einar alway asked for a gluten free steak and mash potatoes. He was so fun to tease and Betty was her beautiful self. Please take care of yourself Betty. My thougths are with you and your family. Please accept a virtual hug from me. God Bless you.
Carol Bridge, Volunteer in the CTC
Kelley Patzer says
Betty and Family,
Sorry to read of Einar’s passing. I have many great memories of time spent with him. No one could tell a story with the details as he could. He was such a gentle and caring person, and also a very true Christian. I will always appreciate all the time either over a beer in the early years, and our graduation to coffee. I have so many great memories of my time spent with him. We will keep you and family in our prayers. Kelley and Mary
Kathy Schenck says
Betty and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We always loved visiting with him during coffee hours at church long ago. He was always a great help at church volunteering in so many ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Clayton and Kathy Schenck
Sharon Holmquist Peterson says
So sorry for your loss of Einar. He was one of my bosses when I taught practical nursing at the Helena College. He was such a gentle, kind man. He will be missed greatly. My prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Michael Glueckert says
Einarbrosten was a friend and kind to all. He treated all of us hi schoolers very well even in adverse times. He and his family are awesome people. So sorry of all’s loss. Rest in peace!