Eugene Lloyd Kaltenbach woke “in the arms of Jesus, to leave the sorrows of the world behind, and exchanged it for the lights and joy of heaven… where he’ll gaze on his Savior’s precious face!”, on Oct 14, 2021, in his home in East Helena at 96 years of age.
Recently he had quoted words from the song “Jesus Paid it All” stating he was looking forward to seeing his Savior, and then his wife! Praise the Lord for the finished work on the cross, providing for Gene to now enjoy the presence of his Savior and Bessie. Gene and Bessie had asked Christ into their hearts after a revival service Nov. 15, 1955. With several other core families, Gene and Bessie helped start Emmanuel Baptist Church in Great Falls, and later Victory Baptist church in Helena, MT. His desire was that others would know the marvelous gift of salvation and the joy of walking with the Lord, through the struggles of a sinful nature to experience God’s forgiveness and mercy, which are new every day, Lamentation 3:22.
Gene was born July 4,1925 in Murdo, South Dakota to Phil W. Kaltenbach and Mary (Sorenson) Kaltenbach, the first of seven children raised in Long Valley SD. Gene served in the 339th Field artillery battalion in the European theater in Italy.
On July 5, 1953 Gene married Bessie Mergenthaler in Helena, MT. Gene and Bessie made their home in Great Falls raising their two children, Mark and Darla. Gene enjoyed camping and fishing with his family, and hunting with Mark, brother-in-law’s and nephews. Gene enjoyed metal and woodworking, making usable thirds scale howitzer cannons, and gardening. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church and enjoyed the deep study of God’s word at each service with Pastor Johnson.
Survivors include his son, Mark Kaltenbach and wife Paula of Helena; Darla Kaltenbach of East Helena; three grandchildren, Joshua Kaltenbach and wife Aimee of Marietta, Georgia; Danielle (Danee) Kaltenbach of Lewistown; Joryn Kaltenbach of Helena, MT; one brother Ed Kaltenbach and Marcia of Worthing SD; two sisters Betty Berry of Kadoka SD; Judith Nelson and husband Kenny of Lake Andes, SD; sisters-in-law Hope Kaltenbach of Sioux Falls, SD, and Betty Jane Kaltenbach (Ken) of Beresford, SD, and many nieces and nephews – thanks again to those who came with Mike and David Mergenthaler and Kerry and Sean Logan and sang to him on his 96th birthday, you made his day, no! the whole week!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Mary Kaltenbach, His wife Bessie, brothers Don, Ken, Bob and sister-in law Liz Kaltenbach and brother-in-law Claude Allen Berry.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Victory Baptist Church, 8169 Avocet Dr., Helena, 59602. Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison.
Sue and Duane Jackson says
Mark and Paula Kaltenbach: Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. Your neighbors, Sue and Duane Jackson
Karol Kaltenbach West says
Darla, Mark and family so sorry to hear of Uncle Genes passing. I sure it was a great reunion in heaven. I gave many fond memories of your family at Grandpa and Grandma’s house over the years. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We can rejoice that the brothers are reunited in heaven with their parents. Karol Kaltenbach West
Kathleen Hamill says
Darla, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s death. I remember you telling me about him and know you took such good care of him. You are in my prayers.
Sally Nyland says
To the Kaltenbach Family,
Please accept my condolences in the passing of Gene and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I live across the street from Gene and you could not ask for a nicer neighbor. Gene was a gentleman and was always looking out for me. I will miss our visits and the stories that Gene would tell about what life was like when he was growing up, but I know in my heart that Gene missed Bessie and it was time for him to be reunited with his soul mate. RIP my friend.
Patrick J Dailey says
To the Kaltenbach Family
I’m sorry to read of Gene’s passing. I served my electrical apprenticeship at Goggans & Pennie. Gene was among the very best Journeyman I worked for. His teachings have stayed with me not only during my career but every day.
I left G&P in 1982 and Montana in 1989. I always hoped I’d
get to visit with Gene again and share stories of our families. I just wanted to share with you all what a positive effect Gene had on my life. Love to you all.
Pat Dailey