Louis L Kalberg died Aug. 25 at his home in Helena, after a long struggle with COPD. He was 68.
Lou, as he was known to his many friends, was born in Harlowton on Dec. 13, 1954, the son of Louis and Edith (Pearl) Kalberg. He grew up in Harlowton and attended local schools, graduating from Harlowton High School in 1973. Lou excelled on Harlowton’s high school golf team, beginning his life-long love of the game, which included tournament victories, local League championships and golfing road trips throughout Montana and even into Canada, providing a lifetime of memories for himself and his fellow traveling golfers.
He attended Oregon State University for two years then attained his auto mechanic certificate from the VoTech in 1978. Lou was known as a man of many mechanical talents, who could help friends fix almost anything on their vehicles, or lend a tool, or provide timely advice to solve a household problem. The phrases “he had a heart of gold” and “would give the shirt off his back” have often been used in reference to Lou.
Lou returned to college at the University of Montana, earning his bachelor’s degree in business in 1987.
During his lifetime, Lou worked many jobs in Helena, including customer service for Montana Power Co., circulation manager for the Great Falls Tribune, Marketing for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, golf-course maintenance at Bill Roberts Golf Course and delivery agent for Big Spring Water.
He retired from Big Spring Water in the early 2000s to help care for his aging father.
Lou was an avid outdoorsman, spending many hours, days and weeks traveling the backroads of Montana to fish, hunt, and golf. He loved spending time with his friends, both on the road and at home in Helena, discussing the latest development in politics, sports, history, the media, music, or a seemingly bottomless well of subjects about which he had read or studied.
He is survived by his sisters Carol Bonner and Colleen Caulkins (Craig) as well as their daughters, Tamara Jackson (Greg, Caitlin and Nick, Carrick), Carrie Caulkins Mier (Lawrence, Aedan) and Candace Caulkins Riviello (Eric, Brooklyn). Louis was the best crazy uncle to so many, we cannot hope to include everyone who should be named. He loved fully and deeply, and if you have felt that from him, know that we hold you in our hearts as well. He always had a story and a joke to tell, closed with a wink and a smile.
Lou chose to be cremated and there will be a wake held at Muni’s at Bill Roberts Golf Course on Friday, September 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donate in his memory to the American Lung Association or your local Humane Society.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday September 1, 2023
Munis at Bill Robert's Golf Course
2201 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday September 1, 2023
Munis at Bill Robert's Golf Course
2201 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Jeff Meyer says
Met Lou in Missoula back in the late seventies when I came out from Seattle. He was the first true Montanan I’d met. We ended up both living in Helena for the last 40+ years and were even
roommates for a time. Back then we spent time playing racquetball, frisbee golf, hacky sack (we called him the golden toe) and motorcycling. Over the years we watched a lot of sports, especially the Seattle Seahawks and the PGA tour. Sorry his past few years weren’t as active. He definitely missed not being able to get out and enjoy Montana, the State he loved.
Tom Naegele says
Sweet Lou was one of a kind and a fine golf Gentleman. Always a smile to greet anyone he met and just One Fun Guy. Tee it up high Lou, as you will be missed and we will see on the next Tee Box.
Becky Fleming-Siebenaler says
Louie was a good friend to Joe and me. Lots of memories. Rest in Love Lou. Thanks for all the laughs. You are missed already!
~ Becky and Joe Siebenaler
Brad and Julie Berg says
Lou played trombone in the high school band I was part of..he was an upper class man and we looked up to him. Always had a funny thing to say. We are sorry to hear of this loss.
Mike Dennison says
I met Lou in 1978 at UM in Missoula, but didn’t really get to know him until later in Helena. I vividly remember the first time I played golf with Lou, at Bill Roberts, in 1980. He teed it up on the 10th hole (where we started) with his old wooden 3-wood and drilled it about 290 yards, directly at the green. I don’t think I’d ever seen anyone hit a golf ball that far before. From there on, Lou and I played hundreds of rounds of golf together, including numerous golfing road trips through western Montana and a week-long camping/golf trip through the Canadian Rockies, where we played Banff, Jasper, Kananaskis and other courses when few people knew about them. He was a great friend in many ways, and always fun to spend time with, no matter what the task or pastime. Mark Schneckloth and I were out golfing a few years ago, after Lou couldn’t play anymore, because of COPD. We were talking about how lucky we were to still be out together, but Mark then turned to me and said: “But, it’s just not the same without Lou.” No, it wasn’t. We missed him then and we’ll miss him now.
Marcy McMullan says
I grew up in Harlowton with the Kalberg Family. Lou will always be “LL” to me. I am very grateful for the visits with him in recent years. Peace dear Lou.
Lynda Reisbeck says
I haven’t seen Louie in a number of years, but will always remember his jokes, stories and of course his wonderful smile and WINK. He always kept me laughing!! What a delight!!! You will be missed Louie!
Paul Painter says
Nothing like the main street Kalbergs in Harlowton. Remember the Grandparents and especially have memories of Louie Sr and Pearl. My parents were good friends of all and I remember you guys growing up. The Toggery was one of a kind! My thoughts are with you all…