Myron Vinger

Myron L. Vinger a long time resident of the Gallatin Valley passed away at home in Bozeman, Montana Sunday, April 13 due to a non-smokers lung cancer. Myron was born December 26, 1939 to Olive and Olaf Vinger of Wheelock North Dakota. Olaf was a settler from Norway. Myron was raised on the family farm that was dedicated to raising Myron and 18 other brothers and sisters. Myron lost his dad at the age of thirteen. Myron completed a high school education while serving in the US Army. (Feb. 1958-1960) While in the Army, he would send money home to his mother who was still raising younger brothers and sisters. He returned home and continued to work on the family farm until it was sold. Myron married Doris Flaten of Ray, North Dakota on October 16th, 1965. He was married to his loving wife of 42 years until his death. They referred to each other as best friends and the love of their lives. Together they raised 3 children, Byron, Duane, and Beckie Walters. Myron dedicated his career to excavating. He started excavating work in Big Sky in April of 1972, during the start of the Big Sky Ski Resort. He started his own excavating company in 1977. Myron was proud that throughout his career he owned and operated 7 different backhoes-of which the last one he owned will be used to dig his final resting place. He threatened retirement to himself and others during in last few years until he finally retired in December of 2006. He was very proud of his reputation for being honest, and gifted in his trade. Myron enjoyed traveling with his wife during the winter months. His passion was listening to old time country music, and playing his various instruments. Myron enjoyed entertaining, (like his dad) playing old time fiddle music with family and friends. Myron was a family man. He enjoyed being with family at sporting events (basketball), holidays, fishing and celebration parties. (Did we mention parties!!) As Myron's children, we were proud of our dad. He was a supportive, loving dad. His relationship with his children, grandchildren and wife was always a priority with him. Myron was very giving to all of his children. He also enjoyed his Yorkie, Matt Putter, his dog who spent many hours by his side during his battle with cancer. Myron has been a member of Hope Lutheran Church for years. Myron had his own personal relationship with the Lord. He believed in honesty, hard work, giving to those in need. He always remembered where he came from and was very, very proud of the way he grew up. #8220;Poor Norwegian Farm Family from North Dakota#8221;. He loved to point out the #8220;special lessons#8221; that you learn along the way. Myron is preceded in death by his parents and older brother Clifford Vinger. Myron#8217;s infant grandson Caleb James Vinger son of Duane and Cyndi Vinger. Caleb touched his grandpa#8217;s heart dearly. Half sisters: Inga Stewart, Olga Jordan, Eunice Broomfield, Delores Steen, Mable Lindsey, Ada Greenhalgh. Half brother, Oscar Vinger. Brother in-law, Bob Dietz. Sister in-law, Alice Hermanson. Myron is survived by his wife, Doris Vinger (Flaten). Son Byron and wife Valerie (Wilson). Their children: Jamie (Mike Triebel), Jason, Brandi and grandchildren: Riley and Luke Triebel. Son Duane and wife Cyndi, and their five sons; Nathan, Evan, Seth, Eli and Ezekiel. Daughter, Beckie and husband Ken Walters, their children: Garrett, Cordell and Reeba. Myron is survived by six brothers; Gene Hermanson, Richard and (Doris) Vinger, Orren and (Elaine) Vinger, Larry and (Sandy) Vinger, Dennis and (Barb) Vinger, Russ and (Collie) Vinger. His three sisters: Marlene Dietz, Carol and (Ron) Haug, Gayle and (Lonnie) Malwitz. Half Sister- Lila McKee. Sister in law- Sylvia Vinger. Friends and Family service will be held at the Dahl Funeral Home: 300 Highland Blvd, Bozeman @ 7pm Wednesday 4/16/08. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 7:00, with sharing of memories at 7:00. Family will be present from 5:00pm on. Funeral services will be at Hope Lutheran Church: 210 South Grand Ave, Bozeman @ 10:00AM Thursday 4/17/08. Burial will be held at Salesville Cemetery with a luncheon and celebration of Myron's life to immediately follow the service at the Gateway Community Center. Family Friends are welcome to all or part of the celebration. The family suggests memorials to the Gateway Community Center or the Gateway Ladies Aid, P.O. Box 329, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730.