Edwin Elwin Unger, age 80 and lifelong resident of Wolf Point, MT passed away Monday, July 6, 2009 at Faith Home from complications of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer.
Ed was born April 11, 1929 to Abram and Anna Unger. He lived at home on the family farm until his graduation. While in high school Ed’s football team won the Class B Championship game of 1943. Ed enlisted in the US Navy, repaired aircraft, served four years in Korea and was honorably discharged.
Upon Ed’s return from serving with the US Navy, he met and married Darlene Burnelle Stein. He built a new home where they lived for 43 years and raised a large family together. They were divorced in 1999.
In 2000 Ed met Jeanne Cantrell from Billings, MT and they were married in 2003.
Ed had many years of work experience helping on the family farm, as owner of Ed’s Tire Shop, owner of a pest control business, working for Eddy’s Bakery, raising sheep and working for the US Postal Service for 30 years (10 of those were as supervisor). After his retirement Ed suffered a small stroke but he continued to raise sheep and he worked ten years for the City of Wolf Point. Ed’s health deteriated in recent years because of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and most recently, cancer.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne of Wolf Point; his son Bryce (Julie) Unger of Boyd, MT; four grandchildren, Jordan, Nickolas, Madison and Shaylee Unger all of Boyd, MT; stepchildren (whom he raised from their youngest years as his own): Dianna (Steve) Roy of Williston, ND, Denise Stein of Tennesee, Wayne Stein of Bozeman, MT, Brent Unger (whom they adopted and raised as their own) of Williston, ND; his stepchildren: James Michael Cantrell of Billings, MT, Alex Cantrell of Missoula, MT, Mary Wagner of Laurel, MT and Christopher Cantrell,Victor Cantrell and Russell Cantrell all of Billings, MT; his sister Rose (Hank) Friesen of Wolf Point, MT; brothers Larry (Char) Unger and Vern Unger of Wolf Point, MT; aunts Agnes Baerg and Nellie Baerg of Wolf Point, Ruth Coulter of Columbia, MD and Margret Unrau of Glasgow, MT; uncle Ben Unrau of Glasgow and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Helen, Leatha and Laverra; his stepchildren, Gary Stein and Betty Stein and his ex-wife Darlene Unger.
At Ed’s request cremation has taken place. A Graveside Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2009 at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point officiated by Pastor John Skillman. Friends and family are invited also for fellowship at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Bible Church at 434 Indian Street in Wolf Point, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.