Anton Hegel

June 26, 1919-March 20, 2006

Tony was taken by the Good Lord after a short illness in Phoenix, Ariz., with all his family at his bedside.

He was born at Glen Ullin, N.D., to Kaspar and Elizabeth Hegal, their first born. Tony left the farm at a young age and joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). He worked at different cities in North Dakota, Valley City, and Garrison Dam, and also the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington. He had his heart set in heavy equipment.

Tony married Olga Halverson in 1940 and Terry was born to them. At this time, Tony ran a filling station in Kennewick, Wash. Olga died from kidney failure.

He then moved to California and joined the Operating Engineers Local #3 in 1946 and received his 50-year honor in 1996. He operated heavy equipment mostly in the California area.

Tony married Marie Wise and had Debra to fulfill a package family along with Terry. Suzan was then born into this great family.

Tony enjoyed life to the fullest, always keeping himself busy. He loved traveling throughout the country, seeking out family members.

He and Martha Bahm were married August 1990 and were companions, soulmates and wonderful fans of accordion music. They followed and danced at all the accordion jam sessions, enjoying themselves and their friends. All the family and friends will greatly miss his laughter, humor and knowledge.

This year they were "snow birding" in Arizona and Tony made his last flight.

Also he made a flight on an "Ultra Lite Aircraft" at age 87 to add to the many adventures he loved to take.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Louis, Marten, Matt and John.

Surviving are his wife, Martha; son Terry and wife Peggy of Modesto, Calif.; daughters Debra Pence of Alameda, Calif. and Suzan Scardino, Alameda, Calif; stepdaughter Linda Marlene Heth and husband Dennis, Bonner; two step-grandsons; three step-great-grandchildren; granddaughter Tracy Hegel and two great-granddaughters; sister Clementine Mills of Anderson, Calif., and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, April 18, at Immaculate Conception Church, Polson, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Almont, N.D., at a later date.