The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Ernest Israil Bahnmiller, 82, of Big Sandy, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017 of natural causes. A Funeral Service was held Saturday, March 11th, at 2:00 PM, with a Visitation one hour prior, at Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy with burial followed at the Big Sandy Cemetery.

He was born August 25, 1934 in Havre, MT to Martha and Gotthilf Bahnmiller. Ernie grew up in Big Sandy and graduated from high school in 1951. He then began farming full time. In 1952 he went into partnership with his Uncle Fred and his father, purchasing their land in 1957. In 1958 he married his loving wife, Marlys Skunberg and had three children. He continued to farm for many years until his health failed him.

Ernie was an active member of his community, involved with the Big Sandy Soil Conservation District, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, Prairie Marketing Club, and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. Farming was a large part of his life, whether he was working on the farm or sitting back and watching his children and grandchildren farm.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 58 years, Marlys; daughter, Lisa (James) Legan of Great Falls, Bryan Bahnmiller of Fort Worth, TX, Steve (Michelle) Bahnmiller of Big Sandy; sisters, Ann Nimmick and Alice Sutton, both of Great Falls.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Esther Bahnmiller Marten and a baby brother.

Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 381 Montana Ave, Big Sandy, MT 59520, or Big Sandy Medical Center Long-Term Care, 166 Montana Ave, Big Sandy, MT 59520.

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