Kent Gerard Culbertson

Kent Gerard Culbertson

Kent Gerard Culbertson, 57, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, at Benefis Hospital, after suffering a heart attack.

Cremation has taken place, and his memorial Mass will be 11 a. m., Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, with Father Daniel Wathen officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorials in Kent's honor may be made to the local Red Cross.

A fellowship will be held at 15 West immediately after the graveside services. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Kent was born May 22, 1954, in Great Falls, Mont., one of 12 children born to Charles and Margaret Jean Culbertson. He was raised and educated in Great Falls, attending St. Gerard's and graduating from Great Falls Central Catholic High School in 1972. He then attended Northern Montana College, where he studied in the diesel program. He married and had three children Amanda, Christina and Heidie.

Kent enjoyed working on machinery. He was employed by Ron Harmon at Big Equipment and had been working around the operation for 20 years. He enjoyed bowling, playing softball and hanging out with his friends at 15 West. Kent was a blood donor throughout his life, giving blood 119 times. His final donated gift was Thursday, Nov. 17, when his family donated tissue after his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his daughter, Christina Culbertson in March 2001.

Kent is survived by his children, daughters, Amanda Frickel and Heidie Culbertson, both of Havre, Mont. ; and two grandsons: Andrew and Elijah Frickel; his 11 siblings, Alice Klundt of Great Falls, Mont., Ellen Bronson of Colorado Springs, Colo., Nancy Betz of Great Falls, Mont., Charlene Suckow of Great Falls, Mont., Frank Culbertson of Boise, Idaho, Martha Handwerk of Great Falls, Mont., Mary Licht of Spring Creek, Nev., Susan Gregori of Billings, Mont., David Culbertson of Absarokee, Mont., and Bill and Paul Culbertson of Great Falls, Mont.