Dennis Mangold

Dennis (“Denny”) Leon Mangold peacefully passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020, in Kalispell.

Denny was born in Choteau on July 7, 1953, to Leon and LaVerne (Takala) Mangold. His childhood was spent in Great Falls, where he attended CM Russell High School and played basketball. He loved fishing, hiking, raising Labradors and hunting. He spent much of his early years at the family farm near Fairfield and the cabin in Sun River Canyon. He loved to share stories about the massive bull elk he shot (just shy of entry into the Boone and Crockett Club) and the countless rainbow and brown trout that he caught. He even managed to summit Castle Reef Mountain, quite a feat.

After graduating high school, Denny married Debbie Eccleston in 1976 and had a daughter, Brooke, and son, Shane, who were the apples of his eyes. They spent many years in the Flathead Valley, sharing the love of the outdoors and taking rides through Glacier National Park. Denny worked at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company for 28 years before it closed, after which he furthered his education by attending classes at Flathead Valley Community College. Denny retired in 2015 to fill his days with life and laughter.

Denny’s great passions in life were his kids, traveling, and music. He took many trips across the country, and some of his fondest memories were his trips to Washington State, Utah, Colorado, California, Michigan and Alaska. His other great passion was music, especially attending concerts. Just name the band, and he probably saw them.

His last years were spent in Kalispell with his partner Ginger Nadeau, where they spent many wonderful years in retirement surrounded by extended family, which included many children and grandchildren.

Denny is survived by his daughter Brooke Mangold of Missoula; son Shane Mangold of Midland, Michigan; mother LaVerne of Billings, formerly of Great Falls; and sisters Marla (Doug) Embody of Great Falls; Lori Anne Mangold (Mike) Bushly of Great Falls; and Shelley (Bob) Oksness of Billings. He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Mangold. He will also be missed by countless nieces, nephews, cousins and childhood friends, of which many of their lives he touched so dearly.

Denny will be remembered for his generous spirit and sense of humor. He was a beloved and true friend to all. Peace and Love, Dad.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in honor of Denny be made to Brooke or Shane Mangold, PO Box 3016, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 or the charity of your choice. A celebration of his life is forthcoming later in the summer.