Ervin W. Brackel

Ervin Wayne Brackel, 84, of Kalispell passed away peacefully on Feb. 22, 2025. He was born on Oct. 1, 1940, in Mott, North Dakota, to William Brackel and Pauline Baesler. He lived a full and active life from beginning to end and touched the lives of many along the way.

Ervin joined the Navy in 1957 and served until 1961 at which time he received an honorable discharge. In 1966, he moved to Montana to raise his family. He built his dream house and shop where he started his successful business; Brackel Automotive. He later ventured into real estate, which kept him busy throughout his adult life. You could always find Ervin working on a rental property or tinkering around in his shop.

Throughout his adult life, Ervin enjoyed deep sea fishing in Alaska and hunting and fishing in Montana. As a family, he went on many camping adventures, visited several National Parks, and took numerous trips to the Oregon Coast. 

Ervin was a kind man who cherished the holidays and getting to spend them surrounded by family. 

Ervin is survived by his doting big sister, Alice Wiedmer, of Mott; his daughter, Marty Van Matre, and her husband, Dave, of Spokane; his son, Raymond Brackel and his wife, Stephanie, of Kalispell; his granddaughter, Lauren; and by his pride and joy, his great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Hayden. He is also survived by his nieces, Myra and Tracy, and all of his Brackel cousins. 

The family is being lovingly cared for by the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

We will miss you, Dad, until we join you in heaven.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.