Gary Schwartzenberger

Garold “Gary” Schwartzenberger, 77, of Columbia Falls, Montana, passed away peacefully February 1, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He was born in Napoleon, North Dakota to Veronica and Celestinus Schwartzenberger on June 10, 1945. Gary grew up in Butte, Montana with his 4 brothers and 4 sisters.
At age 12, Gary started working for Doc Bartoletti in his dental office and remained in that profession for his entire career. After graduating from Butte Central, he continued his education by attending the Montana School of Mines in Butte and even drove almost daily to Carroll College in Helena to satisfy medical education requirements. In 1970, Gary earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in Saint Louis, Missouri which allowed him to start his own dental practice in Montana. From his practice of nearly 40 years, Gary proudly served the Montana communities of Conrad, Great Falls, and Kalispell.
In 1971, Gary met his wife, Karen Buffington, at his dental office in Great Falls, Montana. Gary and Karen went on to have 4 children, Scott, Gregory, Danielle and Joshua.
Gary loved the outdoors and his favorite place was his mountain cabin. Located near Glacier National Park, his cabin fed his passion for cross country skiing, hunting, and fishing. He also owned a ranch in Sand Coulee, Montana, where he drove his tractors for hours and raised several horses which he had been wanting since childhood. He lived life to its fullest, having seen all his children grow up and was a proud grandpa to 5 grandchildren.
Gary was predeceased by his wife Karen, both parents, and several siblings. He is survived by his children Scott Schwartzenberger, Greg (Maria) Schwartzenberger, Danielle (Brett) Coval, and Josh (Amy) Schwartzenberger, 5 grandsons (Andrew, Nicholas, Denny, Eli and Benjamin), and his sisters Brenda Conroy and Mary Lou Schwartzenberger.
Per Gary’s request, his ashes will be spread at his favorite hiking spot close to his cabin once weather permits.

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