Everett Alvin Leitzke

Everett Alvin Leitzke, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Community Hospital. He was born on April 28, 1933, in Lansford, North Dakota, to Alvin and Annie (Smetana) Leitzke. The second of six children, Everett grew up on a wheat farm in Glenburn, North Dakota.

He attended both elementary and high school in Glenburn. Following graduation, Everett served two years in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. After his military service, he studied Education at Minot State Teachers College, where he met and married Marilyn Doughty.

Everett and Marilyn moved to Port Angeles, Washington, to begin their teaching careers. Everett taught high school business classes and also led adult shorthand classes in the evenings. Their daughters, Debie and Shelli, were born during their time in Port Angeles. After two years, the family relocated to Missoula, Montana, where their daughters Lori and Teri were born.

In Missoula, Everett began working at KG Men’s Store. After two years in retail, he transitioned to car sales—a field where he thrived for the next 40 years.

Everett was a longtime member of the Elks Club and served in various leadership roles, eventually becoming Exalted Ruler. His time at the Elks brought him many lasting friendships.

Above all, Everett cherished his family. He took up photography when his daughters were in school and filled albums with photos of their activities, performances, and sports events. He loved spending time with his family—playing catch, attending games, and cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Everett especially loved being on the water. From the time his daughters were young, he could be found behind the wheel of the boat, pulling kids on water skis, inner tubes, and wakeboards at Flathead—always up early to catch the smoothest water. Afterward, he made his famous waffles, a family favorite.

Everett enjoyed golfing and playing cribbage, bridge, and poker with friends and family. He also loved gathering for coffee several mornings a week with a close-knit group of friends—most recently at Cambie’s, where the staff fondly referred to them as “The Renegades.”

Everett was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Leitzke, and his brothers Duane and Larry Leitzke. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn Leitzke; his daughters Debie (Bob) Schmidt, Michelle Leitzke (Andrew Rich), and Teri Leitzke; and his sisters Carolyn Tandberg, Pearl Sauer, and Marilyn Sauer.

His grandchildren also survive him—Eric (Lindsay) Abrams, Jennifer (Gabe) Ford, James Leitzke Rich, and Maya Leitzke Rich—and great-grandchildren Marshall and Rory Abrams, and Korben, Everly, and Axton Ford.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Community Hospital and Trek Homehealth for their warm and compassionate care of Everett over the past four months.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, Missoula.