Kenneth Fuhrman

Kenneth Fuhrman, 83, passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Mont.

He was born to Peter K. and Paulina (Miller) Fuhrman on August 24, 1930, in Glasgow and was the ninth of 10 children. He was raised on the family farm during the summers and in Glasgow during the winters. As with many farm boys, he learned to drive when he was very young, obtaining his driver's license at 13 years old so he could drive grain trucks to and from town.

He attended high school in Glasgow, graduating in 1948. While in high school, a beautiful and sweet-hearted young lady captivated Ken's eyes and his heart. Shirley Engstrom became the love of his life, and the high school sweethearts were married on Dec. 4, 1949, at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow. They settled in the Larslan area after their marriage, where they capably raised their five children, and farmed and ranched until their retirement. His children were always his main priority and farming was second nature.

When he climbed onto the combine in the fall of the year, it was always evident he was in his favorite place. He was also a natural at working with cattle, maybe because of his extremely patient temperament. Throughout his life, he experienced a variety of health challenges, most notably lupus. Each challenge was faced with courage, perseverance, a sense of humor, with Shirley always by his side.

He was an exceptional father and grandfather, and his first and foremost priority was always his family. Though a hard-working man, he was never too busy to listen, lend a hand, provide a word of encouragement, visit, play a game of cribbage or smear, or watch a few cartoons with his children or grandchildren.

His brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends were an integral and important part of his life. He was a humble, compassionate, respectful, caring, generous, honest, trustworthy and selfless man. His family was blessed to have him in their lives for so many years and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Lenore; and five brothers, Walter, Clarence, Melvin, Earl and Jim.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; four sons, Greg Fuhrman and his wife, Debi, of Larslan, Kevin Fuhrman and his wife, Joan, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Brent Fuhrman of Hayward, Calif., and Paul Fuhrman and his wife, Shari, of Idaho Falls; one daughter, Darcie Martinson, and her husband, Steve, of Idaho Falls; three sisters, Ruth Gilbertson, Phyllis Campbell and Barbara Bales; 10 grandchildren, Marcea Soper, Jerod Fuhrman, Robert Martinson, Leah Fuhrman, Amanda Jenson, Wayne Fuhrman, Kendra Martinson, Kaitlin Fuhrman, Clint Fuhrman and Laurel Fuhrman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation was held with family and friends on Monday evening, April 28, at 7 p.m. at the Bell Mortuary in Glasgow. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at the Glasgow First Lutheran Church with Pastor Scott Hedegaard officiating, followed by a reception.

Bell Mortuary of Glasgow was in charge of arrangements.