Bruce Lee Jungnitsch

Bruce Lee Jungnitsch worked hard and played harder. He left this world on Jan. 8 at the age of 53, snowmobiling with his best friends and enjoying life to the fullest.

Bruce was born in Saginaw, Mich., on Feb. 13, 1957 to Bill and Jane Jungnitsch. From his father he learned his trade as a carpenter in addition to his life-long passion for snowmobiling. He grew up in a close-knit family who spent many weekends water-skiing and snowmobiling at their cabin on Houghton Lake.

After graduation from high school, he married his friend and life-long love Penny Simons on May 6, 1978. They enjoyed 32 years of marriage. Side-by-side they ran a construction business and raised two sons, Luke and Aaron, of whom he was extremely proud.

In 1992 they decided to realize their dream of living in the mountains and left Michigan for the forests, lakes, and peaks of northwest Montana. During his 18 years in Montana, Bruce enjoyed crafting homes and fulfilling his love for the outdoors. He skimmed across Hungry Horse Reservoir on one ski to show the young guys “how it’s done.” He cruised the roads of Glacier Park on his Harley to cool off after a long day of work. He hunted the elusive monster mule deer every fall to win the big buck contest. Astride his snowmobile, he led his friends into the mountains to ride the slopes and look down from the ridges onto the world below. As a true family man, Bruce enjoyed many of these activities right along with his wife and sons.

Many of Bruce’s customers became close friends. He had a well-deserved reputation for his skills, honesty, and work ethic that earned him respect and lasting relationships with the people whose lives he touched. He was a friend who was never far away and always ready to lend a hand.

And then there was his sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity to put it to use, and he could brighten any situation with his wit. He loved to torment his close friends with light-hearted competition.

His father, Bill Jungnitsch, predeceased Bruce. Along with his wife and sons, he is survived by his mother, Jane Jungnitsch; his brother Mark Jungnitsch and his wife Ann; his brother Paul Jungnitsch and his wife Becky; his sister Karen Slodowski and her husband Tom; his sister Lisa Reed and her husband Roger; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of Michigan.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held this summer at a date and time to be announced later.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.