Erling Kolbj”rn Karlsgodt Dr.

Dr. Erling Kolbj”rn Karlsgodt passed away on March 22, 2009 at the age of 92. Erling was a true Renaissance man. He enjoyed a successful dental career and had numerous land development projects in San Diego County. Erling was a talented sculptor and painter, traveled extensively in Europe and Mexico, studied genealogy, world history and languages, and possessed an abiding love and pride for his family. Erling (Dade) was born on his family homestead in Kenilworth, Montana on September 25, 1916 to Olaf and Klara (Odegard) Karlsgodt, Norwegian immigrants. His mother died when Erling was three, leaving his father to raise their three children. During these years, Erling traveled to Norway and attended school in 'the old country'. He returned to the Montana prairie, and to Polson, Montana where he attended Polson High School ('36) and worked in the Lake City Grocery, his father's store. Dade often sailed the islands and narrows of Flathead Lake in a hand built boat. Erling was later to own one of those very special islands, Little Bull. Dade studied at the University of Montana in Missoula and was a lineman with the Grizzly football team. In California he received his degree from the USC School of Dentistry in 1944. As a Lieutenant in the Navy, Erling met his wife, Vernette, while stationed in San Diego. They wed in 1945, lived in the San Diego area all of their married life, and traveled to Montana each year with their three children. In both California and Montana, Erling maintained lifetime friendships and professional relationships. Dr. Karlsgodt was a 32-degree Mason, a 50 year member of both Lions and Sons of Norway, attended Den Norske Fiskeklubben, and Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Erling was a proud member of Phi Sigma Kappa at the University of Montana and Xi Psi Phi dental fraternity at USC. All will miss those beautiful blue eyes, that famous smile, and his kind words. Integrity, a strong work ethic, spirited philosophical discussions, humor, and the famous 2-2-1 margarita recipe were his trademarks. Erling is survived by his wife of 63 years, Vernette, son Kurt and wife Molly (San Diego), son Pear and wife Pat (La Mesa), and daughter Kari (Koskinen) and husband Dan (Jamul). He leaves eight grandchildren, Katie, Stephen, Nathan, Adam, Ryan, Kevin, Kaarina, and Klara. Extended family in the U.S., Canada, and Norway survive Erling also. Our promise to Erling for his return to the Big Sky Country will be fulfilled, as his life is celebrated at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson, MT on April 10, 2009 at 2:00. His final earthly rest will be 'where the wind blows free' at the Kenilworth Cemetery near Big Sandy, MT. A memorial for Erling in San Diego is pending later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Erling's name to Greater Polson Community Foundation, P. O. Box 314, Polson, MT 59860, the U. of Montana Foundation Excellence Fund, P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
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