Barbara Louise Truckner, 87

Barbara Louise Wilson, 87, was born to Wilda May O’Neil Wilson and Harold "Curly" Wilson on Aug. 19, 1938. Her grandmother nicknamed her "Bobbie Lou" as her name was too big for such a little girl. Bobbie Lou passed away on Aug. 21, 2025.

Bobbie Lou enjoyed an active childhood with fond memories of growing up in Olney where her parents ran the post office and general store. Her older sister, Willa Marie and younger brother, Doug shared many adventures including picnics to Martin Creek Falls and delivering supplies to nearby lookouts.

Bobbie Lou graduated from Flathead County High School in 1956, making lifelong friends. Sharing daily walks, coffee dates, and going to movies were among memories they shared.

After graduation, she attended University of Montana in Missoula where she met Jack Truckner. They married at St. Matthews Church on June 12, 1959, with a reception to follow at her grandparents’ home, just down the street.

In April of 1960, David arrived, followed by Jeannette in December of 1962, and Karen in December of 1964.

Bobbie was an amazing mother and wife. Summers were spent at the cabin on Ashley Lake. Winters were spent skiing, sledding, and skating at Woodland Park. Karen would go along in a box on runners—one time baby Karen bounced out of her skating box, but not for long as Bobbie returned her to the safety of her box!

Bobbie had endless patience, was the best at reading stories, and was a FUN mom. She made each of us children feel special and managed to carry that through to her grandchildren. They all feel like they are her favorite.

Besides being the world’s greatest Mom, she had other job titles. She worked at Eagles Shoe store in the KM and spent many years working at Kalispell Junior High in the library. Bobbie helped many students through the years, and her children loved the fact that she had the same schedule as them. She was always there to take care of her family.

After retirement, Bobbie traveled, played bridge, belonged to a book club, volunteered at her church and the food bank. She was a CASA volunteer, belonged to PEO Chapters AB and BN, and served on the Kalispell Police Commission for several years.

She loved every minute she could spend with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bobbie even skateboarded well into her 70’s!

Several years after Jack’s passing, Bobbie reconnected with and married Bob O’Neil. They were together until Bob’s death.

Her 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Tom), Kayla (Nevin), Rachel (Lance), Heather (Logan), Jaclynn (Bryce), Mallory (Chris), Jackson, Truman (Greta), Kordell, Jenna (Nick), Landon (Madelyn) and Maeve were raised on her famous cookies, Quiddler games, Chinese Checkers, swim days at Ashley Lake cabin, and walks down to Lawrence Park. 

Her great-grandchildren, Grace, Grady, Ryleigh, Emilynn, Harper, Camden, Scotta, Xander, Zoey, Abel, Sawyer, and Willa know her as a sweet and loving lap to sit on while listening to a story. The older great-grands remember walks to Lawrence Park, building block towers, and playing in the snow.

Bobbie is survived by her children, David, wife, Jeri, Jeannette, husband, Chuck, and Karen, husband, Randy, her grandchildren, and their spouses, and great-grandchildren. Other survivors include Anita and John Kaufman and Sean O’Neil, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, who were all very special to Bobbie.

A Rosary will be held at 10:15 a.m. at St. Matthews Church, with a funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28. If inclined, donations can be made to St. Matthews School or the Immanuel Living or a charity of your choosing. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.