Phillip Kiser, 97

Phillip Elton Kiser, 97, died at home in Columbia Falls on Jan. 29, 2026. He was born to Ruth and Elmer Kiser on April 27, 1928, in Coalwood. In 1937, the family moved to Kalispell and a Columbia Falls farm in 1944.

Phil married Louise Casady on Sept. 3, 1950. With the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1951. He deployed to the Philippines for two years. Stationed in Pearl Harbor, he served aboard the USS Tang, USS Bugara and USS Greenfish, and spent a year in Hawaii with his wife.

Phil worked for 38 years at Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant. In 1955, he opened the Dairy King, the first drive-in restaurant, a place fondly remembered by locals. Phil enjoyed square dancing, time with family, the outdoors with activities such as camping, boating, huckleberry picking, fishing and hiking.

He was preceded in death by his son, Byron Kiser; grandson, Jason Kiser; and granddaughter, Jessica Masa.

Phil is survived by his wife, Louise Kiser; children, Steven (Anet), Vernon Kiser, Rhonda Smith and Rubianna Masa (Paul); grandchildren, Adam (Mallory Gould), Tyler, Phillip (Jamie), Robert (Stephany), Zeke Smith, Robyn Klepko (Ryan), Brittany Webster (Dustin), Rebecca Blouin (John), Ariana Bonny (Colten) and Keirra Masa; and great-grandchildren, Kynsleigh Gould, Lexi, Payton Carter, Weston, Tenley, Savanna, Oliver and Raelynn Blouin.

A viewing will be held from 9-10 a.m. on Feb. 4 followed by a memorial service at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1780 Talbot Road, Columbia Falls. Graveside services will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens with a luncheon from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the church.