Malger "Blackie" Magilke

Malger "Blackie" Magilke, 84, passed away at his home Jan. 3, 2007, after a short illness. He was born in St. Anthony, N.D., June 19, 1922, to Matt Magilke and Leocadia Judt Magilke. He attended school in Solen, N.D. The family moved to Columbus in 1936, and then to Billings. Blackie spent some time in the CCCs and entered the Army during WWII. Dad married Madlyn "Chic" G. Swartz on Aug. 15, 1944. After being discharged from the Army, Blackie started working for the Northern Pacific and then the Burlington Northern Railroad. He was a car man, inspecting passenger trains in Billings, and wrecker foreman in Laurel. He retired after 42 years of service.
He was a chairman and president of his railroad union for over 20 years. He also owned and operated M & M Granite and Construction Company. Dad was an officer and life member of the Billings Saddle Club. He belonged to the Roaring '20s Auto Club and was a charter member of the Studebaker Drivers Club. He was a life member and administrator of the Moose Lodge for three years and was instrumental in the construction of the new lodge on Calhoun Lane. He was twice president of the NARVRE Rail Club. During his time with the railroad, Dad bought a 1917 caboose, which he restored and had in his yard for 20 years. In 1997, he donated the caboose to the Yellowstone Valley Historic Society, and it was moved to the Billings Depot.
Blackie enjoyed square dancing, polka dancing, bowling, hunting, fishing and restoring old cars, many of which he owned.
He was a member of Little Flower Church and represented the church on the Holy Cross Cemetery Board.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years; daughters Jackie (Bob) Fears and Debbie Magilke; daughter-in-law Anne; four grandsons, Paul (Tricia), twins Ben and Luke Magilke, and Mitch (Chris) Fears; two great-granddaughters, Mette Sue and Ruby Jo Fears. He is also survived by four sisters, Mary Boner, Rose Curtis, Dorothy Grant and Julia Leingang; and two brothers that he thought of as his adopted sons, Rick and Louie K. Eastman. He is preceded in death by son Gregory; brothers Matt, George, Christ, Jack and Nick; and sisters Regina, Frances and Margaret.
We will miss you, Dad.
We want to thank Big Sky Hospice for their care.
Services will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church. Vigil will be 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, with mass Monday, Jan. 8, at 9:30 a.m. Cremation will follow services. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date. Viewing will be noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, at Smith's Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th St., and prior to services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of one's choice.