RUSSELL FRED BACHE

Russell “Rusty” Bache, 71, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at his home of natural causes.  He was born to Fred and Norma Bache in Kalispell, Montana on March 8, 1951.  He grew up in Libby, Montana along with his three younger siblings: Cora Lee, Kenny and Jody.  He graduated from Libby High in 1969.  Russ was baptized March 27, 1971; confirmed March 28, 1971; married Rhonda Cole April 1, 1971 and he joined the Navy as a Dental Technician on April 5, 1971.  Russ and Rhonda’s Naval adventures started at his first duty station in Puerto Rico. 

On July 13, 1975 a new adventure began when they had their only child, a daughter, Taresa.  Taresa was born in Charleston, South Carolina.  In the summer of 1981 the little family returned to Russ and Rhonda’s home town of Libby, MT when Russ changed his military status to Reserve Duty.  In the fall of 1985 Russ returned to Active duty Navy and the family moved to Oceanside, California.  The summer of 1989 Russ was assigned to the USS Nimitz, at Puget Sound Naval Station in Bremerton, Washington.  Russ retired from the U.S. Navy in 1998 while stationed at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii as Chief Petty Officer (Air Warfare/Fleet Marine Force).

After retirement he pursued his new passion and went to San Diego Golf Academy in Chandlier, Arizona.  After graduating he worked as a PGA Golf Professional for the next 10 years.  Russ was a very patient, gifted golf instructor, he even taught a blind woman to golf.  He also won a car during a golf tournament in Hawaii, when he hit a hole in one.

Montana has always held a special place in Russ’s heart.  Russ and Rhonda returned home to Libby in the fall of 2008, where they built their dream cabin on a beautiful piece of property along Libby Creek.  In 2009 Russ joined Cabinet View Volunteer Fire Department.  A few years later he joined the Bull Lake Volunteer Fire Department, where he found his home away from home. Russ was an Engine Boss and a Tender Truck driver.  He worked both structure fires and wild land fires.

Russ loved going on long rides with Rhonda, spending time with his two grandkids, Emily and Benjamin, working in his wood shop, bowling with his brother Kenny and serving his local church.  Russ also loved to sing.  He lived a life of service to God, to his family, to his community and to his country.

Russ was preceded in death by his dad Fred Bache and his mom Norma Bache. He is survived by his wife Rhonda; daughter Taresa Hackett (Andy); grandchildren Emily and Benjamin; brother Kenny Bache and sisters Cora Lee Bache and Jody Azure (Bob).

Memorial donations in Russ Bache’s memory can be directed to Bull Lake Volunteer Fire Department online at www.bulllakevfd.org or mailed to Bull Lake Rural Fire District, P.O. Box 1032, Troy, MT 59935.

The Celebration for Russ will be held at Majestic View Bull Lake Fire Department, time and date will be announced soon. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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