Irl Lambertson went to his heavenly home on 11/30/2022. He devoted his life to his family, the service of others, and most importantly to his firm belief in God and witnessing to others.
Irl was born on May 16th, 1958 in Glendale California to George and Jane Lambertson. His father passed away when he was young and he was raised by his resilient mother Jane along with his two sisters Grace and Susan. Irl fiercely loved his Mother and Sisters. After graduation from high school in 1976, Irl joined the Marines and served 3 years. After his time in the military, Irl moved to Texas where he graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Criminal Justice in 1987. He moved back to Butte, Montana where his daughters Keanne and Kendra were born. Later, he was married to Lena Lambertson and though they divorced, they remained companions.
Irl enjoyed an incredible career of 34 years at the Montana State Prison. He spent the majority of his time working as a case manager and later as a correctional officer out at the ranch. He was highly respected and regarded by his peers, and was an advocate for rehabilitation for the inmates there. He was well known for his gentle demeanor and wisdom.
Irl was a good and faithful servant of the Lord focusing on spreading the joy of Jesus, devoting his time to the development of young men through the Big Brother Big Sisters program (Big Brother of the Year 1993), and driving the bus to pick up children for Sunday school at Floral Park Baptist Church. He was a deacon at First Baptist prior to it closing. Irl’s true passions were witnessing to others, especially those at the Montana State Prison, as well as being a prayer warrior for the International Fellowship of Christian and Jews which focuses on creating an understanding between Christians and Jewish people.
Irl was the best Father to Keanne and Kendra who he raised in a loving home full of encouragement, happiness, and lots of adventure. His daughters were the light of his life and he was so proud to be their father. He was beyond elated for Kendra and her baby girl she is expecting in January. His love spread to the rest of his family and especially to his nieces and nephews who he enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors with. Irl was an avid outdoors man and loved to hike with his dogs, Ginger and Riko, in the mountains surrounding Butte. His nickname, the billy goat, came from his ability to hike difficult territory jumping from rock to rock.
He was preceded in death by his father George Lambertson, his uncles Jack Tanner, Tom Tanner, and Bob Labrie.
He is survived by his daughters Keanne Lambertson (Michael Canup) and Kendra (Bryan) Carlson their son’s Wesley and Carson; mother Jane Lambertson; sister Grace (Tim) Scharff and their son’s Jacob, Paul, and David; sister Susan Ruble and her children Bonnie, Christopher, and Matthew; his aunts, who he loved dearly, Ann Labrie and Charlane Tanner, Washington, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
Services and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on December 10th at Butte Community Bible Church at 2210 Florence Ave, Butte, MT. Please consider a donation to the Butte Rescue Mission (610 E Platinum St, Butte, MT 59701), the Butte Food Bank (1019 E 2nd St, Butte, MT 59701) or the Fellowship (www.ifcj.org) in Irl’s Name.
Express condolences below.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Irl and his family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Butte Community Bible Church
2210 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of His Life
Following Service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Butte Community Bible Church
2210 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 12, 2022
Mt. Moriah Cemetery
2415 S Montana St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Butte Community Bible Church
2210 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of His Life
Following Service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Butte Community Bible Church
2210 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 12, 2022
Mt. Moriah Cemetery
2415 S Montana St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Share
Tricia Kelley-Bertelson says
Irl – we worked together for over 19 years. You were always kind, never had a bad word to say about anyone and truly cared how people felt. You’re out of pain now and are in God’s hands….. You will truly be missed by your family and friends…
Tricia (Robles) Kelley-Bertelson
Kevin A Hart says
My sincere sympathy to all of Irl’s family members during this difficult time. Irl was a great guy to work with and he will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace my friend, rest in peace.
Meredith Sansburn says
As a good friend of Keanne’s, I don’t have too many memories to share about Irl but I do have one. It was Keanne’s wedding day, we were all lining up to get ready to walk down the aisle and I remember looking at Keanne and she slightly started to panic. “Who has the rings? What if he (Mike) is not waiting down at the end of the aisle?” I remember trying to settle her worries (obviously we’d hunt him down and kill him if he’s not there) and then her dad walked in. Just Irl’ being in the room instantly calmed her. I remember walking away thankful for him, their bond, and letting them have “a moment” before he walked her down the aisle. Irl was so loved and will be terribly missed.
Billie Reich says
I had the privilege of working with Irl at Montana State Prison. We became friends very quickly; sharing stories of our children. It was very clear he loved his daughters and family. We often would discuss not taking one day for granted.
I’m so blessed to have known Irl- he will be missed dearly.
Billie Reich
Ben Bouley says
Irl and I worked together for over 30 + years and I treasured our friendship. He was a hard worker and cared for the people. In the last few years, when we seen each other he would ask me how much more time I was going to work and I would ask him the same. I was truly shocked when I heard he had another neck surgery as we shared that experience also. > I will miss 😢 him greatly. So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you 🙏
Cathy and Steve Redfern says
Keanne, Kendra and Lena, Our hearts break for you as you deal with this big loss. My husband and I worked with Irl for over 30 years. We “grew up” in prison sharing good times and bad…births, weddings, family and work struggles. We climbed Mount Powell together in 1991 (he definitely earned the “mountain goat nickname). Irl was kind, fiercely loyal and, above all else, loved his girls. He was so proud of you both. I’m sorry he won’t get to meet his granddaughter. We lost touch with him when we retired, but have fond and funny memories of our times together. ❤️
Debbie Best says
Kendra, it’s with heartfelt sympathy that I write to you. I want you to know I’ve been thinking of you at this critical time. I didn’t know you were back in Butte until recently. I do miss seeing you on Facebook. Your father sounds like he was a remarkable man. Thus, reflecting how you care for others. You’re in my sincere thoughts and prayers, my friend…