Dan Lackman
Dan Lackman, 54, loving husband, awesome father, wonderful son and brother went snowmobiling in Heaven with Jesus on September 1, 2011.
Dan was born January 29, 1957 to Marjorie and William Lackman. He attended schools in Billings. Dan was an active member of 4-H in his youth and was also involved when his children joined 4-H. Dan graduated from Billings West High School where he was a talented all-around gymnast. He attended Montana State University-Bozeman taking mechanized agriculture classes.
Dan married his high school sweetheart, Valerie Lofthus, in 1979. They lived on the family farm, west of Billings, where he loved farming and the cattle business. This 32 year union was blessed with two children who joined Dan and his father and brother in the farming operation.
Dan was an avid outdoorsman. He lived life to the fullest. He worked hard and played hard. Every spare moment was spent in the mountains; hunting, snowmobiling, four wheeling and Harley riding. Some of his favorite hunting trips were an elk hunt with his brother, sheep hunt with his son and a grizzly bear hunt in Alaska with one of his best friends.
Dan was blessed with many good friends as was evident by the overwhelming generosity afforded him at his benefit fundraiser in 2007.
He loved to teach others and showed us how to be strong in the most difficult circumstances.
In heaven, he will be visiting his father-in-law (James Lofthus) as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Those left to celebrate his life are; his wife Valerie, son Luke (Danielle) Lackman, daughter Stephanie (Jake) Wright, grandson Austin Wright, parents Marjorie and William Lackman, brother Steve (Pam) Lackman and further extended family.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be 10am Tuesday at the Parkhill Assembly of God Church.
Memorial may be sent to the Christopher Reeves Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078.
Remembrances
Valerie and kids,
We want to tell you how sorry we are to hear about Dan's passing. My heart
is breaking for you all. Dan was a wonderful man! He was the best friend my
brothers ever had! We all loved Dan. Even though I was the youngest girl, he
always treated me well and you both were very kind to myself and my family.
I didn't know Dan that well, but saw what he meant to Don and Bob. Please
know we pray for you and send out love to you all.
Love Lynn Wanner Reiland and family [ Dirk, Dallas, & Emmitt]
My heart goes out to Valerie and the Lackman
family. I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Dan. I remember Dan
fondly ever since we were in the second grade together at Shiloh School
(I think we called him Danny at that time). As I was a new student to
Shiloh School, Dan took me in his friendship and showed me the ropes. We
ran and ran and ran through the yard and fields just for fun. Dan was
the fastest kid in Shiloh School and he remained one of the fastest all
the way through junior high and high school as I recall. I am proud to
say that I knew Dan Lackman. Dan was the most friendly guy a person
could ever know and he and Valerie always made such a great young
couple. I moved away from Montana in the mid 1980's and I never kept in
touch with Dan and Valerie, I am sorry to say. The last time I saw Dan
was at our 20 year high school reunion. But I remember the good nature
of Dan Lackman and I have often thought of how great he represents our
native state, Montana. To Valerie and family, I wish you all the best
through these difficult times… and I truly believe the world is a better
place because of people like Dan.
Brad Diede
First, let me say how sorry i am to hear that
dan has left this earth. i can't help thinking how full of joy he must
be, to be walking, running and roaming about on his own two legs again
in heaven!!! he came to my thoughts just yesterday while i was hiking in
olympic national park. i was thanking GOD for the ability to walk and
move over this beautiful earth like my family and i were doing, when i
thought of dan. my prayers went out to him and valerie. who knows, maybe
he was walking along just then!? dan was one of the first individuals
brad diede introduced me to at will james junior high school. we enjoyed
track together and became pole vaulters. what a strange sport when you
really look at it! i remember dan being told to "stop wearing those
cowboy boots, they're bad for your leg muscles when you're a sprinter!!"
i feel fortunate that i got to visit dan and valerie when they were at
the hospital here in seattle, but feel sad i didn't get by the home
place once they had returned to billings. i always liked dan and feel
proud to call him a friend. i will miss him. my best to valerie and the
rest of the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
mark benner
gig harbor, wa
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during
this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Paul Walter and Family, C & B Hay Grinding
Our love and prayers are with you Cherie,
Stephanie, Stacey, Jenny and Nicki. You and Tom had something special
Cherie, that was apparent to everyone. We are so sad that you have had
to go through this and we hope that you can feel God's presence as you
are lifted up by all the prayers that are being said on your behalf.
God's heart is tender towards you, He understands your grief. You are
not alone, we stand with you in your sorrow and will be praying for you
for a good long while.
Love, Barb and Ron Stensgard
What a wonderful picture and story about Dan. We will always remember his smile which warmed your heart. We feel blessed that we became acquainted with Dan and Val several years ago. Even though our lives took us different directions, we kept in touch through family members in Billings. We know Dan was loved by many and will always be remembered as one who worked hard and played hard. He lived life to the fullest. GOD BLESS YOU, DAN! We look forward to seeing you again someday and you sharing stories about your adventures. Dave and Tina Jull