On September 5, 2026, our father made a journey into Heaven to dance with his girl once again.
Dad was a wonderful, caring, gracious man who loved his family, faith, friends, and fishing.
Dad was born on May 28, 1940, at home in Fromberg, Montana, under the care of his Aunt Mabel.
Dad grew up in Fromberg and later moved to Broadview, where his father opened a blacksmith shop. Dad and Grandpa Ernie were inseparable - working side by side - often being called, "Ball Peen and Hammer."
Dad worked several jobs growing up to help maintain family needs - working on farms for local neighbors, as well as helping his parents with their gas station and restaurant.
Being in a class of five in Broadview, Dad decided to drive to Billings daily to graduate with a larger class at Senior High - 1958.
Enjoying his free-wheeling life after high school, Dad and his best friend Joe went to listen to a country band called "Belles of the Bitterroot." Little did he know, a very special lady was there to listen to her Aunt Peggy perform in that band, and it changed his life forever. Dad "campaigned" Mom for quite some time until that one day she said "Yes." Millie Stansbury and Dad were married on January 31, 1959, and a family dynasty was created. Dad soon enlisted into the US Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington. Dad and his friend Joe drew numbers - Dad went to Berlin and Joe went to Germany. Dad was a driving instructor, supply clerk, and loaded ammunition for the artillery. During Dad's deployment, Jeff was born on November 14, 1960. Due to severe medical conditions with Jeff, Dad was honorably discharged in 1962 to help Mom. A job opportunity arose with Karl Shoe Store in Nampa, Idaho. During that time, Curtis was born on October 18, 1962. The family soon transferred back to Billings with Karl's in 1963. During this time, Pam was born on January 25, 1968. The family soon moved to Pendleton, Oregon with an offer Dad received from Karl's. Karl's closed, and Dad went to work for Filter Queen Vacuum. Being homesick, the family moved back to Billings, and Dad started working for Osco Drug, and was later produce manager for Buttrey Foods. Dad retired from Buttrey's after twenty years, but still had a strong desire to be employed, working at Red Barn Produce, managing Domino's Pizza, and later Mountain Harvest.
On October 16, 2004, Dad's heart was broken. His love of his life went to be with her Heavenly Father. Dad decided soon after to quit work and enjoy the things he loved to do with Mom and his kids: fishing, camping at Checkerboard, long car rides, going to Mustang games, eating out (especially carnival corn dogs and funnel cakes) vacationing with family (never passing up a train ride) and feeding the 'one- armed bandit' at casinos.
During his home time, Dad, along with Jeff, started watching the Seattle Mariners, listening to Lonnie Bell Classic Country, and believe it or not, watching golf, due to Tiger Woods.
Dad was also known for making those phone calls asking what pie, cake, or cupcake he could bake for us.
Dad enjoyed his retirement but always said he would work forever if it was possible. That work ethic carries on in each of us kids today.
Dad was preceded to heaven by his wife, Millie; father, Ernie; mother, Eleanor; brother, Loren; and sister, Mabel.
With his dynasty on earth, he left behind his two sons, Jeff and Curtis (Sheryl); and one daughter, Pam (Kory); sisters, Lorraine Jackson and Gail (John) Keller; two grandsons, Jeremy (Dotti) and Brandon (Sara); four great-grandchildren, Carter, Levi, Cooper and Ms. Charli Jo. Dad is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Dad will be greatly missed!

Love you pops - thanks for everything!

Funeral service will be 11:00am Friday, September 11 at Michelotti Sawyers followed by burial and full military honors at Sunset Memorial Gardens.