Eugene E. Stoltz

Eugene (Gene) Emerson Stoltz, 93, of Valier, Montana, passed away on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Logan Health Conrad.  A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday, September 8 at the Valier United Methodist Church.

Gene was born October 9, 1927 to Charles and Pearl (Kuitunen) Stoltz in Oakland, California.  He grew up in Valier and graduated from Valier High School in 1945. Gene was attending the University of Montana when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Japan at the end of World War II.

On December 22, 1954, he married the love of his life Patricia (Patsy) Hass. They raised two daughters Loretta (Lori) and Leslie and a son Jonathan (Jon).  The family farmed North of Valier until the farming operation moved to Pendroy in the 90’s.

Gene was a passionate golfer, an ardent U of M Griz fan and he loved words as both a reader and an author of six books. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Odd Fellows, Elks and VADC.  During his life Gene worked to extend the life of the railroad spur into Valier and to develop the Lake Frances Recreation Area.

Gene and Patsy enjoyed traveling to follow the Grizzlies Football team which took them as far as Japan for a game against Army.  The couple’s many other adventures include a cruise ship expedition through the Panama Canal, a drive to Alaska, many winters snowbirding in Arizona and countless trips to Texas visiting family.

Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He deeply loved and cared for all his family and his friends.

Gene is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patsy; his three children Lori (Bill) Powell of Perryton, TX, Leslie Stoltz of Richardson, TX and Jon (Lisa) Stoltz of Pendroy, MT; his sister Helen Costello of Great Falls, MT; his grandchildren, Sarah Tregellas of Perryton, TX, Kimberly Findley of Perryton, TX, Tavish Lightner of Burleson, TX and Alexandra Stoltz of Pendroy, MT; two great-grandchildren; several nephews, nieces and cousins.  Those who preceded him in death include his parents; niece, Myra Chinery and great-grandson Johnathan Findley.

Memorials may be sent to Valier Public Library or Valier United Methodist Church.