Leo A. Bachmeier

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, Leo Anton Bachmeier, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away at the age of 89 at the Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank of natural causes.

Leo was born October 15, 1931 in North Dakota and grew up there on the family farm.  His first job was helping other farmers and then worked for the railroad. In 1952 he went into the Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was then deployed on a 16-month tour of duty in Field Artillery in the Korean Conflict.  He was a gunner working on the Howitzer. In 1956 he married Jean Ponzer at the Blumenfeld Church near Orrin, ND and settled in Cut Bank where he initially worked for the railroad.  They had two children, Russell and Karla. He worked at the John Deere Dealership Anderson Implement, which later became Weaver Equipment in Cut Bank for 42 years until its closing.  Leo had not had enough of working at that point and helping others so he continued his career at Northern Chrysler for an additional 10 years or so, which interestingly enough was in the same building.

Leo enjoyed tinkering with items and figuring out how to fix them.  He also enjoyed working on cars and camping, especially in Glacier National Park where their favorite spot was Apgar. For many years Leo was involved in the Boy Scout Troop Pack 559 as a record keeper.  He helped with numerous campouts, Pine Wood Derbys and Cub Scout Carnivals.  He was also an active member of St Margaret’s Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister, Greeter, and Usher.  Leo looked forward to baseball season every year and is well known for being a fan of the Seattle Mariners.

Leo was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Jean; parents, Mike and Katherine; and siblings, Anna, Johnny, Katherine, Pete, Christine, and Rose.  He is survived by his two children, Russell (Linda) of Salt Lake City, UT and Karla of Helena; two granddaughters, Mackenzie and Sara of Salt Lake City, UT; sister, Marge in North Dakota; and brother, Louie in Great Falls.

The family of Leo Bachmeier wish to thank all those who were an essential part of his care and comfort over the last four years at the Glacier Care Center where he became family to many there.

A vigil with Rosary will be held Thursday August 5th at 7 PM at St Margaret’s Catholic church in Cut Bank.  Funeral Mass at the church will be celebrated Friday August 6th at 11 AM with burial with military honors at Crown Hill Cemetery.  Reception to follow in the church social center.