Phillips E. Olmstead
November 8, 1931 — April 19, 2014
Phillips Eugene Olmstead died Saturday April 19, 2014.
Phil was born November 8, 1931 to Hiram Olmstead & Mabel Thorsen Olmstead on a farm near Larimore, ND. He grew up on the farm, graduated from Larimore High School and attended North Dakota State University graduating with a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1953. Following graduation he served in the Korean War until honorably discharged in 1955.
On October 20, 1957 he married Mary Ellen Ericksen and they settled in Circle, MT.
From 1955-1965 he was a County Agent with the Montana Extension Service. He then returned to school at Montana State University and obtained a Masters Degree. He then moved with his family to Cut Bank, MT where he began his banking career. Later he became a self employed Real Estate Appraiser and hobby farmer, which was a highlight of his vocational life. He had a great love of the land.
In 1994 Phil suffered a brain aneurism and a subsequent stroke. He lived at home, cared for by Mary Ellen for the last 20 years of his life.
Phil was both a leader in and a servant to his community. He coached various youth activities, served in civic organizations and city government, and was active at St Paul Lutheran Church. He was instrumental in getting the Cut Bank Sports Complex developed and built. Phil was known as, "Mr. Marvelous" because whenever anyone would ask him how he was he would say, "I'm marvelous!"
He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, his children Charles (Cara) of Fargo, ND, Joseph (Teresa) of Murfreesboro, TN, Kathleen (Ben) Rice of Big Sandy,MT, Benjamin (Carol) of Helena, MT, ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and his daughter Jennifer Williams (2002).
Memorial Service will be 11:00 am on Saturday, April 26 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cut Bank. Phil will be inurned at Crown Hill Cemetery, also in Cut Bank. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Good Samaritan Fund at 602 East Main St., Cut Bank, MT, 59427; Parkview Senior Center, 715 East Main St., Cut Bank, MT, 59427; or to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, P.O. Box 80807, Billings, MT, 59108.