Donald Lee Montelius

Donald Lee Montelius, 77, of Missoula, passed away on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018.

He was born on June 12, 1940, in Missoula to Fred and Bessie (Ailport) Montelius. Don attended Clinton Elementary School and graduated from Missoula County High School. Following high school, Don joined the Army and served in the 82nd Airborne.

On Dec. 30, 1961, Don married his high school sweetheart, Maureen Geil, in Missoula. The couple lived in Clinton until their move to Missoula where they raised their family.

Don started his logging career when he was in the third grade where he swept and greased the family saw mill. His plans were to work with his dad and brothers and eventually buy into the mill. Unfortunately, his father passed away and his plans fell through. In 1962, Don started to work for the Anaconda Company setting chokers. From there he ran CAT, line machine, built roads, and was a faller. In 1973, Champion bought the Anaconda Company and Don worked for them through 1993 as a Contract Logger Administrator. Don worked at White Pine and Sash from 1993 to 1995. From there, Don went to work for Tricon Timber where he was a Procurement Manager until his retirement in 2003.

Don’s greatest joy was spending time up at their place on Seeley Lake with his family and especially his grandkids. The grandkids and their friends referred to Don as “Pup”. He was biggest kid among them. Don worked hard at the cabin in Seeley to make it a beautiful place. His favorite place was enjoyed by all who visited it.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He made sure that everyone was always ok and worried about everybody but himself.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Maureen; son Dave (Hope) and daughter Tawnie (Dennis) Baughman; grandchildren, Ashley (Chris) Schuman, Justin (Jonna) Montelius, Brandt (Bobbie Jo) Montelius, Nick (Amanda) Baughman, Taylor Baughman (Brendon Sanchez); great-granddaughter, Kellynn Schuman, and many nieces and nephews.

Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Fred and Bessie; brothers, Bob and Jerry; sister, June Savage; nephews, Steven Montelius and Dan Savage.

Per Don’s request there will be no funeral services.