Jordan Michael Alstad
Jordan Michael Alstad, age 18, went to be with our Lord on Monday, June 13, 2005 at his residence in Kalispell, Mont. He was born on September 26, 1986 in Mission Hills, Calif. to Alan B. and Teri L. (Bailey) Alstad.
Family and friends were the No. 1 priority in Jordan's life. He found solace in being outdoors, by enjoying snowboarding, hunting, fishing, camping, swimming, riding wave runners, boating and folf (Frisbee golf) to name a few. He enjoyed special times with his family included eating great food, playing board games, cribbage, doing puzzles; simple things. He also had a love for animals (especially Moab, his Siberian Husky), babies and little children.
Jordan's love for time spent with family and friends were especially dear and appreciated by those who frequently enjoyed his company. Jordan appointed himself special caregiver to his little sister, Destiny, from the day she was born and looked up to his older brother (and friend) Clayton. He had many friends and was well known for his kind and loving heart, politeness, sweetness and handsome face.
Jordan was loved deeply; his mischievous and charming smile will be sorely missed, as well as his witty, fun-loving disposition. His mother and father were blessed from the moment he entered this world. His life with them was a gift they will treasure always.
Jordan was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ole Alstad; and great-grandmothers, Joy Loring and Emma (Nana) Bailey.
Jordan is survived by his parents, Alan Alstad and Teri Bailey both of Kalispell; his big brother Clayton Alstad and little sister Destiny both of Kalispell; and his grandparents, Dorothy Alstad and Bryan and Jan Bailey all of Kalispell; and grandfather Monty Ventsam of Canyon Country, Calif.; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and many friends.
Funeral services for Jordan Alstad were held on Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Lindean Barnett officiating. A memorial fund has been established in Jordan's name to be used for gun safety education and courses. The family suggests that contributions be sent to Jordan Alstad Memorial Fund, c/o Valley Bank, P.O. Box 48, 323 1st Avenue West, Kalispell, MT 59903.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Jordan's family.
Larry L. Schmautz
Larry L. Schmautz, passed away suddenly at his home in Columbia Falls on June 18, 2005. Larry left this life too early but he touched so many lives. Larry will be remembered as a gentle-hearted father, husband, grandfather, coach, teacher, friend, and mentor.
Larry was born in Missoula, on Jan. 2, 1943 to Rudolph (Rudy) and Lydia Schmautz. He was the youngest child and only son in a family with three sisters, Marie (Roberts), Glenda (Armstrong), and Marlene (Davis).
Growing up on South 5th West Street, Larry attended Willard School. He then went on to Missoula County High School and played basketball. There he continued his lifelong friendships with Pokey Allen, Tom Stage, Phil Johnson, Phil Benson and John Oblizalo. Larry's basketball team went on to win state AA championships in 1959 and 1961 led by legendary coach, Lou Rochleau.
Following high school, Larry earned a full ride basketball scholarship to Western Montana College in Dillon. He married Margaret Bue of Missoula in 1964 and daughter Patti was born in 1965. After graduating in 1966, the family moved to Gildford where Larry taught and coached for two years.
In the summer of 1968, son Todd was born. That fall, Larry began his teaching career at Columbia Falls High School. He taught American History and Government at CFHS for 26 years as well as coaching basketball and track. Larry spent summers as a ranger in Glacier Park and later took over his in-laws' cherry orchard on Flathead Lake. His business card read "Larry's Cherries" and he sold them to local grocers for "50 cents/lb. orchard run."
His coaching career in Columbia Falls began as an assistant boys basketball coach under Ralph Johnson. He coached the boys until 1976 when he then took over the fledgling girls basketball program. It was during his tenure as Wildkat coach that Larry became a coaching legend himself.
"Highly respected," "teacher of the game," "admired as a friend and coach," "a real gentleman" are just a whispering of the comments regarding Coach Schmautz.
In 20 years as the coach of the Kats, Larry was the third-winningest coach in Montana girls' high school basketball history with a 322-116 record which included winning eight divisional tourneys. Highlighting this record was winning the 1983 State AA Championship. Always humble, Larry was adamant that the success of his program was the girls he coached, his assistant coaches, and mostly the overwhelming support the Columbia Falls community gave to the school. Larry believed to be successful - you had to be competitive and by bringing out the best in yourself - you would be a winner. He hoped by teaching these philosophies and ethics, the kids would not only use them on the court (track), but throughout their lives.
In June 1993, Larry married his best friend Dorothy Chatlain. Dorothy noted that Larry was not one to want to wear jewelry, thus no wedding band. He also vowed never to take up golf, her longtime sport. So as a wedding gift, Dorothy bought Larry a set of golf clubs. The rest is history.
After retiring from teaching in 1994 and from coaching in 1996, Larry played as many rounds as often as he could.
Being retired also left him plenty of time to visit his grandkids Nicholas, Rose, and Anna. Many hours were spent playing Barbie dolls, fixing up go carts, telling "whoppers" about grizzly bears, and giving shoulder-rides.
Larry's friendships were not short-term. He was enriched daily with his breakfast club, his golf buddies, and all the people in this community he loved so much.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Delbert Roberts, and nephew Dobbie Roberts. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his daughter Patti and husband Bob Kaufmann, son Todd and wife Kristin; his sisters Marie Roberts, Glenda Armstrong and husband Gerry, Marlene Davis and husband Glenn; grandchildren Nicholas and Rose Kaufmann, and Anna Schmautz; Dorothy's sister Carol and husband Joe Blades, sister Kathy and husband Don Hewitt, sister Myrna and husband Scott Wright, and brother Denny and wife Jane Chatlain; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Larry's life was held on Wednesday June 22 at 11 a.m. at the Columbia Falls High School Gym. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the CFHS Athletic Endowment Fund.