Former F. H. Stoltze vice president to give talk on history of logging in Flathead

Ronald Buentemeier spent over four decades working for F. H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company. He has a rare collection of photographs from the early days of logging in the Flathead Valley and each one has a story to tell.

Buentemeier’s knowledge of the history of logging in the valley is extensive and his perspective is one that many have enjoyed hearing about as he’s been asked to speak for various groups throughout the years.

On Sunday, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. Buentemeier will give a free talk at the Whitefish Community Center. His presentation will focus on the history of F. H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Company and the collaboration of the Great Northern railroad.

Buentemeier was born in Deer River, Minnesota but moved to Columbia Falls in the mid-40s as a young boy. He grew up around logging camps and mills, after graduating from Columbia Falls High School in 1959 he went on to study forestry at the University of Montana. He started working for F. H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company in 1964 and retired in 2007 — beginning as a forest engineer and working his way up to vice president of the company.

A previous Pilot article in 2016 states he is proud of the work the company completed while he was there for 43 years.

During his time working at Stoltze, Buentemeier collected most of the historic photographs and maps in his collection that will be part of his talk at the Community Center on Sunday.

The Whitefish Community Center is proudly hosting this presentation for community members to enjoy hearing about the history of logging in the valley.

For more information call the Community Center at (406) 862-4923.