John Kolstad, age 94, passed away from the Covid-19 virus at the Frances Mahon Deaconess hospital on November 7, 2020. He was born on May 12, 1926 in Glasgow, Montana to parents Bernt and Caroline Kolstad.
He attended grade school at the Tampico and Billingsley schools, and graduated from Glasgow High School. On August 9, 1944, at 18 years of age, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps to join the fight in World War II. He was trained in B17 and B29 aircraft gunnery and bomb dropping. He trained at several bases in the US and was later stationed at Irrimagawa, Japan. After returning from WWII, he worked at the Glasgow Hotel and eventually owned it. He served as the President of the Chamber of Commerce and President of Kiwanis. He was engaged in farming and ranching. He later owned heavy equipment and provided earth moving services.
He was proud of the ranch he built on Cherry Creek where he spent his later years.
He raced power boats, was a small aircraft pilot, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors.
John married Dorothy Molvig on July 2, 1955 and they had three sons: Jere, Gary and Perry.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ben.
He is survived by his former wife, Dorothy Kolstad, of Billings, Montana; his sons: Jere (Emily) of Missoula, Montana, Gary (Janet) of Houston, Texas, and Perry (Jane) Kolstad of Glasgow, Montana; five grandchildren: Tessa Kolstad, Lucas Kolstad, Dylan (Tiffany) Kolstad, Kalynn Kolstad and Lauren Kolstad; brother George Kolstad and three sisters, Betty Halden, Grace Houghton and Sylvia Thomas.
Given the Current situation with Covid-19 virus, a memorial service will be scheduled for later in 2021, probably in early summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial and donations can be made in John’s name to the Pioneer Museum, 816 US Highway 2 West, Glasgow, Montana, 59230. Condolences for the family may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 22, 2021
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 22, 2021
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Share
Lorraine Hughes says
I’m sorry to hear of John’s death. I always appreciated his great stories of what had been and his forward thinking ideas. He never lacked a project to look forward to.. He has left you with rich memories indeed!
Jane Frye says
I always enjoyed visiting with John at Prairie Ridge. He was a good friend to my dad and they enjoyed exchanging stories about Valley County and the many adventures of their youth. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. We will miss John.
Jane Frye says
John’s stories kept the dinner conversation very lively at Prairie Ridge . Dad will miss exchanging stories and the good natured teasing between he and John. My visits to their table were always enjoyable. My sincere condolences on the loss of your dad.
Norm Braaten says
So many memories with John and my family. From the basketball trips, brandings, and the MONTANA! He had such a sense of humor and he and my father together were trouble!!! So sorry for your loss… hope to see you guys when a Memorial Service is possible.
Norm Braaten says
So many memories of Johnny!! From all the basketball trips, brandings, and numerous MONTANA BAR sightings!! Hope to see you all when a Memorial Service is possible.
Buck Archambeault says
John was a very interesting man. I certainly admired the work that he completed in his ranchette. Rest in peace my friend.
Janet Kolstad Black says
My condolences. Dad is living with me in Anaconda and he was upset we could not come up, but maybe when you have the memorial services he will be doing better and can travel. Hope to see you all at the memorial.
Duane Claypool says
My deepest condolences to the family. John was a good friend to my Dad at Prairie Ridge. They always sat together at the same table at all of the meals & other activities & exchanged stories of their past adventures. On my visits to Dad at Prairie Ridge I had many great conversations with John about his life in Valley County, his WWII experiences, etc…. He was especially proud of the Model A he restored. We discussed it at length & showed me the painting he had of it. We will miss John very much.