Gary L. Hornseth

Gary Lucien Hornseth passed away on April 28, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and loyal friend.

Gary was born in Lewistown, Montana, to Louis and Elizabeth Jo Hornseth. He graduated from Fergus County High School in 1965 and maintained several lifelong friendships from those years. In 1966, he joined the Marine Guard and later served in the National Guard. In 1967, he moved to Libby, Montana, where he met Jeanne. They were married in 1968, beginning a life of family, adventure, and memories

Gary was a devoted husband and father.
Gary was a devoted husband to Jeanne for 57 years and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. More than anything, he loved people—especially his family—and genuinely enjoyed spending time with them. His children could always count on him, whether they needed a helping hand or someone to listen. That never changed, even after they were grown. He enjoyed sharing what he knew, including teaching Larry how to rebuild engines while he was still in high school. Gary also deeply valued his friendships, especially the lifelong ones he carried from his high school years. Those friendships remained an important part of his life through the years. He also enjoyed meeting new people, sharing stories, and striking up conversations wherever he went.

Gary was known for always having a project underway.
Whether remodeling the family home in Alberton, working on the family cabin up Nine Mile, or tackling countless smaller projects, Gary took pride in creating, fixing, and improving things with his hands. A true jack-of-all-trades, he could tackle electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and just about anything else that needed to be done. In his later years, the cabin became an especially meaningful project and one he took great pride in.

He was a dedicated worker.
Gary proudly worked for the Montana Department of Transportation in Missoula and was respected for his strong work ethic, dependability, and easygoing personality. Those who knew Gary remember him as someone you could always count on - steady, generous, and willing to help whenever needed.

Gary enjoyed the outdoors.
Nearly every summer, he and Jeanne traveled to Alaska to visit Lynette and her husband, Jason, where he loved salmon fishing and spending time at their cabin. Even though it was supposed to be a vacation, he and Jeanne always insisted on helping with projects at the house and cabin. Some of his happiest times were spent outdoors at the family cabin up Nine Mile with Larry and the grandkids and great-grandkids, traveling and exploring in the fifth wheel, fishing, visiting around the table, and enjoying the beauty of Montana and Alaska with the people he loved most.

His faith helped keep his positive spirit strong.
Throughout his cancer journey, he continued to live life as fully as he could each day without complaints. His doctors and nurses often shared how much they enjoyed Gary and appreciated the optimism and kindness he brought, even on difficult days.

He will be remembered.
Those who knew Gary saw a genuinely kind and caring man who would do anything for the people he loved and, oftentimes, those he didn’t even know. His presence brought comfort, humor, and care, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, generosity, and devotion to his family.

Gary was survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanne Fontaine-Hornseth, who passed away just a few weeks later; his son, Larry Hornseth; his daughter, Lynette Hornseth, and son-in-law, Jason Dorcas; his sister, Darlene and Mykel Wills; his nieces and nephew, Amy Farrell, Rachelle Croft, and Bryron Wills; along with his grandchildren, Rindi and Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Aerianna, Makenna, Tyrel, Nolan, and Levi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elizabeth Jo Hornseth.

A casual celebration of life for Gary and Jeanne will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, September 27.
Please call Lynette at 907-351-5476 for details if you are interested in attending.