Gary L. Hornseth

Gary 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, and loyal friend. More than anything, Gary loved people — especially his family — and he had a way of making time together feel easy and memorable. He genuinely enjoyed people and was always open to new experiences, adventures, and conversations along the way.

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 Guards and later served in the National Guard. In 1967, he moved to Libby, Montana, where he met his future wife, Jeanne Fontaine. They were married in 1968, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with family, adventure, and shared memories.

Gary was known for always having a project underway. Whether he was remodeling the family home in Alberton, working on the family cabin up Nine Mile, or tackling countless smaller projects, he took pride in creating, fixing, and improving things with his hands. He especially enjoyed the time spent there with Larry, Jeanne, and the grandkids, creating moments that became some of the family’s most cherished memories.

He originally worked for the Montana Department of Transportation in Alberton until 1993, then became a superintendent in Missoula. He was respected for his strong work ethic, dependable nature, and easy-going personality. Those who knew Gary remember him as someone you could always count on — steady, generous, and willing to help whenever needed.

Gary deeply loved the outdoors. Nearly every summer, he and Jeanne made the trip to Alaska to visit Lynette and her husband, Jason, where he loved salmon fishing and spending time at their cabin. He and Jeanne always helped with projects at the house and cabin, even though it was supposed to be a vacation. Some of his happiest times were spent outdoors — at the family cabin up Nine Mile with Larry and the grandkids and great-grandkids, traveling in the fifth wheel, fishing, visiting around the table, and simply enjoying Montana and Alaska’s beauty with the people he loved most.

He will be remembered as 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 to so many, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, generosity, and devotion to family.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Hornseth; his son, Larry Hornseth; his daughter, Lynette Hornseth, and son-in-law, Jason Dorcas; his sister, Darlene Wills, and brother-in-law, Mykel Wills; his nieces and nephew, Amy Farrell, Byron Wills, and Rachelle Croft; along with his grandchildren, Rindi and Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Tyrel, Nolan, Levi, Aerianna, and Makenna.

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

A small and casual celebration of life will be held at a later date. Gathering details will be provided once finalized.