William J. Croft

William James Croft, 73, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA of natural causes.

He was born on September 15, 1952 in Polson, MT to Stephen and Marie Croft. As a youth, he lived on a farm in Western Montana. He went to elementary school in Polson, MT then moved closer to his grandparents finishing his education by graduating from Ronan High School. After graduation he joined the US Navy. He retired from active duty in March of 1994 and returned with his family to Lolo MT. He continued his education by attending and graduating from the University of Montana’s COT West where he obtained a degree in Heavy Equipment Operating. He spent his 2nd career working for Cenex in their fuel and agronomy departments. He retired from that in 2025.

On December 25th, 1976 he married the love of his life, Gayle Allison in Polson, MT. The couple moved around for the Navy, stops included San Diego, CA, Long Beach, CA, Adak, Alaska, recruiting for the Navy in Missoula, MT, back to San Diego, CA and retiring to Lolo, MT. Through all his required travels his heart never left Montana.

He loved serving the Boy Scouts of America and was instrumental in helping his 2 sons and 2 grandsons obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a Cub Master for the LDS Church pack for close to 10 years. He spent many summers enjoying Boy Scout camp outings and other Scout activities.

He loved to hunt, just to go out and be in nature. He was most content on a mountain road or mountain top spending time with whichever family member accompanied him. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandson, relishing any outings or vacations he could attend with them. He was a beloved husband, dad, papa, and great-grandpa. Family meant everything to him, and found his greatest happiness in being surrounded by the people he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Marie Croft and his sister, Susan Croft.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of fifty years, Gayle Croft; two sons and their spouses, Christopher (Tabbatha) Croft, Lolo, MT, Daniel (Danielle) Croft, Kalispell, MT, daughter and spouse, Allison (Christopher) Nelson, Edmonds, WA, 13 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and one sister, Gladys Zabell, Orlando, FL.

Viewing will be held at Garden City Funeral Home from 3-5 PM, Sunday, July 5th. Services will be held at the Lolo LDS building on Monday, July 6th at 10:00 AM with Bishop David Christiansen conducting. Graveside service for family will be held at the Lake View Cemetery in Polson, MT at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, a cause that was meaningful to William.