David Schott

David Joseph Schott

GREAT FALLS —David Joseph Schott, affectionally known as "Slim" in his younger years, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2014 at the age of 89.

Memorial services are planned for Friday, October 24, 2014 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.

Dave was born November 2, 1924 to Anna and Otto Schott and raised on the family ranch south of Stockett. He married the love of his life Roberta "Bobbie" Bertsch in 1946. They were blessed with four children. Dave began his career as a mail transporter for the U.S. Postal Service; he then worked for the Great Falls Meat Packing Plant. He worked for the Ayrshire Dairy for 28 years, until he accepted a position with the Great Falls Public Schools where he worked as an operating engineer until he finally retired at the age of 80.

Dave enjoyed helping relatives with calf branding in the spring and enjoyed horseback riding. He enjoyed restoring old vehicles and riding his motorcycle. He rarely missed a Belt or Augusta Rodeo in the summer and the annual Four Seasons Pro Rodeo circuit finals in January.

Dave is survived by his children, Richard (Judy) Schott, Terry (Linda) Schott of Simms, Lonnie (Ron) Thune and Rona (Mike) DeBolt; grandchildren Danielle (Mike) Gossman and Taylor DeBolt both of Boise, ID, Andi (J.J.) Sweeney and Nicole Schott; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Those who have preceded Dave in death include his parents, Anna and Otto Schott; wife Bobbie; sister Virginia Brown; brother-in- law Harry Brown; brother, John "Jack" Schott; grandson Justin Lee Schott; and granddaughter Riley DeBolt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Dave's favorite charity, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.