Albert J. Wegner

COLUMBUS - Al was born July 27, 1936, in Columbus, to parents Robert and Clara (Roth) Wegner. He passed away peacefully at home Oct. 8, 2005, after a long and courageous battle with emphysema and heart trouble.
He attended school in Columbus and worked on the farm with his father until joining the U.S. Air Force in May of 1956.
On Oct. 28, 1956, Al was united in marriage to Margie A. Moran in Columbus. They moved to Las Vegas, where Al continued in the Air Force. In 1960, he was discharged with honor, and they moved back to Columbus to continue farming.
In 1969, Al and his family moved to Forsyth, where he helped start the KD Ranch for Gene Davey and Ted Keating. In 1975, he returned to Columbus and continued working for Ted. Later, he went to work for Stillwater Mining Company and was there until poor health forced retirement.
He loved fishing, hunting and the last few years in his garden. The highlight of his day was having coffee at McDonald's with his friends. When he was unable to go, his friends came to the house. He enjoyed pulling grandkids in the wagon with his four-wheeler and being Mr. Fixit around the farm. He will be missed. Al was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Park City.
He is survived by his wife, Margie, of 48 years; sons John, Jack (Becky), Jim (Sherry) of Columbus; daughter Suzy (Jon) of Laurel; grandchildren Laurie, April, Dawn, Lisa, Chelsey, Jaymi and Cody (his bud); and three great-grandchildren. Brothers Gene (Jo Ann), Billings, Robert (Sherry), Big Spring, Texas; sister Julia (Ben) McGettes, Texas; and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Al was preceded in death by his parents; sister Betty Southworth; and a nephew, Denis Southworth.
Memorials may be sent in Al's name to Big Sky Hospice, PO Box 1109, Columbus, MT 59019.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at Mountain View Cemetery in Columbus.