Thomas John Altmaier, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 14, 2024, in
Helena, MT.
He was born on April 13, 1933, in
Bozeman, MT, to Clarence and Mildred Altmaier. The family moved to Billings when Tom was 9 years old, where he attended Pratt Elementary School and graduated High School at Billings Central in 1951. Tom received an athletic scholarship from Pacific University in
Forest Grove, OR, to play football in 1951, where he joined Alpha Zeta Fraternity.
In 1954, Tom served his country as a United States Naval Cadet in
Pensacola, FL, and was stationed at Naval Air Stations in Brunswick, Malta, Venice, Munich, and London.
He went on to earn a BS in Physical Science along with a teaching certificate from the University of Montana in 1960. Later he obtained a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Montana.
Tom started his career as a high school math and science teacher in Dietrich, ID. He then went on to become a 7th and 8th grade physics teacher and basketball coach in Florence-Carlton, MT. Committed to education, he became a math teacher and coach at Helena Junior High until his retirement in 1984. Ever the learner, he then became a Certified Financial Planner with Waddell and Reed and NEA Value Builder for the next two decades.
Tom actively participated in various organizations and community services. He served as the Treasurer of the Montana Retired Educators Association (MREA), President of the AARP Montana Chapter, University of Montana Alumni Association Lifetime Member, and Secretary of the Lewis and Clark Foundation. His dedication to making a difference earned him recognition as the recipient of the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service in 2012.
Outside of his professional life, Tom had a wide range of hobbies and interests. He excelled as an athlete in his youth, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball during his high school years and spoke fondly about camping in the Crazy Mountains with his older brothers Jack and Bill. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, geology and rock collecting, reading novels, photography, computer programming, and running in the Governor's Cup. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, grilling, birdwatching, and embarking on Elderhostel trips. Tom was also a devoted fan of the Montana Grizzlies athletic programs and loved taking family trips during his later years. Over the years, Tom loved and cared well for his canine best friends and companions. His golden lab Ruby and golden retriever Nellie spent most of their waking hours with him. Tom's heart and soul were set in Montana, and he never wanted to live anywhere else!
Tom's character was marked by his positive nature, his timely and clever quips, and his dedication to his family and friends. Although he was never the most talkative person in a room, his words were thoughtful and precise, replete with wisdom or with humor, and frequently with both. Throughout his lifetime, he inspired those around him to love learning, continue their quest for knowledge, and benefit others with their wisdom.
Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, William, and Duane; his sisters, Elizabeth and Marianne; his son Steve Ross; his daughter Christina; and his grandson Ethan. Although their absence left a void in his heart, he cherished their memories and carried their love with him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons John Ross, Craig, and Dan; his daughter Nancy; and his grandson Vincent. Tom's family meant the world to him, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
A military funeral service to honor and celebrate Tom's life will be held on a future date in March 2024 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison.