Alvin Clarence "Al" Kober

1931 - 2025

Alvin "Al" Kober left this world just as he wished-peacefully at home on the family farm after an evening of Monday Night Football with his daughter, and without a prolonged illness. He leaves behind four daughters, seven grandchildren, and a lasting legacy of kindness, mentorship, and positive influence on the countless students, athletes, and community members whose lives he touched.

Al was born on March 7, 1931, to Emil and Amalia Kober, German immigrants from Russia. He grew up on the family farm along the Yellowstone River, where he and his siblings worked alongside their parents. Al loved to remind his daughters that he started milking cows at the age of four. He and his brother Jack shared many adventures on the river-one favorite being cutting ice rafts during the cold Montana winters.

Al attended Tilden Country School and later Park City High School, where he discovered his passion for sports and became a standout player on the school's newly formed football team. He went on to attend Montana State University, earning a master's degree in secondary education. His enthusiasm for athletics led him to walk on to the collegiate wrestling team, where he lettered despite having never wrestled before.

During college, Al was a member of the ROTC. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Ord, California, during the Korean conflict. There, he put both his education and athleticism to use teaching bayonet disarmament techniques.

After his military service, Al began his teaching career in Saco, Montana, where he met his future wife, Judy Ball. Together, they built a life centered on family, education, and community. Al went on to teach and coach in Absarokee, Big Sandy, and Rapelje before settling in Columbus, where he served as high school principal until his retirement in 1986. He cared deeply for his students and was dedicated to helping each of them reach their potential. He had a special soft spot for those needing a little more help, and detention in his office was more of a counseling session than punishment. In 1984, Al was honored as Montana Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Upon his retirement, he established a scholarship for graduating seniors attending Montana State University.

Summers often found Al traveling across Montana and beyond, following hailstorms and assessing crop damage as an insurance adjuster. He knew every road and small town in the state, always ready to offer detailed directions, whether you wanted the fastest or the most scenic route. After retiring from Columbus High School, Al began a second career training new crop adjusters, fully retiring at the age of 75.

Al and Judy raised four daughters, whom they proudly supported in all their pursuits, especially in academics and athletics. True to tradition, all were destined to attend his alma mater, Montana State University.

A devoted member of the Kiwanis Club, the local bowling team, and his church, Al found joy in giving back to his community. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, whether sharing stories, cheering at sporting events, or enjoying the beauty of the Montana landscape. Well into his 80s, he continued to make long drives to visit his daughters and their growing families in Minnesota, North Dakota, Denver, and Seattle. In his later years, he treasured family gatherings back in Montana, especially visits to the Yellowstone River with his grandchildren. Nearly every day, he could be found down at "the river," as he affectionately called it, taking in the serene beauty of the place he loved most.

Al will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him.

A celebration of Al's life will be held on March 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, with food and fellowship to follow at the family farm.

Memorials in Al's honor may be sent to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to his Montana State University Scholarship Fund.