Father Gregory R. Staudinger

Father Gregory R. Staudinger
October 10, 2025
Father Gregory R. Staudinger, 71, passed away peacefully and finally without the wretched knee pain, on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings, Montana.
He was born the second son to George and Perpetua "Patty" Steiner Staudinger February 17, 1954 in Glendive MT. The family moved to Billings in 1957. He attended Little Flower School and Billings Central Catholic High School. He then attended The Pontifical College of Josephinum in Columbus Ohio for seminary and completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy. He attended St. John's in Collegeville, MN to complete his graduate Theology degree, with a stint in Israel as part of his education.
He served on the Rocky Boy Reservation MT for one year as an ordained deacon before he completed his masters degree. He was ordained May 23, 1981 on the half-court line at Billings Central Catholic High School by Bishop Murphy.
His assignments in Eastern Montana were: St. Raphael, Glasgow (July 1981-1985); St Matthew, Sidney (July 1985-Sept 1987); Sacred Heart, Glendive (Sept 1987-July 1988); St Anthony, Culbertson (July 1988-July 1996); St Matthew, Sidney (July 1996-July 2010); St Mary, Columbus and St Michael, Absarokee (July 2010-2018); and St Agnes, Red Lodge (Dec 2014-2018); St. Pius X, Billings (July 2018- Aug 2023); Retired and Pastor Emeritus of St. Pius X (Aug 2023). He served as an associate, administrator, and pastor in these various parishes.
Besides serving faithfully in the Church, Greg had many hobbies he pursued over the years. He enjoyed trains and once owned a very elaborate model train set-up. He thoroughly enjoyed old steam tractors and attended the Western Minnesota Steam & Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN for 40+ years. He said Mass there on the weekend for numerous years. He was a licensed steam operator. Greg was a life-time member of the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion and the Culbertson Tractor Show. He dabbled in cooking, making home-made yogurt, even machine-generated embroidery. He was a volunteer firefighter in the communities he served early in his assignments. He was a Knights of Columbus member. Greg liked to be involved in the communities he lived in. He said whichever current parish he served was his family.
Greg had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. He was a prankster as many of his friends and parishioners can attest. He wanted to be seen as a curmudgeon but he had a soft, kind heart. However, he could show his stern German side too.
Waiting down here to join Fr. Greg in heaven: brother Gary (Judy), Butte; sister Gayle Walker, Billings; brother Gene "Corky" (Deanna Darnielle), Billings; nephews Ben (Mindy) Staudinger, Washington; Scott (Jennifer Jo) Staudinger, Nevada; Jeff Staudinger, Arizona; Caleb Staudinger, Billings; nieces Ann Staudinger-Knoll (Stephen), Washington; Larissa Walker (Alex Welander), Missoula; and, Darci Hupka (Rhett), Billings.
Those leading the way into heaven for Greg were: his parents, George and Patty; brother-in-law Merrill Walker; sister-in-law Danette (O'Gara) Staudinger, and nephew Casey Staudinger.
Thank you to River Ridge Rehab who took care of Greg in his last ten months, especially Jodi Mcllvain, Mary Tucker, as well as Dr Neal Sorensen who took care of Greg for many years. Your kindness and patience shown to Fr. Greg are very appreciated.
Services:
Vigil Monday Oct. 20 6 p.m. at St Pius X Church, 717 18th St West, Billings MT
Funeral Mass Tuesday Oct. 21 11 a.m. at St Pius X Church
Committal Saturday Oct. 25 9 a.m. at St Pius X Church cemetery
Dahl's Funeral Home and St Pius X staff in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers please send monetary donations to Catholic Daughters or St Thomas Youth Camp, all c/o St Pius X Church, 717 18th St West, Billings, MT 59102.
Bro! Padre! Father Greg-You are gone far too soon!! But we know you are no longer in pain and can get around freely without a wheelchair, walker, or cane. Dance a jig with our cousin David-you both were such wonderful and delightful dancers! You will be sorely missed down here…Til we meet again!