Lynn L Blatter

Lynn L Blatter, 88, of the Glasgow area, passed away at home Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, after a battle with cancer.

Lynn was born the second child, Jan. 11, 1936, in Chinook, Mont., to Cleo and Beryl (Bressler) Blatter. Cleo was employed by his father, farming sugar beets in the Chinook area. Lynn started school there, making a long walk to the country school his first grade year. When Cleo began farming in the Malta, Mont., area, the walk to school wasn't necessary.

The next move was close to Tampico, where Cleo began managing the immigrant workers in the sugar beet fields for the Gene Etchart ranch. Cleo bought and moved onto the Vert's place west of Glasgow, along the Milk River.

Lynn was in Tampico 4H and attended school in Glasgow. As a young man he leveled land and built a reservoir for Gene Etchart with D8 "cat and can," along with doing cowboy work.

He married his sweetheart, Shirley Jean Storkson, daughter of Clinton and Monte (Mattfeldt) Storkson, Nov. 30, 1955, in Glasgow. Their first home was a tar paper shack bunk house on Lynn's parents' place. Mr Newton and Gene Etchart helped arrange Lynn's purchase of a small mobile home and pickup. Lynn and Shirley moved their little home between the North Ranch, the River Ranch, and his parents' place, depending on the time of year and work that needed to be done.

In 1961, Lynn moved his little family to a home in Nashua, Mont., where they lived until 1971, when his mother's cancer became bad and she and Cleo moved into town to be closer to doctors. There he lived the rest of his life.

Lynn worked as a mechanic and welder for Markles Implement, Hanson Mersen Motors and both Roosevelt and Valley County Road Departments. He also worked a few months in Barrow, Alaska, as a cat skinner building the oil pipeline. In about 1968, he was able to get on working at the old Air Force Base, north of Glasgow as a maintenance man and water plant operator. For the next 50 years he worked for whatever entity owned or controlled that facility, the last being Montana Aviation Research Company (Boeing).

Lynn was a quiet, watchful person, a man of few words. When he really got to know you, he would sometimes open up and share his wisdom or a good laugh. He was a local BSA scoutmaster of troop 891 for a few years. A highlight was being able to take the boys to the National Jamboree held in Farragut, Idaho, in 1972. His work ethic was a dominant part of his character and well known by people. He was compassionate and did what it took to provide for his family and help others in need. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and lived by principles of the gospel which he held dear. Many other great qualities made up his character and there are wonderful stories that could be told by many people. But he was not one to call attention to himself, so I will leave it at that. One day we will see and enjoy his company again when our turn comes to leave this life, in the Lord's good time.

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Charles and Kelly; infant sister, Marlene; brothers Darrell, Lee and Butch (Harley); five brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and six grandchildren.

Lynn is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 68 years; children, June (Paul) Gilbert, Gene Blatter, Gerald (Deborah) Blatter, Joan (Gregg) Fawcett, Bill (Carolyn) Blatter, Rose (Forrest) Nielson, Kevin (Lisa) Blatter, Rita (Alan) Cyrier, Beth (Rob) Cross, Penny (Jay) Smith, Cindy (Eric) Maughan, Quin (Donna) Blatter, Ivy (Ben) Tyner, Quel (Adam) Childers, and Ole Blatter; 55 plus grandchildren and 67 plus great-grandchildren; brother, Coyne Blatter; sisters Sharon (Phil) Mares and Ladena Blatter; sisters-in-law Myrna Blatter, Angie Blatter, Judy Blatter, Charlotte Ellsworth along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.

There was no service of any kind, as per Lynn's wishes. We apologize to all who would have loved to attend one. Lynn was buried in the Hillview Cemetery by Hinsdale, Mont., Aug. 24.

Thanks to all who have been so kind to our family in word and deed during this time of loss.