Monty Lee Gilcher

Monty Lee Gilcher, age 74, passed away at his home on March 1st surrounded by his wife and loving family.

He was born on June 4, 1946 in Great Falls to Darrell and Hazel Gilcher. Monty attended Conrad High School. He joined the Navy and served 4 years as a Sonar Technician on the U.S.S. Stribling.

After serving in the military, he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering as well as a business degree at Weber State.

Monty married LaVonne Watterud in Conrad, MT and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 3, 2020.

They have 2 wonderful and lovely daughters, Dawn (Lee) Finney and Jeri (Travis) Fox. He was a proud grandpa to 5 grandchildren: Alicia Mudrow, Austin Finney, and Andy Finney; Caden Fox and Ashlee Fox.

Monty loved to fish and go camping with his family at Hungry Horse Dam along with his buddies Tom and Dwight.

They moved to Great Falls for several years and then to Laurel to be closer to their youngest daughter and grandchildren.

He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Laurel.

Monty has a brother, Ronald Gilcher living in Great Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Lola Eayres and brothers Richard, Bob, and Bill Jensen.

There will be no funeral service. Interment will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial in Great Falls at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.smithfuneralchapels.com.