Carl Rivera,

Carl Rivera Sr, 96, of Billings, MT passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on the evening of December 5, 2019. Carl was born on September 16, 1923 to Felix and Mary Rivera in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carl came from a large family with a total of ten children. He enlisted into the military just shy of his 18th birthday. During that time Carl served in World War II. After being honorably discharged he met the love of his life, Helen Pease, they married on February 17, 1945 and shortly after started their family, having three sons and a daughter. Carl worked as a carpenter most of his life, owning his own carpentry business. He retired from the Carpenters Union in the 1980's and occupied his time by doing side jobs. One of Carl's many passions was wood working, he would make the most elaborate bird houses as well as dog houses that he would donate to needy pets. Carl enjoyed gardening and could be found in the yard most of the time, whether he was mowing or planting and watering his garden. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and just spending time with his family. Carl is survived by his three sons, Carl Jr. (Linda) Rivera, Daniel Rivera, Chris Rivera; daughter, Victoria O'Donnell; grandsons, Roy Kloepfer Jr., Carl Rivera III, Tyler Rivera, David Rivera and Daniel Rivera; and granddaughters, Melissa Rowe, Nicole Anderson, Tina Rivera Copp and Danielle Rosas. Carl's beloved wife, Helen, and two grandsons, Kevin Kloepfer and Chris Rivera Jr. preceded him in death. Carl was also preceded in death by brothers, Marco, Robert, Louie and Julio and sisters, Helen, Mary and Tony. Viewing will be 10:00 am - 6:00 pm with a vigil service starting at 6:00 pm both at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Thursday, December 12, 2019. Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 pm on Friday, December 13, 2019 at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral with burial immediately following in Mountview Cemetery.