Peter O'Loughlin

Peter Ronald O'Loughlin, 79, of Columbus, Montana, passed away on June 9, 2026, in Columbus, MT. Born December 8, 1946, in Great Falls, Montana, to Roy and Josephine O'Loughlin, Pete lived a life of service, dedication, and quiet generosity.

After serving in the Montana Army National Guard and working several jobs in his early years, Pete found his calling in law enforcement. He joined the Chouteau County Sheriff's Office as a deputy in 1978 and went on to serve with the Montana Highway Patrol from 1981 until his retirement in 2007 — a career spanning three decades of service to the people of Montana. Those who worked alongside him knew Pete as a man who took his duty seriously, while never losing his easy smile and ready sense of humor.

In his later years, Pete turned his hands to carpentry, a craft he pursued with the same steady dedication he brought to everything he did. He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Columbus, where he tended the church grounds and, together with his friend Jack Putche, built a Grotto on the property — a labor of love and faith that will endure long after them. Those who knew Pete remembered him as outgoing, generous, and always willing to lend a hand.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda; his son Brian (Mary Beth) O'Loughlin; his daughters Wendy (Don) Karls and Becky (Mike) Lowe; and his siblings Marie Engellant, Viola "Sis" Figarelle, Dorothy (Ron) Jaraczeski, Ed O'Loughlin, Rob (Shirley) O'Loughlin, Lu (Bob) Rugwell, Lora Williams, Ray (Patrice) O'Loughlin, and Jimmy O'Loughlin; as well as his late brother Jack's wife, Linda O'Loughlin.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Daniel (Candace) O'Loughlin, Christian O'Loughlin-Raygoza (Hugo), Zach (Tasha), Jake, Nick, Luke, Lily, Rachel, Abby, and Katie Karls, and Tommy, Sophie, Brody, Josie, and Howie Lowe; along with 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Josephine O'Loughlin, and his brother Jack O'Loughlin.

A Rosary will be held on Sunday, June 14, at 3:00 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings, followed by a viewing until 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 15, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Columbus, Montana, followed by interment and a reception at the church.