Albert Ottolino

In the first hours of the new year, our loving heavenly Father called Albert Vincent Ottolino, our beloved husband and father, to his eternal rest. He was 91 years old. A Montana and Billings native through and through, Albert was born to Nick and Dorothy Ottolino in 1924. He grew up on Billings' south side, and graduated from Billings Senior High School. With the coming of World War ll, he enlisted in the Army and, at the age of 19, was part of the D-Day invasion force that landed on Omaha Beach. He continued to serve in Europe for two years. Upon his return to Billings, he went to work for the Billings Gas Company, which later became a part of Montana-Dakota Utilities Company. His work for the company spanned over 40 years. He met and married his wife June in 1950, and they had two children, David and Karyn. The family lived in Billings until 1968 when he became a district supervisor and moved to Bridger. Albert and June resided there for the next 36 years, and then returned to Billings to live out their retirement years. In 2011 they moved to the Morning Star retirement complex where he enjoyed bingo, bunco and the company of many friends. Albert gave generously of himself to his communities. In Billings, he was instrumental in forming the Billings Division – MDU Credit Union, serving as assistant treasurer for many years. In Bridger, he served as member and chairman of the local school board, was a member of the Bridger Lions Club, and was a volunteer ambulance driver and a member of the volunteer fire department. He served in various positions in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, most notably as treasurer for more than twenty years. He also was president of the Bridger Senior Center for 18 years. He loved to cook, and was well known for his barbequing at Jim Bridger Days, making chili for the Senior Center, and serving up his famous spaghetti dinners for many special occasions. His father taught him to fly fish, and they enjoyed many hours together on Montana's streams during family camping trips. He spent his last evening playing cards with his family. Albert and June enjoyed being able to travel and were proud to have visited all fifty states, though for Albert, Montana was always the best. A highlight of his later years was being recognized for his service during WWll by being on the first Honor Flight out of Montana. Although he had significant health challenges in his later years, he was a charming and lovely man right to the end. Dad, we are grateful for every day we got to share with you. You were the best gift we could have and though we will miss you every day, we know you are in a place now with no struggles and pain, and that you are making spaghetti for everyone. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and School and the Bridger Senior Center. Arrangements are in the care of the staff at Dahl Funeral Chapel.