MERGENTHALER, Buddy Gene, age 91 of Helena passed away on September 14, 2023. Born in Helena September 11, 1932 to George and Jene Mergenthaler. Lived his young years in Montana City then he and his family moved to the 6th Ward, in Helena. He had an older sister Stella and two younger sisters Barbara and Lois.
While attending Bryant school he held the pull up record at both Bryant and later Helena High, following high school he joined the Navy- in 1951- sailing to Japan on a sea-going tugboat with top speed of 12 knots, which took 60 days to reach Japan. After serving 4 years as a sailor, he returned to Helena to marry Patricia Traynor, in 1955. They had 2 boys together both are now deceased- they divorced and soon met Betty Pocha and had 2 girls. In 1965 while working construction on the now I-15 Highway through Wolf Creek Canyon- a heavy stack of concrete pilings tipped over, knocking him unconscious into the river- Buddy’s nearly severed arm was reattached and he received 28 pints of blood, before spending the next 8 months in the hospital in a body cast and in traction. You can’t keep a good man down- In 1968 he opened Buddy’s Billiards on Main Street. In 1968 he also met Judy Torno, they were soon married and one son Travis was born in 1971. Buddy loved playing pool- competed in 5 tournaments in Las Vegas- he had a great time playing defense shots- “leaving them tougher than Chinese arithmetic’s”. Buddy was an avid elk hunter, setting hunting camps with good friend Bill Bahney- going to hunting camp for a month at a time was not unusual. Many years in the Tizer, many years hunting Beaver Creek. The highlight of his hunting was the bagging of a 7X8 bull elk in 1997. Fish wildlife and parks defined the rack ranked in the top 1% of bull elk harvested that season.
Buddy and wife Judy became renowned for their St. Patrick’s Day garb- Buddy in white tuxedo, top hat and green beard. Buddy loved dressing as Santa Clause and visiting many children. If anyone needed a Santa, he just loved going anywhere no matter how much snow or conditions we went.
In the mid-90’s Buddy started building log cabins, he was very proud of his saw mill that he could take on site- cut and place the logs without a blue print. He was always sketching out ideas. He built 5 log cabin homes including one for Bill Bahney, his very wonderful friend. In 2002 he had a life long dream answered when he and Judy went to Alaska the first time in a motor home for three months. Not long enough time for Buddy- he made friends everywhere he went. Meeting Gene Parsons and family was a highlight. From that time on, he and Gene were great friends. He never missed seeing Gene and family for the next 20 years. Out on many charters, catching many red salmon, halibut, and cod.
Buddy brought home many salmon that he would smoke and can up his catch. Taking a jar with him occasionally to let friends have a taste.
Buddy did many-many things in his 91 years but he said “I still have about 3000 more things I’d like to do”.
Buddy leaves behind his wife of 54 years Judy, son Travis- his 4 children Kascey, Joey, Sawyer and Timber. Daughter Stacey Bodin (Bryan) his children Ryan Walker, Dillion Bodin, Maddison Bodin, great grandchildren, Addison Walker, Khloe Walker, and Alonna Walker. Daughter Jeani Pocha (William) son Skyler. Granddaughter Sunni Taylor (Mike), daughter Belle and Blakley. Grandsons Buddy Mergenthaler Jr., daughter Jessica.
He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, 2 sons, Buddy Jr. and Robert, and sister Barbara Duffy. A ceremony with military honors will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2023 in the Pavilion at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery at Ft. Harrison, 3550 Heroes Road.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
4:00 p.m.
Friday September 29, 2023
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
4:00 p.m.
Friday September 29, 2023
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Matt and Shelly Horne says
Matt and my hearts are broken Buddy was such a wonderful man we will cherish the memories of you always REST IN PEACE our friend
Roy moreno says
I knew Buddy while growing
up he open a pool hall on
Last Chance Gulch he would
allow an teach kids how to
play pool and the proper
way to hold the cue when
Not sure when he an Judy
started to dress up as Mr.
an Mrs. Clause I seen him
an his wife at Cooney when
my mom was there visiting
the residents during Christmas
He was a very nice to my mom and I
He will be missed by all that
knew him RIP Buddy my condolences to
Judy an his family
Thomas Juhl says
“Slant go foill “ R.I.P. MY FRIEND to the best leprechaun I ever knew, Buddy you will be missed…….
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Brenda Staley says
Judy I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sharon Heigh says
Thoughts, prayers and love are with you!
Sharon Baker Heigh and Family
Allison says
Every Christmas I think of Buddy and what a wonderful atypical Santa ….people would say they were afraid to sit on his lap that they might break him….and he would chuckle and tell a joke and made so many people so happy. There were so many pictures. He smiled with more than his eyes. He smiled with his whole body. My thoughts and prayers with you all.
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars & Jim DeMars says
Judy & family,
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Darlene Scott says
Judy, My thoughts and prayers. I know you have wonderful memories to help ease your pain. My sincerest sympathy. Hugs!
Darlene Scott
Shelly Elizabeth Proulx says
Buddy’s “pot of gold” awaits him and well deserved..
He was a card, a true character in life who always left his footprint ..what a life. Warm thoughts to his family during this difficult time, He really will be missed .buddy had a great time, that’s a life rich and full..the wind is behind him and sun upon his face. God bless
Shelly Proul (vic & Julie & Ben Holmes)
Steve Hoy says
Love that ol’ man! We had a good time at the pool hall many years ago and after. He was always good to me!
Al Ballard says
I am beyond sorry I didnt get to see him just once more but happy that ever knew him and was able to call him friend. One of the most amazing and wonderful people I have ever known.
Cj says
My dear Judy, so sorry to see this horrible news! I’ll never forget our wonderful times playing pool! Buddy was such s hoot! Ur in ny thoughts and prayers!! Love you Cj
Cindy Burk says
It was so great to spend some time with him a couple of weeks ago. Will always remember hunting camp in the bus. We had some amazing times. he will truly be missed. But I know he is in a better place. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Nita Graves says
The first time I saw Buddy, was at the first Christmas party I attended at Eagles Manor. I was helping serve. All of a sudden Santa put his arm around me. I looked up to see Mrs. Clause taking our picture. Judy gave each of us a picture of us with Santa. I have every picture from the parties since. I will always treasure these memories of the most perfect and wonderful Santa and Mrs. Clause. I’ve known you for several years and I am so honored to be your friend. Buddy, rest in peace. Judy and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️❤️❤️
Doug Stipcich says
Buddy mergenthaler family.
So sorry to learn of “Buddys” passing. To say he was one unique individual doesn’t do him justice. I had the pleasure of not only meeting him at all hours of the night on trips in and out of the Tizer basin but also watching him make his way up the hillside in Clear Creek from the next ridge. He and Bill Bahwny made many late in the evening trips in and out of the tizers over the years.
Please try to keep ahold of the good memories of Buddy. I know that has helped me with my fathers passing several years ago.
RIP Buddy!!!
Cathy Hellwitz says
Judy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sorry I missed his service, I just read of his passing today. May he rest in peace and may the Lord guide you in this time of great sorrow and loss.