Charles “Cal” Loudermilk passed away December 4th, 2019 surrounded by his adoring family, ending a hard fought six-year battle with cancer and COPD.
Cal was born in Cut Bank, Montana on July 7th, 1940 to Erson (Skeet) and Ethel Fuller Loudermilk. Cal was raised in the oilfield camps in Northern Montana, alongside his sister, best friend, and partner in crime, Nancy. Cal and his friends found themselves involved in all sorts of shenanigans that he would recount in hilarious stories that left his audience in tears and wondering, “How on earth did they survive?”.
Cal was very close to his Loudermilk and Fuller cousins, considering them more like brothers and sisters than cousins. His Aunt Evie provided a second home for Cal while he was growing up. Evie recently passed away after celebrating her 100th birthday.
Cal graduated from North Toole County High School in Sunburst, Montana. After graduation Cal came close to earning a degree in teaching, as he and his sister attended most of the colleges in the State of Montana, looking for the best parties and creating friendships and memories.
In 1965, Cal became the proud uncle of his beloved niece, Rene. He adored Rene and often shared stories of her childhood.
In the mid-1970’s, Cal began his 28-year career with Montana Power/Northwestern Energy. Cal retired in 2002 after working in Cut Bank, Big Sandy, and Havre.
On August 5th, 1978, Cal married Katherine (Kay) Swogger. Cal not only became a husband that day, he became the Dad of four young ladies. Cal was proud of his girls, Jodie, Kari, Stacy, and Shannon, and loved and cared for each one of them. He officially adopted Shannon, making her his “forever little girl”. She adored her Daddy, who was her hero.
Cal’s girls made him the grandpa of eight and the great-grandpa of thirteen. He loved all of his grandchildren with all of his heart. He played a special role in his granddaughter Britta’s life. They shared a special bond that made her one of his “girls”.
Cal enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including fishing, hunting, all types of sports, watching his kids’ and grand-kids’ activities, reading, and politics. His biggest passion was golf. He watched golf, studied golf, taught golf, and even learned how to make custom golf clubs. Even when he was struggling with health issues, he managed to play golf, even if it was only hitting balls in his backyard or putting in his basement.
Cal will always be remembered for his humor, genuine kindness, and his whole-hearted, deep love for his family and friends.
Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Skeet and Ethel Loudermilk, his sister, Nancy Muncy, and his daughter, Kari Thurman.
Cal leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Kay Loudermilk; children and grandchildren, Jodie (Ron) Bruschi of Havre (Jason and Curtis); Stacy (Will) Griessmer of Great Falls (Shanley and Wyatt); Shannon Loudermilk of Helena (Tanner, Trevin, and Kaden); Special Granddaughter Britta Cross (Jason Cech) of Helena (Averi, Rylee, and Ellara); niece Rene (Alan) Holubec of Norman, Oklahoma (Sidney); and his sidekick cat Casey. He also leaves behind 13 great grandchildren, numerous cousins, his special golfing and Montana Power/NWE buddies, and other countless friends and relatives.
Memorials can be made in Cal’s name to “Girls Thrive” at PO Box 1771, Helena, MT. 59624 or donate on-line at girlsthrive.com; “Gift of Life Housing” at PO Box 7008, Great Falls MT. 59406 or on-line at benefis.org. Condolences can be sent in care of Britta Cross at PO box 1840, Helena MT 59624.
A memorial gathering is being planned for the spring or summer of 2020.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Kim cripps says
I am so sorry hugs and prayers he was an Awsome guy
Jo-Ann Kamichitis says
Oh Gram, I am so sorry for your loss.
You and your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Such sad news.
Gary Berg says
Cal was such a great guy. I will always cherish my memories of him. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of his friends and family. Rest in peace.
Ruda says
Cal was a wonderful person,always a smile and hello for you. So sorry for your family am sure he will be missed. Thinking of you in the coming days.
Dale Wass says
Cal was always a good friend and I will miss him.
Irish and Judy Ireland says
We’re so sorry to hear about Cal’s passing. He was such a great friend to us- especially to Irish on the golf course in Chinook. Cal taught me so much, also. He even made a club for me because he thought it would help! And it did! Lots of special memories were made golfing with a very special man. We think of you often and will miss Cal. He was such a nice, kind person.
Prayers and hugs to Kay and all if Cals family.
Danny Harshman says
I am so sorry to hear of Cal’s passing. He will be missed by all that were fortunate to have known him. The years of golfing with Cal were some of my best memories. I feel blessed to have had Cal in my life. My thoughts and prayers to Kay and family. May god bless you and keep you in this difficult time.
Sam wurz says
Had so much fun with Cal on the Chinook Golf Course playing our quarters game on the weekend. He was a great guy. May God help you through this difficult time.
Diane Nelson says
I’m so sorry Kay and family. He was a good guy. Hugs are being sent to you dear friend hope to see you soon😢
Arlene Alme Lager says
This has to be the Cal I went to school with in Sunburst. We were in the same class and graduated in ’59. He was a good friend. Go with God, Cal.
Bob and Charlene Waller says
Our condolences to the family of Cal. Our thought and prayers are with all of you . Bob says he remembers many good times while at College with Cal and also working for Mt Power/NW Energy.
jerry peterson says
Worked with Cal in Big Sandy for years, great guy and will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Linda Schwarzbach says
So sorry to hear about Cal. He was a wonderful man. May thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann Remus says
It’s sad to think you’ve lost someone so special, and though I can’t know all you are going through I want to tell you that I care and hope that loving memories of all you shared will help to give you some comfort. Thinking of you and your family, prayers are with you all.
Joe White says
Cal was a great guy, a loyal friend and a wonderful storyteller, and that was way back in high school. We met infrequently after graduation. but he made each meeting feel as though we had last seen each other yesterday. He was a good man who possessed a quick wit, intelligence, and most of all–Integrity. I feel blessed that God let our paths cross in this life.
Bob & Deanna says
Cal was an awesome guy. We have so many wonderful memories, bowling, MPC parties, his great sense of humor and all his stories, hunting and so many more, we will cherish each one forever. We know he is greatly missed and we think of you guys every day.