Garry August Pistoria, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, was peacefully united with Jesus on August 27, 2024.
Garry was born on December 4, 1941, in Great Falls, Montana, the only child to Sally (Luoma) and August “Gus” Pistoria.
Garry began his career in 1961 as a janitor at the Grain Terminal Association (Harvest States). Always the hardworking, overachiever, Garry became Vice President of Harvest States Cooperatives and President of Amber Milling. He retired in 1998.
As a young boy, Garry had a passion for baseball, hunting, and fishing. He continued to play ball into adulthood, winning a number of state tournaments, and was quite proud of his induction into the Montana Softball Hall of Fame. He spent a great deal of time fishing the many streams and lakes of Montana and, in 2020, harvested his twentieth elk.
Garry married Gail Werner in 1961, and together they had three daughters, Jill, Stephanie, and Jackie.
On July 8, 1989, Garry married the love of his life, Debbe. In 1999, they moved from Minnesota to Montana. For the past 25 years, Debbe and Garry have enjoyed life together with their dogs, Gus, Abby, Moose, Drake, and most recently, “The Guard Dog,” Ranger, in and around Helena.
In 2006, Garry, an avid animal lover, invited a handful of close friends to have dinner and brainstorm how to create a charity that would provide assistance to low-income families and veterans, allowing them to keep their beloved pets during times of crisis. As a result, the Pad For Paws Foundation was established. To date, Pad for Paws has donated over one million pounds of pet food and litter to the wonderful community of Helena. Garry served as board president and advisor since 2006.
Garry was preceded in death by his parents, Sally (Luoma) and August Pistoria. He is survived by his beloved wife Debbe, his three children, Dr. Jill (Brian) Ash, Stephanie Pistoria, and Jackie Possehl (Kirk), four grandchildren, Alex (Abigal) Ash, Cameron Duscher, Sarah (Michael) Larkin, and Jessica (Brandon) Goodwin, eight great-grandchildren, Oliver, William, Lennon, Isaac, Ethan, Avery, Quincy, and Emery, and dog Ranger
Memorials in Garry’s name are preferred to Pad For Paws Foundation, P.O. Box 287 Helena Mt. 59624
“Keeping people and their pets together.”
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Gina Wiest says
Debbe, I am so very sorry for your loss. You have been on my mind for awhile as I hadn’t seen you at the bakery. If you need anything please let me know.
Gina Wiest
Susan Bollenbacher says
Debbie, sorry for your loss. I follow your foundation’s FB page, and saw that he passed. He was a great man and a great boss.
Larry Huston says
Cousin Garry you will always be cmissed. I will always remember staying with you and family during the 1953 flood. We tried camping out in your backyard one night , and we slipped away around midnight to swim in the private pool owned by the catholic nuns. Your dad found us and wasn’t too worried about us but your mom was furious. I’m so proud of your career and remember our conversation while you lived in Minnesota. Rest in peace and God Bless your soul and family.
Becky Berger says
Debbie and family-
So glad I ran into you and Garry a few weeks ago. Garry’s positive attitude and love of life continued throughout his battle. An amazing man that left a mark. Dad enjoyed visiting with Garry at the cabin and reminiscing about his parents and life in Cascade.
We are out of town so unable to make his service but will be with you in thoughts and prayers.
Erika says
Debb we are very sorry for your loss. If there us anything we can do please let us know. Praying for you and your family in this difficult times.
Sincerely,
The Adam and Erika Mendez
Erika says
Debb we are very sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Praying for you and your family in this difficult times.
Sincerely,
The Adam and Erika Mendez
Erika says
Debb we are very sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Praying for you and your family in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Adam and Erika Mendez
Betty Schmitzer says
Debb, I am a FB friend of your daughter Jill, through Donna Ash who just recently passed. I was a very close friend of Donna’s and through Fb became friend with your beautiful daughter Jill and extended family. Sorry for your loss. Hard to lose those we love so much. December of last year I lost my only Son. Way to soon and out of order. However, we can rest in much peace knowing they have reached the ultimate of all followers of Christ; to come home for all eternity and finally live the peace that God intended for us all. God bless you and your family at this time and know your faith will keep you close. AMEN
Wayne J Schottler says
Debbe: So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I have fond memories of working with you on your home building project and being a friend of you both since.
GARY HOFER says
Scene: 1983, Harvest States Cooperatives, St Paul, MN on Larpenteur Avenue. Garry Pistoria is Grain Division Manager, addressing junior grain buyers and merchandizers: “Nobody ever makes any money unless his ass is in the fire!” He meant that you have to make a real-time commitment. Sell the barge to be loaded with a deadline when it starts to charge demurrage if its not loaded, then go get the grain! Twin Cities is a competitive place to be a buyer, with lots of heavy hitters wanting the same grain, so you have to hustle! Never was spoken a truer piece of market wisdom! …And it applies to virtually everything in life! (including pre-booking miles of rail freight). Garry was a leader.