Thomas John Altmaier, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 14, 2024, in Helena, MT.
He was born on April 13, 1933, in Bozeman, MT, to Clarence and Mildred Altmaier. The family moved to Billings when Tom was 9 years old, where he attended Pratt Elementary School and graduated High School at Billings Central in 1951. Tom received an athletic scholarship from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, to play football in 1951, where he joined Alpha Zeta Fraternity.
In 1954, Tom served his country as a United States Naval Cadet in Pensacola, FL, and was stationed at Naval Air Stations in Brunswick, Malta, Venice, Munich, and London.
He went on to earn a BS in Physical Science along with a teaching certificate from the University of Montana in 1960. Later he obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Montana.
Tom started his career as a high school math and science teacher in Dietrich, ID. He then went on to become a 7th and 8th grade physics teacher and basketball coach in Florence-Carlton, MT. Committed to education, he became a math teacher and coach at Helena Junior High until his retirement in 1984. Ever the learner, he then became a Certified Financial Planner with Waddell and Reed and NEA Value Builder for the next two decades.
Tom actively participated in various organizations and community services. He served as the Treasurer of the Montana Retired Educators Association (MREA), President of the AARP Montana Chapter, University of Montana Alumni Association Lifetime Member, and Secretary of the Lewis and Clark Foundation. His dedication to making a difference earned him recognition as the recipient of the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service in 2012.
Outside of his professional life, Tom had a wide range of hobbies and interests. He excelled as an athlete in his youth, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball during his high school years and spoke fondly about camping in the Crazy Mountains with his older brothers Jack and Bill. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, geology and rock collecting, reading novels, photography, computer programming, and running in the Governor’s Cup. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, grilling, birdwatching, and embarking on Elderhostel trips. Tom was also a devoted fan of the Montana Grizzlies athletic programs and loved taking family trips during his later years. Over the years, Tom loved and cared well for his canine best friends and companions. His golden lab Ruby and golden retriever Nellie spent most of their waking hours with him. Tom’s heart and soul were set in Montana, and he never wanted to live anywhere else!
Tom’s character was marked by his positive nature, his timely and clever quips, and his dedication to his family and friends. Although he was never the most talkative person in a room, his words were thoughtful and precise, replete with wisdom or with humor, and frequently with both. Throughout his lifetime, he inspired those around him to love learning, continue their quest for knowledge, and benefit others with their wisdom.
Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, William, and Duane; his sisters, Elizabeth and Marianne; his son Steve Ross; his daughter Christina; and his grandson Ethan. Although their absence left a void in his heart, he cherished their memories and carried their love with him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons John Ross, Craig, and Dan; his daughter Nancy; and his grandson Vincent. Tom’s family meant the world to him, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
A military funeral service to honor and celebrate Tom’s life will be held on March 8, 2024 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 8, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 8, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Sandi Coyle Benson says
Mr. Altmaier will always have a special place in my heart. He was one of the best teachers I had at Jr. High. May you rest now and know your memories will be carried by many.
Shannon Matthies-Callahan says
Mr. Altamaier was the first teacher to help me believe I was smart. He complimented me one day in math class and ever since I have believed I could do things that are challenging to me. Thank you Mr. Altamaier! You are remembered fondly.
Kevin Bartsch says
Sorry to hear of Mr. Altmaier’s passing. I had him as a middle school teacher and basketball coach at Helena Junior High. He was a fun and interesting. I always enjoyed running into him around town periodically years later and he would have a hearty “hello!” to offer. RIP Mr. Altmaier! Sorry for your loss.
Lanae Matson Vetsch says
Deepest condolences to the family for the loss of Mr. Altmaier. He was a great teacher and basketball coach at the Helena Junior High. I have great memories, he wanted all of us to do our best.
Vince Justice says
I had Mr Altmaier as a teacher in the 70s, he was the most liked and popular teacher amongst the students for his willingness to help us and his friendliness to all us kids, he was a great role model and teacher and will be missed.
Bill Bentley says
RIP Tom. I also had Tom as a math teacher back in the day. Great guy.
FJ says
Tom always had a gentlemanly presence at AARP
legislative meetings.
Sending HIS loving comfort to you all in the absence of your beloved, Tom.
Fran
longtime AARP volunteer
Barb Baenes says
Tom exemplified kindness and curiosity. His presence in my daughter’s life as Mary cared for her after school left us both with so many great memories. Our favorite is when Autumn was sitting on the couch munching on a snack with Mary. Autumn was about 3 1/2 years old. Tom stopped and looked at Autumn and exclaimed, “Mary doesn’t even let ME eat on the couch Autumn!!” She felt so special and treasured. Other times were rides in the wheelbarrow with Ruby close by, on the way to “helping” in the garden. May he be free and filled with wonderment and love wherever his spirit flies. So many tender mercies to Mary and family, may you all be held with sweet comfort and compassion. Barb Barnes
Ann Ripley says
I taught and coached with Tom and always found him to be a good soul with his students best interest at heart. Later, after leaving teaching, I would see Tom in town and it was always a great visit. He was a dear man and will be missed by many of us. Rest in Peace, Tom.
William John Altmaier says
Tom was my uncle i well never forget are good times. Are family Reuniions the trip and all the good times. Tom and Mary i want to be there but im recovering from heart problems of my own. But i well say Tom im thinking of you all the way from Texas.
Carla Williams says
He was such a fun and effective teacher. He didn’t ever get angry if students were acting up. He would deadpan, “If you don’t sit down, I’m going to have to beat you severely about the head and shoulders.” 50 years later and that still makes me laugh!!
Monte Saxby says
Mr. Altmaier was my 8th grade math teacher in 1972-73. I don’t remember a lot, but I do remember him being “subtly funny” (I also remember the threat of being beaten severely about the head and shoulders), but I must have learned well as I ended up majoring in mathematics and becoming a math teacher myself. I am glad to read that he lived a long and fulfilling life.