Eugene Alan Hutchinson, 83, of Ekalaka, Montana, passed away peacefully at his home on July 6, 2025.
Alan was born on January 12, 1942, in Billings, Montana, the eldest of five children born to Newell and Helene (Fosjord) Hutchinson. He was raised on the family ranch near Taylor, North Dakota, where he developed a strong work ethic and deep love for the land. He attended school in Taylor and graduated with the Class of 1961. After graduation, he remained in Taylor to work on the family ranch.
It was in Dickinson, North Dakota, that Alan met the love of his life, Marilyn Tucker, on a blind date. The two were soon married and began their life together in Dickinson, ND until moving to Missoula, Montana, where Alan worked at a plywood mill owned by a close friend. During their time in Missoula, they welcomed two children: a son, Gerald Alan, and a daughter, Shannon Kay.
The family eventually settled in Ekalaka, taking over the Tucker family ranch after the unexpected passing of Marilyn’s father. Alan and Marilyn worked side by side on the ranch, raising cattle, pigs, and chickens. They later added two daughters to their growing family, Lori Mae and Tammy Rae. In addition to running the ranch, Alan also worked for several area ranches over the years and had a true passion for farming. He spent time working as a carpenter—a craft he thoroughly enjoyed—and later joined the county road crew until his retirement.
Alan had a lifelong love of music and generously shared his voice by singing in church and at countless funerals, a role he was honored to fulfill. He was an avid fan of classic westerns and enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour novels whenever time allowed. Alan had a knack for tinkering with machinery, woodworking, and building things with his hands. He made beautiful quilt hangers for each of his daughters and bookshelves for each child—gifts they will cherish forever.
One of Alan’s favorite pastimes was enjoying coffee and conversation with friends at the Wagon Wheel, where he relished in the teasing and storytelling. More than anything, Alan loved his family. He found great joy in visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his home was always filled with warmth and laughter.
Alan is survived by his son, Gerald (Billie Jo) Hutchinson of Laurel, MT, and their children Wyatt James and Samuel Alan (fiancée Mackenzie Mitchell) Hutchinson, Kayce (Justin) Richards, and Kayla (David) Barker; daughter Shannon Hutchinson of Miles City, MT; daughter Lori (Tony) Harbaugh of Miles City and their children Heather (Kord) Merical of Miles City, Trenton (Donna) Harbaugh of Baker, MT, and Canda (Brad) Fuqua of Lebanon, OR; and daughter Tammy Hutchinson of Miles City, MT. He is also survived by his brother, Les (Lynn) Hutchinson of Snohomish, WA; sister-in-law, Cindy Hutchinson of Cheboygan, MI; special friends Tom and Kathy Stieg and family of Hammond, MT; and numerous great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Newell and Helene Hutchinson; his father and mother-in-law Glenn & Irene Tucker; his wife Marilyn Hutchinson; brothers Harry and Arnie Hutchinson; sister Jeannine Hutchinson; brother-in-law Myron Tucker; sister-in-law Judy Tucker; and son-in-law Keith Wittenhagen.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka. Interment will follow at the Beaver Lodge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver Lodge Cemetery, the Ekalaka Volunteer Fire Department, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Alan Hutchinson, age 83, of Ekalaka.
January 12, 1942 – July 6, 2025
Jeff Faycosh says
Lori and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Garth Sleight says
Shannon, Lori, and Tammy, I am so sorry for the sadness that has come into your lives. May sweet memories sustain you.
Mish Leidholt says
Gerald, Shannon, Lori,and Tammy: My heart hurts for your loss! I am so sorry! Hugs and prayers to all of you!
Jean Doran says
Lori, Tammy and Shannon, So sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
Becky Gergen says
Sorry to hear about your Dad.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, Sorry to see of your Dad’s passing. So hard to loose our parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kristee Weischedel says
So very sorry for your loss. It’s tough to lose a parent.
Kyla Kennedy says
Tammy, Lori and Shannon so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cindy Hutchinson says
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful, kind and loving man. I cherish the time I spent with the family. His legacy lives on in his children.
Jana LaBree Cass says
Gerald, Shannon, Lori, and Tammy, so sorry to hear of your loss. When I think of your dad, I hear his voice either laughing with a cup of coffee or singing a hymn. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Kevin Malley says
Gerald so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. God Bless and may he bless you and your family.
Joyce Harkins Peterson says
So sorry to hear about your dad! I know you will miss him greatly!!
Charlotte MillerTo says
I got to know your Dad when your Mom and I were friends and did a lot of traveling together. May you find comfort in knowing that they are back together. They were both special people and will be missed by many of us.
Dale & Ann Tribby says
Lori, Shannon and Tammy – Our deepest sympathies. Another Ekalka icon gone. God bless you all
Louise de Montigny says
Lori, Shannon and Tammy,
My sincere condolences for this loss. I hope you have a wonderful gathering to share memories and celebrate this life. Peace to you.
Jeanie Moran says
His hugs will be missed as well as his jolly belly laughs ❤️🙏
Linda Anderson says
So very sorry to hear that your dad passed away. Our deepest condolences to Shannon, Lori, Tammy, and Gerald and Hutchinson family. May he live on in your memories of him.