Donald G. Pontius passed away on August 6, 2018 of natural causes. He was 77 years old and would have been 78 on August 30, 2018.
Don was born August 30, 1940 to Garold Pontius and Anna (Bangert) Pontius in Gillmore City, IA. He was the second of seven children. His family farmed in South Dakota. He attended school in Avon, South Dakota and graduated from Avon High School in 1959. After graduating high school, Don enrolled in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in southeast Asia. He served four and a half years as an aerial photographer. Don was honorably discharged from the USAF in April of 1964. He attended heavy equipment operators school in Charleston, South Carolina. Upon completion of operators school, Don went to work building interstate highways. This took him across the country. Don worked in South Carolina, Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana. While in Montana, he met Marjorie Reinhart. They were married in 1971 and to this union two children were born: Robert (1971) and Troy (1974).
Don worked for EH Oftedal for several years as an equipment operator. In 1975, he went to work for Western Energy Co., where he would eventually retire in 2003. During his years working at Western Energy, Don started his construction company. Don Pontius Construction grew from an old backhoe and farm truck to a whole fleet of construction equipment and trucks.
Don was a lifetime member of the Miles City VFW.
Don is survived by his wife, Marjorie (Reinhart) Pontius; his son Robert (Amy) Pontius and granddaughter Addie Pontius; brothers: Eugene (Hao), Norville (Alta), and sisters: Patricia (Bill) Sharp, Mary (Ric) Ohmit, Susie and many other cousins, nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his father Garold, mother Anna, Brother Robert and his son Troy.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors. A lite lunch will be served after the graveside service at the VFW Hall, 119 N. 6th Street in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Miles City VFW, First Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
Shelly Holum says
Sending prayers to the family
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. So very sorry to hear about Don
Linda Hamilton says
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna McCulloch says
My heartfelt condolences go out to you on the loss of Don. May your precious memories help you through the coming days, and weeks .
Marilyn and Lyle Dorn says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Sending prayers to the family. Rest in peace, Don.
Martha Crandall says
my sympathy
Mike & Myrna Higgins says
prayers for comfort and the Lord’s peace for all of Don’s family
Duane Ankney says
Don was a good friend. I will miss him. Seems like I was just talking to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Del, Betsy, Jessica, and Little Del says
You are in our thoughts. Don was a good man.
Norville & Alta Pontius says
Our prayers go out to the family. Don and Norville had a special bond. They shared many adventures together growing up. He will always be in our thoughts and memories!
Pam Rogge says
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom & Robin Shahan says
Sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Christina Jim Hardesty says
So sorry for your loss he was a good man
jackson craig says
Words cannot express the sadness that is felt for you in your loss as family. May the comfort and love of family and friends sustain you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hull Family says
Rob and family,
Continued Prayers for your family, may the fond memories of your dad help you all through this difficult time.
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Our prayers are with you during this time of loss. Don was always so nice to us. We will remember him fondly and know that you have many happy memories of him. May you be comforted by your faith and the support of family and friends.
Steve Perusich says
Sorry for your loss your family is in our prayers and thoughts.
Del & Elaine Angelo says
Our prayers are with the family as we hear of your joining your brother and parents. You will built lots of good memories with the family.
Darrell & Glenda Brabec says
Rob and family prayers for your loss!
Don Anderson says
Sorry to hear about Don. I hope every thing is going ok.I will see you in about a week and a half.let me know if there is anything that I can do so sorry for your loss.
Don Anderson
Dan and Gigi Batie says
Rob and Family, we were sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. He was a good friend to me and I will miss the long discussions we had about heavy equipment and of course, politics. He was always so generous of his time and equipment when there was a need. he had a heart as big as the whole outdoors and was eager to help people in this community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Willowa Heppner Ankeny says
Sorry to hear about Don. Prayers and may the Lord help you in these coming days and weeks to get through the tough times.
Shannon Miller Locknane says
So many prayers for your family…. I have several fond memories of your dad, Rob.
Terry and Debbie Olson says
Rob and Family,
A loss in the family is hard, but it’s those good memories that get us through and even bring a smile at such a hard time.
Don always stopped to chat with Terry and enjoy a good laugh with a funny story.
Don had a kind and generous heart.
He will be missed.
Your in our thoughts.
Terry and Debbie Olson
Duane and Sue Allred says
Rob,Amy and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I worked with Don for a number of years and appreciated his knowledge and sense of humor. He developed a great work ethic that did him well. Will miss seeing him on occasion
Ryan Olson says
I always enjoyed visiting with Don. I first met him while working at western energy. He always knew his job and was very nice to work with.
Through the years I had the opportunity to know him better, he was very nice and i feel he and I had some of the same opinions in life. I will miss visiting with Don and hashing over our thoughts of things.
Debby and I share prayers with his family.
Jack and Kris Crocker says
Sending prayers to you Marge and your family.
BONNIE CURRAN says
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Many many thoughts and prayers to you all. May God help you through this time of healing.
Mike & Paula Childers says
We were all so shocked to hear about Don’s passing away. We always enjoyed him stopping in to chat and laugh. We enjoyed his life stories the most. He lead a very interesting life and was such a hard worker. We just can’t believe he is gone. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you struggle through this time. God’s Blessings.
Joy and Loy Martens says
So sorry to hear about Don. Joe was fond of him and always said what “good guy” he was. May good memories, family and friends help you through the coming weeks.