MISSOULA – Alfred Clarence Siltman, 90, passed away of natural causes Friday, March 9, 2012, at Village Health Care Center.
     He was born March 30, 1921, on a farm near Wheaton, Minn., to Edward and Anna Siltman. They moved their family to North Dakota, and in 1934 to Omak, Wash., during the Depression and drought. Alfred was an athlete at Omak High School, playing football, basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1939.
     Alfred saw action in the Pacific, on the minesweeper USS Refresh, as a radar technician during World War II. After the war, he returned to Omak and married Elaine Bulow on June 28, 1947. He worked at Biles-Coleman Lumber Co. and owned a small farm.
     In 1960, Al and Elaine moved with their five children to Missoula where he became the superintendent of Intermountain Lumber Co. He worked in the wood industry until he retired in 1982.
     Alfred loved long drives in the country, visiting with people, reading, hunting and woodworking. He was always an active member of the Lutheran church. He was loved by all who knew him.
     He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Elaine; brother, Herbert of Omak; five children, Linda, Lorraine, Laura, Alice and Kurt; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
     His children are Linda (Jim) Aronson of Darby, Lorraine (Robert) Miniati of Lonepine, Laura (Charles) Fisher of Bozeman, Alice (Tom) Strong of Dallas, and Kurt (Julie) Siltman of Puyallup, Wash.
     His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Lori Aronson; Carisa Fisher; Kasey Groff and children Wyatt, Kolbie and Charlie; Dereck Fisher and children Jack and Mya; Paul Strong, Rachel; and Brenna Siltman.
     Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, March 16, at Garden City Funeral Home.
     Services were Saturday, March 17, 2012, at Garden City Funeral Home with Pastor Justin Cloute officiating. All were invited to gather for a reception following the service.
     Burial was Monday, March 19, in Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1911 Tower St., Missoula, Mont.
     Pallbearers were Kurt Siltman, Jim Aronson, Robert Miniati, Charles Fisher, Thomas Strong, Dereck Fisher and Mark Wilson.
     Condolences may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.