John Frederick 'Jack' Bostedt, 90
Jack Bostedt passed away in Kalispell at age 90 on Dec. 10, 2018.
He was born Oct. 31, 1928, in Oconto, Wisconsin, the second child of Wilfred Earl and Palmy (Jilot) Bostedt. His father and grandfather were commercial fishermen, and Jack spent his childhood enjoying the outdoor life.
He was a lifelong fan of his beloved Green Bay Packers, and attended his first game in 1945.
During high school in Oconto, Jack participated in sports, including boxing, football, and softball. After graduating in 1946, he moved to Salinas, California. There, Jack attended Hartnell Community College. In May of 1949, he married Mattie Juanita “Tutti” Ramsey and began his career in civil engineering with the city of Salinas. His profession led the couple and their four children to Sunnyvale, California, in 1960, and two years later to Pleasanton, California, where Jack was employed by MacKay & Somps Civil Engineers.
On June 3, 1971, Jack was remarried to Barbara (Watkins) Fairfield in Alameda, California. They moved to Bigfork that summer. Jack continued his engineering career in the Flathead Valley. Also, he and Barbara became real estate brokers. They owned the landmark Bigfork Inn and other properties in Montana, Oregon and South Dakota. After retiring, Jack and Barbara wintered 20 years in Arizona, where they developed many wonderful friendships.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Yvonne “Vonnie” (Vince) Van Hecke, of California; and his brother, Earl “Skelly” Clinton (Joy) Bostedt, of Idaho.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, along with four children, John William Bostedt of Nye, Montana, Jane Allison Malley of California, David Fredrick Bostedt (Georgia) of California, and Marci Ellen Mendolsen of California; and two stepdaughters, Terri Anderson (Brian) of Montana, and Connie Ganz (Jeffrey) of Oregon. He has 11 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack’s final resting place will be Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork.
Memorial donations are welcomed by the family to Swan Chapel, 22376 Montana 83, Bigfork, MT 59911; or Bigfork Fire Department QRU, 810 Grand St., Bigfork, MT 59911.
Arrangements have been entrusted with Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.