John Robert Talmage, 68

John Robert Talmage, 68, of Kalispell, passed away at his home on March 25, 2024. He was born in Canada on June 13, 1955, to Robert and Alice (Strand) Talmage. He was the oldest of three children. His father served in the U.S. Air Force, and John spent several early childhood years in Germany where he made lifelong friends and his passion for automotive and aviation was ignited. The family moved back to their hometown of New Richmond, Wisconsin, where they owned and operated a dairy farm that still stands today next to Strand Lake.

He graduated from New Richmond High School in 1973 and subsequently attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to study electrical and aeronautical engineering. He married Patty Quam in 1976, and together they had three daughters and also owned an auto repair business in New Richmond. He obtained his private pilot license in 1978 and later his instrument, multi-engine and commercial pilot license.

John moved to Kalispell in 2002, to own and operate an aircraft modification business. His business focused primarily on designing, manufacturing and installing modification kits for Piper Apache and Aztec twin-engine airplanes. His expertise and dedication to aircraft quality and functional improvement have forever impacted the aviation industry. He took much pride and joy in collaborating with customers around the world in their shared love of aviation. 

He is survived by his three daughters, Karen (Andy) Ives, Amanda (Doug) Nadeau, and Victoria (Ben) Steinhoff; and their mother, Patty (Mike) Burke; siblings, Steve (Jeri Ann) Talmage and Dianne Talmage; grandchildren, Liberty and Elle Nielsen, Ryder and Revelyn Ives.  

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 24, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell. Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.