Gary Eugene Antonson

Gary Eugene Antonson went to be with the Lord on Jan. 21, 2021 after a two-week battle with Covid. Gary was born November 2, 1946 in Plentywood, Mont., to Art (Ding) and Wilma Antonson.

His early years were spent growing up in NE Montana. He graduated from Wolf Point, Mont. high school. Gary served in the Montana National Guard for 6 years. He attended the University of Montana, graduating with a teaching degree. He married Barb Aldendice, moved back to Wolf Point and taught at Frazer High School. Wanting to work closer to home, he opened and owned a Sears outlet store in Wolf Point for many years. When Sears closed the store, he went to work for Montana Job Service. However, teaching was his true calling and he went to work for the Wolf Point School system, at first managing ISS, then teaching his passion which was history. He also taught classes at Fort Peck Community College and taught driver’s ed for over 25 years in Wolf Point and surrounding communities.

He met his Dear Penny (Stephenson) in 1996 and they enjoyed 25 years together. Gary and Penny moved to Arizona in 2010 to escape the harsh Montana winters. He took up golfing and loved it! He worked as a substitute teacher for several years and at a golf course in Queen Creek, Ariz. He enjoyed golfing with his stepsons and especially with his son, Mark, at the Father’s Day golf tournament in Washington. He also enjoyed reading, finishing 2-3 books a week. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it; he was capable of fixing almost anything and enjoyed woodworking projects.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Laura Ann.

Gary is survived by his wife Penny, his sons Chris (Christine) with grandsons Mason and Jordan; Mark (Katrina) and his daughter, Heather; his stepsons Russell Stephenson and Beau Stephenson and stepdaughters Mindy Stephenson (Todd) and Stephanie Rasmussen (Ron) with grandsons Aaron and Karsten; his brother, Allen (Jodi); and his best friend for over 60 years, Tracy Stone (Betty).

Graveside services at the Nashua, Mont. cemetery will be held in the summer of 2021 if able.