Verschoot

Alfred Charles Verschoot was born Dec. 30, 1935, to Albert and Anna Lee (Horsford) Verschoot at McCone City, Mont., near the Fort Peck Dam where Albert was working.
Al (nicknamed Pearl), grew up near Circle, Mont., graduating from Circle High School in 1954. He joined the United States Marines and served between 1954 to 1957.
Al worked at various jobs including ranches in the Bozeman area and the Flying D near Sheridan, Mont.; Fish and Game checking stations in the fall and as a Dude Wrangler at Canyon Village in Yellowstone Park where he met his future wife, Sandy, a Dude Heaver (waitress) at a square dance.
Al and Sandy were married in Ravenna, Ohio June 20, 1964. While in Ohio, Al worked with the machines at Lamson and Sessions that stamped out nuts and bolts. A daughter, Laurie, was born while they lived in Ohio.
In 1967, Al and Sandy Moved to Ronan, Mont., where they started their small farm/ranch operation with cattle, wheat, barley, and alfalfa. In 1993 they sold their place west of Ronan and moved to Absarokee, Mont., to be closer to family, especially their young grandchildren. While in Absarokee, Al delivered newspapers for the Gazette, did mechanic work and drove school bus.
Al’s passions were gardening, cooking, playing cards and horses, especially his last horse, Diamond.
Al passed away peacefully at home Dec. 30 on his birthday.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandy, daughter Laurie (Eric) Sutphin of Worden, grand-daughters; Jacinta of Oakland, Calif., and Calysta of Billings, brother David (Vesta) Verschoot of Richey, Mont., and many nieces and nephews.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, brothers; Albert Jr. , Allen (Babe) and Charlie.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude or Immanuel Lutheran in Absarokee.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Absarokee.
Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences can be sent through www.cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”