Elmer "Al" Bortnem

Elmer B. Al Bortnem of Great Falls, went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 5, 2017, of natural causes at Peace Hospice.A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Al was born on November 20, 1932 in Colman, South Dakota, to Alfred B. Bortnem and Anna Martha (Leum) Bortnem. He joined an older brother, Joe and sister Alvina. He was born on a Sunday which earned him his first nickname of Sonny. He and his siblings enjoyed growing up on their farm outside Dell Rapids, South Dakota, until the untimely death of their father when Al was only 11. Hard times were ahead for all after that and they lived a life of struggle for many years.Al entered the United States Air Force in 1953 and came to be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, where he served as an aircraft mechanic. Here, he fell in love with Montana and the big open skies surrounding Great Falls. He also fell in love (at first sight he would add) with the love of his life and soulmate, Janet Mae Leverson. They were married November 25, 1956, at First English Lutheran Church in Great Falls.In 1958, Al and Janet welcomed son, Keith, and then in 1962, welcomed daughter Susan. Al and Janet made their home of 62 years here and never left, except on their many adventures.As a civilian, Al trained as a union automotive machinist and worked in that profession for 35 years. He was truly an amazingly intelligent man who could simply work with any media from wood to metal and create mechanisms of his own design. And they worked. He was the ultimate fix it man. There was nothing he could not repair or improve upon. We all relied on him in so many areas of our lives for so long. He can never be replaced.Our Dad was the most kind and loving father. He was always glad to lend a helping hand and was not interested in accolades. He taught us right from wrong and how the strength of faith sustains a person through life. He adored our Mom and never let her forget that fact. They spent much time traveling together with their biggest highlight, a trip to their shared heritage, Norway.Al was an active and founding member of Faith Lutheran Church; an avid member of the RC Modelers Club; MTVRA; and the black powder rifle club, Montana Plainsmen.Al is survived by his bride of nearly 61 years, Janet; son Dr. Keith (Becky) Bortnem; daughter Susan (Jeff Mora) Weber; 7 granddaughters: Missy Bortnem, Lindsey (Steve) Brown, Christina (Chris) Skinner, Becca Bortnem, Emily, McKenzie, and Anna Weber; and step-grandson Kyle Fry. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother; and sister.Memorials are suggested to Faith Lutheran New Building Fund or the Alzheimers Research Foundation.