• Born: 31 May 1921, Ismay, Custer County, Montana, USA
• Died: 29 May 2009, Havre, Hill County, Montana, USA at age 87
• Buried: 4 June 2009, Missoula, Missoula County, Montana, USA

  General Notes

Obituary (02 June 2009):

HAVRE - Claude H. "Blackie" Lackner, 87, a decorated World War II Army veteran, died of natural causes, May 29, 2009, at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre, Montana. Visitation is 5 to 9 p.m. today at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Graveside service with military honors is 2 p.m. Thursday in the Missoula Cemetery.

Claude was born May 31, 1921, in Ismay, Mont., to John and Gladys (Salakled) Lackner. He was raised and educated in Miles City, where he attended high school. He entered into the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

Claude Lackner was married to his wife for 65 years, and they had four sons. One son, Claude H. Lackner Jr., passed away when 18 months old.  In addition to his sons, Blackie is survived by two half brothers, his wife, 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Blackie was a decorated WWII veteran, having served in the UK - 1st of July 1942; North African Invasion - 25th of October 1942; and the United States - 9th of October 1944.  During his service time, he was presented with the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He ended his service time at Fort Missoula as a prison guard.  Blackie worked for 20 years for the Northern Pacific Railroad starting as a pipe fitter on the steam engines in the old roundhouse in Missoula, and as the diesel locomotive replaced the steam engines, he worked freight docks and was a clerk in the railroad yard.

He left the railroad to accept employment with Frenchtown School District as maintenance director and was there for 20 years. He also served on the school board and was chairman for several years. He also served on the Montana State school board and ran for the state Legislature.

In his tenure with the railroad and the school district, he held licenses in plumbing, electrical, pipe fitter and sheet metal building.

Blackie had many hobbies and interests. His first love was golfing but also at various times in his life he enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and reading of histories, especially Montana history. To say the least he was an accomplished Montana historian. He and his father-in-law and the family would leave early in the morning and drive to Flathead Lake to snag Kokanee salmon. He also enjoyed hiking into mountain lakes and camping. He also spent many years working with stones and gems and making jewelry. He loved to have lengthy discussions on almost any topic with anyone that was a good listener.

He also coached Babe Ruth league at Frenchtown for many summers and was involved in 4-H and the Missoula County Fair. He spent many years as a Cub Scout leader in Missoula where his specialty was his ability to build kites.

He enjoyed a competitive game of chess.

He loved the farm life and spent most of his life on the farm raising most of the meat the family ate. Animals raised included chickens, pigs and cattle, and he operated a dairy herd for many years. The family was raised on these products along with real whole milk, real cream and homemade butter.
For as long as we can remember, we had horses which were used for enjoyment and hunting and fishing trips.

Blackie was a husband, father, patriot, and provider and was always concerned with the welfare of others. His vast knowledge and knowhow of almost everything can never be replaced.

His passing will leave a vacancy in many lives but may we all be so fortunate to be able to live so long, be as successful as he was and leave in a peaceful and non-suffering manner. Blackie Lackner was an extremely fortunate and talented individual who will be missed by all but never forgotten.
Memorials in Claude's honor may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
Condolences may be posted online at hollandbonine@q.com and/or gftribune.com/obituaries.

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  Death Notes

Northern Montana Hospital

  Burial Notes

Missoula Cemetery

  Recorded Events in His Life

• Parents: John Lackner and Gladys Salakled.

Claude married Living