(Feb. 14, 2001)
Retired Powell businessman Kenneth Martin Vontz died Wednesday, Feb. 14 in the Powell Nursing Home. He was 83.
Mr. Vontz owned and operated the Powell Standard Oil bulk plant from 1952-1976.
He was born April 16, 1917, in Absarokee, Mont., to Henry J. Vontz and Mae Olive (Hill) Vontz. He attended schools in Worland and was graduated from Worland High School.
On Jan. 30, 1941, he married Ann Kostenko in Billings, Mont. He entered the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver, Colo., for medical training before serving overseas as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
For six years he was area representative for Standard Oil of Indiana covering the Big Horn Basin.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was a charter member of the Powell Kiwanis Club and a member of the American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed salmon fishing, hunting, being with his grandchildren, collecting and restoring antiques, singing and listening to music and storytelling.
Mr. Vontz was fond of athletics, participating in all sports in school and playing town team basketball and baseball.
He was a loving and generous man. If anyone needed help, he never hesitated in being there, especially for his family.
Survivors include his wife Ann K. Vontz in the Powell Nursing Home; three daughters, Judy Wilkins and husband Bob in Cheyenne, Martha Wood in Bozeman, Mont., and Laurie Lee and husband Bryan in Frannie; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, two brothers, and a great-granddaughter.
Memorial services will be March 10 at the Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ron Kapalka officiating. Cremation has taken place.