Charles Wayne Proff

Charles Wayne Proff was born on August 5th, 1943 to Wayne and Mary Lee (Larry) Proff. Charles also went by Chuck, Chas, and his nickname “Horse.” He was raised on the family farm, growing wheat, and raising beef. He graduated from Dutton High School May 25th, 1961. His senior year he played in the East West Shriners game. He attended MSU in Bozeman, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Production and graduated December 18th, 1965. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the US Navy on January 10th, 1966. After bootcamp, he received his training as a SeaBee. He did two tours in Vietnam with MCB (Mobile Construction Battalion) 133 with his first tour in Da Nang and his second tour in Hue. He was honorably discharged December 27th, 1968 with the rank of CEW2 (Construction Electrician Wiring Petty Officer 2nd Class). He returned to Dutton, MT and married Claudia Clotfelter. They raised cattle, grew crops, and started their family together on a piece of land North of Dutton on the Teton River. He was part of many organizations over the years: Hsan Tauf Horse Patrol for the Algerian Temple, 4-H shooting sports, Teton County Conservation District, Dutton School Board, and the American Legion. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent many years guiding hunters in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his brother Alan for the J-L outfitters owned by his brother-in-law Art Stevens and his sister Joan. He loved to fish with his boys on the many rivers and lakes across Montana. He also loved to operate combine over the years. In his later years he worked for Jerry McCrae and thoroughly enjoyed operating the newer combines.

He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was a cornerstone in the community of Dutton for many years. He didn’t expect payment for his deeds, nor did he demand respect. That was earned over a lifetime of hard work. He lived a full life and was a jack of all trades and a master of some with the knowledge he learned over the years. There are so many reminders of his craftsmanship that remain present around the town of Dutton.

He was a great Father and will live on through his children, with the memories they have of him, the knowledge that he taught them, and the code that he instilled in them. His daughter Rose had him wrapped around her little finger, but that was never abused- just mutual love and respect. He built a life for his family with his wife Claudia and they worked side by side for 47 years. He was a tough man but had a soft spot for his grandchildren Hunter and Siera, who meant the world to him. He also had a kind heart for the family dogs and animals that he raised over the years.

Charles left us on the morning of February 28th, 2022 at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, MT.

Charles is survived by his wife Claudia, his sons John (Melissa) and Matthew, his daughter Rose, his grandchildren: Hunter and Siera and his brother Alan (Chris).

Charles was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Mary Lee (Larry) and his sister Joan Stevens.

Charles will always be remembered for the big grin he gave everyone when he greeted them, his booming voice, and heartfelt laugh.

You had a lifetime of hard work now go in peace. We all love you and will miss you!

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