Great Fallls - Great Falls lost a legend, husband, father, and friend to all on Good Friday, April 15, 2022. Louis (Lou) Fontana passed away peacefully after a short illness. Lou was born on February 10, 1927, to Peter and Adele Fontana, who immigrated from Piandelagotti, Italy in 1910. Louie lived his entire life as a resident of Great Falls. Louie is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Barbara (Johnstone) Fontana, as well as his three devoted children, Rina Fontana Moore, Peter Fontana, and Paul Fontana.

Lou graduated from St Mary's and then Great Falls High School in 1944. All through junior high and high school he worked with his brother, Dominic, at S&B grocery to help the family and the war effort. After graduation at the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Army.

Lou was proud to be a World War II combat veteran, serving in the Pacific Theater. He received his basic training at Camp Roberts, Ca. He was a member of the 33rd Infantry in the 315th Signal Service Battalion and served in New Guinea, the Philippine Islands and finally in Yokohama, Japan. The Signal Corp had responsibility for one of the most important systems used during WWII – Radar. The Signal Corp and the use of radar was credited with turning the tide of WWII, affecting the outcome of two key engagements: The Battle of Britain and the Battle of the Atlantic. The Japanese in the Pacific theater were at a distinct disadvantage as they were without radar, while the Allied ships were equipped with early warning radar. He was honorably discharged in December 1946 at the rank of staff Sergeant. Lou was decorated with the Army of Occupation (Japan) Medal, Victory Medal Asia/Pacific, and The Meritorious Unit Award. Lou was a proud member of the American Legion and VFW for more than 75 years.

After his military service he attended Montana Tech, University of Idaho, Colorado School of Mines to study engineering and land surveying. Lou was both a licensed professional engineer and land surveyor and held both credentials up to the day of his passing. After graduation from college Lou spent more than 44 years as the City and County Engineer. Lou is credited with the engineering and planning of most of the major subdivisions in Great Falls, and Cascade County during his 44-year civic career. After his retirement from public service, he went into business with his beloved daughter and partner, Rina. Rina and Lou proudly and successfully, operated Fontana and Moore Engineering and Land Surveying for more than 25 years. Lou dutifully served on the Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for 11 years, appointed by Governors Judge and Schwinden. He was also an item writer and test reviewer for the National Council of Examining Engineers (NCEE).

During his years as the City Engineer, he met the love of his life, Barbara Johnstone. Barbara was a clerk in the city water office. She had a crush on Louie and all the girls in the water office dared her to ask the handsome, city engineer, on a date and so she did! They were married on August 12, 1962. They purchased a family home earlier that year and still both lived there until the day of Louie's passing. Together for almost 60 years they raised a beautiful family. Louie's favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Louie and Barb hosted thanksgiving for 54 years. Louie would pride himself on always getting the biggest Turkey at the Big Stone Colony, never less than a 30lb bird.

The stories and accomplishments are too numerous to quote over almost a century as a proud resident of Great Falls. However, Lou was always fond of the story of having a Hollywood film shot partly in the family home. The film was Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, starring Clint Eastwood, Jeff Bridges, and George Kennedy. The family spent time with all the stars, and it created a life-long story.

Lou purchased a family cabin outside of Augusta in Sun Canyon where the family grew up and created enumerable memories along the way. Although he chose to sell the cabin after almost 30 years of ownership the family still has a cabin in Sun Canyon and continues to make lasting memories.

Lou was a huge fan of baseball and football and was avid supporter of the Montana Grizzlies. For years he would pack the family up right after Christmas and drive to Pasadena, CA for the Rose Parade, and the Rose Bowl, even taking the family to the Super Bowl one year, of course it was in the Rose Bowl, so two trips to Pasadena that year.

Lou was a consummate Italian, hard-working, fiercely loyal, and above all the Patriarch of the Fontana Family. The only contract Lou needed in all his years of business was a handshake, it was his golden bond. Lou proudly put all three of his kids through school. He proudly watched and bragged about how all three became successful at their chosen professions.

Lou is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara; by his children, Anzarina “Rina” Fontana (Dale) Moore, Peter (Katie) Fontana, and Paul (Lana) Fontana. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Dale (Tabby) Moore, Damian Louis Fontana, Isabella Anzarina Fontana, Jenny Moore, Matthew Moore, and DK Fontana; great-grandchildren, Giovanni Fontana, Eli Thompson, Caelum Moore, and the newest addition, a great-granddaughter, which he fondly referred to as the hurricane, Peyton Barry Moore; nephews, Joe Kilminster, Geary Zale, and Jim Calderhead. He also leaves behind numerous cousins; brothers and sisters-in-law, and all who knew this great man. Louis remarkably leaves behind 4 first cousins in Florence, Italy. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Peter and Adele Fontana and his siblings, Anzarina, Mary, Dominic, and Adele.

Join us in celebrating the life of a great man on Tuesday evening, April 19, 2022, for a rosary and memorial service at 6:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel and then again for a funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with full Military Honors at Mount Olivet Cemetery at noon. The family would like to invite all to attend a reception following the burial at Schneider Funeral Home around 1:00 p.m.