Donald Craig Ottinger

Donald Craig Ottinger, 79 years, passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2026 at his farm near Loring, Montana doing exactly what he loved. 
Born on December 30, 1946 in Butte, Montana to Don and Marjorie (Steele) Ottinger, Craig attended grade school in Whitewater and then graduated from Malta High School in 1965. After graduation, Craig joined the National Guard. Upon completion of his National Guard duties, Craig attended Heavy Equipment operating school in San Diego receiving an associates degree. Craig married the love of his life Sherrie Holman on August 9, 1969 at the Malta Lutheran Church. They welcomed their daughter Rhonda and son Eric to the home.  
Craig was employed by Empire Sand and Gravel, Peter Kiewit Construction, and Burlington Northern Railroad. He worked for the United States Postal Service where he saved enough money to buy his first TEREX  TS-14 scraper and start his own construction business. For several years Craig and his crew provided earth moving construction services to farmers, ranchers and the Bureau of Land Management.  
In 1980 Craig and Sherrie purchased their farm near Loring, Montana where they raised their children Rhonda and Eric. Craig enjoyed raising crops, cattle, and operating any piece of equipment, especially his WA-17 Wagner tractor and his CAT 950 loader. 
You could catch Craig most mornings visiting with friends for breakfast at the GN. He was a member of the Malta Athletic Club and a long time member of the Malta Men’s Club, “Bucket.” 
Craig is survived by his wife Sherrie of 57 years, his children Rhonda (Jeff), Eric (Katie), grandchildren, Erika Arnold, Cody (Alissa) Arnold, Carson Ottinger, and Kayla Ottinger along with great grandson Rhett Arnold.  
He was preceded in death by his father Don Ottinger, mother Marjorie Ottinger, 
father-in-law Clifford Holman, and mother-in-law Doris Holman. 
Services will be held Monday August 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Wilderness Funeral Home with a luncheon to follow at the GN Lodge Room. 
Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face or greater pride to his heart than the accomplishments and love of his children and grandchildren. 

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