Orlan "Leo" Bergtoll

Orlan "Leo" Bergtoll, 90, of the Frenchman Valley Ranch near Saco, Montana, passed away on April 16, 2026, of pneumonia, with family at his side eight months to the day of his sweetheart's passing. Born May 10, 1935, in Glasgow, Montana, Leo was raised six miles south of Opheim on his family's homestead where a devotion to land, animals, and family was founded.

As a child, Leo had many chores on the farm, broke horses, and worked as a "bundle boy" gathering wheat for his family's wheat threshing business. After receiving an eighth-grade education, his father fell ill, which precipitated an early career for Leo in farming and ranching. In 1956 Leo moved to the Frenchman Dam - 24 miles north of Saco - establishing the ranch that would grow into a third-generation operation. In 1958 he married AnnaLou DeSonia and together they raised three children who were immersed in ranch life from an early age.

Leo's world revolved around livestock, horses, and family. He started out with cattle and pigs on the Frenchman, took pride in breaking many good horses, and cherished teaching his children the work and rhythms of ranch life. In his youth he enjoyed horse racing and the open-road freedom of riding his Harley-Davidson. He loved rodeoing and brought home numerous winnings, including a saddle or two.

Known far and wide for his contagious laugh, quick wit, and signature cowboy hat, Leo made friends easily and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His legacy endures in the land he tended, the ranch he built, and the generations of family who will carry on his work and stories.

Leo is survived by his children Tami (Jay) Bergtoll, Dori (David) Siewing, and Darrel (Rhonda) Bergtoll; grandchildren Levi (Taryn) Plouffe, Randi (Trenis) Plouffe, Kirbi (Dan) Doble, Kruiz (Sarah) Siewing, Kazz (Marrina) Siewing, Brittani (Justin) Carey, and Blaise (Claire) Bergtoll; his sister-in-law Kay (Ron) Opp, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years AnnaLou Bergtoll, and his older Siblings: Alvina Johanson, Deloris Finley, Aldon Bergtoll, and Betty Larson.

Leo will be deeply missed by all who loved him; his warmth, humor and steadfast spirit will live on in the lives he helped shape.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at the Wilderness Funeral Home in Malta, MT.

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