Thomas “Tom” Holter (1934-2026)

Tom Holter was born November 18,1934 to William Holter and Ines (Ciabattari) Holter. He passed away October 10, 2026 surrounded by family. He had many relatives visit him that day and I am sure he heard their parting words of how much he was loved.

He grew up in the McQueen neighborhood, a community shaped by immigrant families, mining traditions and close neighborhood ties. He had many lifelong friendships established in McQueen. His Italian heritage was important to him. Later in life he was the President of the McQueen Club for 16 years. Part of that tenure was at the original site in McQueen, then he oversaw the construction and move to its current location.

His father passed away when he was 11 years old. He started working at Lydia’s when he was 14 as a busboy and dishwasher. His mother worked there as well. As a family we often had meals there, and the waitress always had to hear his stories about working there, and the origins of the original restaurant. No matter whatever place we ate any here, when you asked him how his dinner was, he would always say it was good, but it’s no Lydia’s. He was a very hard worker, an ethic he forged at an early age. He grew up in a generation of hardworking Montanans, whose generation helped forge the community and the country. He was a miner, a skilled tradesman, an ironworker and pretty much a jack of all trades.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1952- 1956 He was stationed primarily in Germany, during the U.S. Occupation of Germany. He recalled seeing the aftermath of Auschwitz and other concentration camps, and the heartbreak of the Jewish community.

When he returned from Germany he married our mom, Barbara (Flanick) Holter on October 20, 1956 They remained happily married until her passing in 2006. After her passing he still carried on family traditions of hosting family holiday dinners, he sent out Christmas cards to numerous friends and family and never missed sending birthday cards to his kids and grandkids, a chore our mom used to do. He did everything he could do keep her memory alive.

In 1981 he was involved in a devasting industrial accident which caused significant and near fatal injuries. He was in a coma for a period of time. His survival was a miracle, and his only goal was to get back to work, which all the doctors said was impossible. However, he is the epitome of “Butte Tough”. He was able to go back to work.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle in the mountains with friends and his brother-in-law Jim Winston. Later in life he transitioned to a four-wheeler and brought relatives to his favorite places in the mountains. He also enjoyed camping and we spent many summer weekends at Georgetown Lake and a week up at Flathead Lake every year. He played and coached baseball in the Copper League. He played softball for many years for the McQueen Athletic club and helped coach his kids.

He loved Butte, the culture and everything about it. Which probably led him to his most recent notoriety as a true Butte Historian. He helped build the Lady of the Rockies and gave tour bus rides up the mountain for many years. He also gave tours at the Butte Mining Museum and would take people underground as well. He generally wore his original mining helmet and operated some of the equipment on his tours, as he was the only remaining miner left who knew how. Many visitors to Butte would call and ask in advance if he could be the guide, which he was always happy and proud to do.

He was interviewed often for publications and was on several podcasts. To name a few:

Verdigris Project- Tom Holter, Miner and Ropeman. An oral history interview preserving his firsthand experiences in Butte’s mining industry, including his years working on the rope gang.

Montana Public Radio- “Richest Hill, We Gave it to the Pit” A historical account connected to Butte’s mining past and the experiences of the people who worked there

Life Underground: The New York Drift Historical material documenting underground mining and the people who preserved an integrated history.

Montana Historical Society “Mining Childhood” Historical recollections connected to growing up in Butte’s McQueen neighborhood

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Barbara, son Bill, Brothers-n-law Larry Crowley, Spike Pelletier, Matt Flanick, Jim Winston, Sister-in-law Mary Jean Pelletier. He is survived by his sister Margaret Crowley, children Vicki (John) Sandford, Tom (Tracy) Holter, CD Holter, Grandchildren Nick (Jenelle) Sandford, Brian (Kelly Melott) Sandford, Kelly Sandford( Zac Hixson), Angela Holter, Ryan (Lauren) Holter, Matt Holter, Taylor (Anthony) Felton, Cade Holter, Kyle Holter, Great granddaughter Evelyn Sandford & soon to be great granddaughter to Kelly and Zac. Daughter-in-law Dawn Bugni, First cousin Andrea (Jack) McCormick, Sisters in Law Jule Ann Winston and Peggy Flanick and many wonderful nieces and nephews

He lived a happy and independent life up until 91 years old. He will be missed by all.

A special thanks to the team at Enhabit Health Care, the Copper Ridge and the Veteran’s Administration.

Visitation will be on Friday October 23rd at St Ann’s Church at 10:00 AM followed by Liturgy of the Resurection at 11:00. Memorials to Butte Central Catholic Education or donor’s choice.