Albert Alan Aamold, aged 81, of Helena, peacefully passed into glory on January 5th, 2026, at Elkhorn Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Clancy, Montana. He was a beloved friend, uncle, and brother who is remembered for his easy manner and quiet devotion to those he loved. Alan was born in Lewistown on August 29th, 1944, to Albert Louis Aamold and Viona Gloria Aamold, (née Waddell).
Alan graduated from Stanford High School in 1962 and subsequently attended Montana State College (now Montana State University) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Correctly anticipating that he would be drafted to fight in the Vietnam conflict, Alan instead volunteered to serve as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Alan was deployed to one tour in Vietnam, where he served with distinction. Most notably, Alan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary aeronautical achievement.
Following his service in Vietnam, Alan was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Captain. He then worked in corporate management and as a stock broker in California before returning to Montana State to earn a Master of Science in Animal Science. After returning to Montana, Alan served in the Montana Army National Guard for decades and was honorably discharged at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. The bulk of Alan’s civilian career was spent flying helicopters for the Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service. He retired in 2011.
Alan was an avid and extraordinarily competent outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fly-fishing, and wood-working. He was known especially for his passion for shooting, collecting, and building firearms. As he neared the end of his life, he was helped especially by the company and generous hearts of his dear friends, Fran & Corky, to whom Alan’s family owes a great debt of gratitude.
Alan spent a lifetime in service to the people of the United States and to the people of the State of Montana in particular. In retirement, Alan wrote of his time flying for the state: “I loved flying as a DNRC pilot. I have flown over almost every part of Montana and have trod on the majority of Montana’s mountaintops. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to do a job I loved.”
Alan was preceded in death by his brothers Carl, Howard, and Richard, his parents Viona and Albert, his great-niece Lynza Henke, and his niece-in-law Lynella Henke (née Jackson). He is survived by his sister Darlene (Richard) Henke, brother Bill Aamold, nephews Trevor (Lynella) Henke and Tristan (Jennifer) Henke, great-nephew Logan (Erin) Henke, great-nieces Taylor (Nathan) Hall, Janessa Henke, and Myrissa Henke, and his great-great niece Bonnie Henke.
A memorial of life will be held at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke, & Retz Funeral Home located at 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena on Monday, January 26th, at 11:00 a.m. Following the memorial, Alan will be buried with military honors at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery located at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow at VFW Post 10010 at 117 W. Main St., East Helena, at 2:30 p.m. Condolences can be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00am
Monday January 26, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
1:30pm
Monday January 26, 2026
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Monday January 26, 2026
VFW Post 10010
117 W Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00am
Monday January 26, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
1:30pm
Monday January 26, 2026
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Monday January 26, 2026
VFW Post 10010
117 W Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Abe Fandrich says
Al was a Brother in Arms, Mentor and friend. His laugh and quick whit, as well as his knowledge of life will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace!
Jennifer Henke says
Sometimes someone comes into your life through fate and even though they don’t play a huge part in your life and are somewhat in the background, you know they are there and you are comforted by the knowledge that they are. This was the case with my husband’s Uncle Al. He was one of the most humble and decent men I know. He treated my husband more like a son than a nephew and quietly taught him and my children what it means to live a life of purpose with strength and dignity.
In the last few years Al was ailing, but when we would visit him, he was cheerful. We always had good, interesting conversations with him with funny stories and laughs. Although his loss is keenly felt and his quiet presence is gone, the memories and lessons remain. Rest in Peace, Alan. We love you.
Vonne Schatz says
Al, known as ‘Uncle Al’ to our family was a dear friend and great person to know. He helped us many times on the ranch, fixing fence, during calving season and sometimes during hay season. The world has lost a great man we are proud to call FRIEND. Rest in Peace Al, you and Ron can share visits in Heaven. Vonne Schatz family.
Kevin DeVine says
Flew many missions with Uncle Al and I can say his quiet competence and unassuming attitude made every one of them a privilege to be onboard with. I also truly enjoyed his company in the quiet moments, sitting around the table in the hangar, sharing stories and perspectives. I hope where he is flying now, the air is clean and the visibility is unlimited. Go with God Al, you completed your mission gracefully here.
Myrlin Schatz says
Uncle Al will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. I always enjoyed working with him whether it be Haying, Fencing, Spraying weeds or Calving. He always had a smile and a story to tell. I hope the weather is good for flying wherever you are Uncle Al.