- Date Of Birth: July 2, 1941
- Date Of Death: December 2, 2016
- State: Montana
Arthur E. Bundtrock, age 75, of Great Falls, passed away Friday, December 2, 2016 of natural causes.
Art was born in Great Falls to Berenice Peterson and Roy Bundtrock. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1959. He proceeded to pursue a life in automotive technology since he worked with his dad from a very young age with stock cars at Great Falls Stockcar Track, where he raced and won many trophies.
He decided to go and find a new life and ended up in Portland, Oregon. There he worked at a wrecking yard, and his love of the towing industry began.
When leaving Great Falls, he left behind his father Roy and his mother Berenice as well as his brothers Allan Bundtrock, Jerry Bundtrock, Larry Bundtrock, Terry Bundtrock, Carl Pielmeier.
Art moved to San Diego and became a technical advisor for Mitchell Auto Repair Manuals, after winning several awards from Buick’s Best on the West Coast. Art was with Mitchell Manual for several years before returning home.
Art returned home from San Diego in 1973 to be at Roy’s side following the death of Ethel. This is when he met Sharon Myers of Phoenix, who had decided to have her children, James William and Theresa Kaye close to their grandfather. On January 10, 1976, Art and Sharon became one. Sharon became the mother of Art’s four boys, as well as her two- now a family of 5 boys and a girl.
Art finished his college education. He became a certified auto instructor, teaching first at Northern MT College in Havre. Art was teaching instructors to teach Automotive Technology. He then moved onto Flathead Community College where he headed the Auto Technology Department. After two years there, he returned “home” to Great Falls, where he was the lead instructor for MT Auto College.
Just before their second anniversary, Ethel passed away, again leaving Roy alone. He had met Carol Mues several years earlier and again their relationship blossomed. On March 2, 1973, they married and Art’s family grew to include Linda Rogers, Paul Mues, and Shirley Lilttlefield.
After many spinal surgeries, Art was forced into retirement or so Sharon thought.
Determined not to be disabled, Art opened “Miracle Mile 66” on 10th Ave. South in Great Falls. He ended up in Emanuel Hospital in Portland, OR nearly paralyzed. This forced Sharon into the shop, giving up her insurance career and her sales position selling RV’s and cars.
In November 1981, Miracle Mile 66 became Miracle Mile and moved to 2nd Ave North in Great Falls. In 1982, Art and Sharon started giving “free rides” for party goers over the holidays, driving them home safely.
In 1984, McCullough’s Wrecker was bought and brought into Art’s family, purchasing them from Robert McCullough. McCoullough’s at that time had three tow trucks.
In 1993, dearest friends lost their son to a drunk driving accident. Dr. Frank Sichrovsky’s life was cut short; his wedding plans terminated and his new office closed down. This gave Art and Sharon more determination than ever and they joined “Towing and Recovery Association of America” with their 18- wheelers.
Art’s awards are many. He was give 4 ACE awards (Achievement in Customer Excellence), and recognition from President GW Bush, and the Towman 500 Award from Ford Motor Company.
Art had many loves in his life- family, crew, cars, and tow trucks. He donated time to many projects including the Great Falls Community Block Grants.
In September 1983, he and Sharon made their “Cursillo” (Cum Christo) and remained very active for many years.
Art served as lector, choir, and Eucharistic minister for many years at St. Peters and Paul Parish, now Holy Spirit.
Art leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Sharon Bundtrock; his sons, Larry (Mary) Bundtrock of Broken Arrow,OK, Devin Bundtrock of Golden, CO, James Bundtrock of Great Falls, MT, Shane (Tina) Bundtrock of Great Falls, MT; and daughter Theresa (Matt) Andrews of Martinez, CA. Art also leaves behind his siblings, Terry, Allen, Paul, Shirley and Linda plus numerous grandchildren. Others that Art leaves behind are his beloved neighbors, Dave and Karyl, Bruce and Judy; his beloved crew, past and present; and other adoptees that came into his life such as Jan and Debi, Tim and Mary, Sue, Dawn and her girls, Melanie and Melinda; and loving nephews Ken and Lee. Art is preceded in death by his father, Roy Bundtrock; his mother, Berenice Rust; his son, Todd Bundtrock; and his brother, Jerry Lee Bundtrock.
He will be missed by many and loved by all. “Boss Man” rest in peace. “Boss Lady” will always love you. The angels took him home to Heavenly Father. We will be again together one day I promise.
A special acknowledgement goes out to Art’s K-9 family, which includes Cyrus, “Mr. C.”, Miller, Lady Lucy May-or-May-Not Bundtrock, and Art’s baby service dog- Little Man Bundtrock. Their unconditional love meant so much to him.
Also, a special remembrance of Pauline Reil Bundtrock, the love of Roy Bundtrock’s life.
