Anton "Tony" Huckert

Anton “Tony” Huckert, 81, lived a life centered on faith, service, and love for his family. On October 13, 2026, Tony peacefully passed away at his home in Manhattan. He was born September 6, 1945, in Bozeman, MT, to Harold Huckert and Darlene Quist. Tony spent his early years between his grandfather’s homestead in Amsterdam, Manhattan, and Bozeman, where he graduated from Holy Rosary High School.

Tony joined the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman and later trained as an operating room technician. He was stationed in Adak, Alaska, where he met the love of his life, Diana. They married in Pennsylvania on May 2, 1970. Tony completed nursing school and became a registered nurse. Their son, Lon, was born in 1971. After completing school, Tony brought his family back to Montana. He and Diana built their home outside Manhattan. Their daughter, Sheila, was born in 1975.

Tony spent much of his career working as an operating room technician for orthopedic surgeons in Bozeman. He held several other jobs, including building houses and painting fish for Big Sky Carvers. Tony was a passionate, hard-working, and talented craftsman and builder. He explored wood carving, leatherwork, stained glass, sandblasting, beveling, woodturning, and the intricate art of engraving eggs. He seemed able to build, create, or figure out almost anything, turning raw materials into beautiful, lasting pieces. He gladly shared his talents with anyone who visited his shop. He never sat idle, and in his last days, he made it out to the shop to sharpen his knives so he could keep busy whittling chickens out of willow branches! He loved being outdoors, and many of his most treasured memories were duck hunting, fishing, boating and camping at Canyon Ferry, Baker Creek and the Gallatin River. Gopher hunting with grandpa was a favorite family tradition.

He loved Diana, his children, and his grandchildren dearly, sharing his knowledge, skills, love, and a lifetime of wisdom with them. He gave freely of his time and talents, and his steady presence and unconditional love were gifts his family and friends will carry with them always. Tops, and baby rattles; Christmas ornaments, bowls, and snowman pins; Tony leaves behind more than the things he built or the skills he taught. He leaves a legacy of faith, love, joy, kindness, and generosity—a life well lived, and a family deeply loved. He will be missed beyond words and forever treasured by those blessed to know him and we rejoice knowing he is at peace in the presence of the Lord.

Tony is survived by his son, Lon Huckert (Brenda), and grandsons Carson and Jaxson; his daughter, Sheila Smart (Paul), and grandsons Sage and Lane and granddaughter Aspen; his brother, John Huckert, of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diana Jeanne Williams Huckert (1943-2020); his mother, Darlene Beatrice Johnson Quist (1926–2002); and his father, Harold Martin Huckert (1918–2011).

A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on October 30, 2026, at Covenant Reformed Church in Belgrade, Montana. Interment with military honors will follow at Meadowview Cemetery in Manhattan, followed by lunch and fellowship at the church. The family invites everyone to wear a favorite, comfortable flannel shirt in Tony’s memory.

In remembrance of Tony, memorials may be made to the Northern Rockies Woodturners Guild, of which he was a long-time member.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.