Allen Roger "Al" Tromp, 90

Allen Roger “Al” Tromp passed away peacefully in his home in Polson on Dec. 6, 2025.

Al was born in Missoula on Aug. 28, 1935, to Carol Owens and Orie “Boots” Tromp, the eldest of eight children. He grew up in Lolo and Ronan, later graduating from Flathead High School in 1954 while his family was living in Somers.

Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Following boot camp at Camp Pendleton, Al served in Korea, Japan and Okinawa during post–Korean War operations as a tank commander with the First Amphibian Tractor Battalion.

After completing his service, Al returned to his family home in Ronan. It was there that he met a waitress at his Aunt Jean’s café in Pablo, Beverly McClure. Allen and Beverly married on March 9, 1956, and together they raised four children: Walt, Lori, Dan and Bobbi.

Al began his professional journey in 1958, working as both a mechanic and a sawmill laborer. He went on to dedicate 40 years of service to Plum Creek, building a respected career as a saw fitter and filer until his retirement.

Beyond his work, Al's life was filled with adventure and enthusiasm for motorsports. He participated in drag racing as well as short-track dirt and asphalt stock-car racing, fueling his competitive spirit and love for speed.

Summers brought him to the lake or into the mountains, places he loved. Hunting trips took him to the Dry Creek and Helmville areas with friends and made lasting memories.

When winter arrived, Al enjoyed ice fishing at Duck Lake and yearly fishing excursions to Spotted Bear. Snowmobiling was another favorite activity, and he continued to ride well into his mid-80s.

His passion for exploration took him throughout the Mission Mountains, the Selway in Idaho, Yellowstone, and anywhere fresh snow beckoned him, embodying his enduring zest for life.

A devoted supporter of the Ronan Chiefs and Maidens, he was equally loyal to the UM Grizz football. He had season tickets for several years, rarely missing an opportunity to support his team – whether in person or at a local spot where the game was being broadcast.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; two sisters, Mary Rieben and Nancy Bisson; one brother, Gary; a great-granddaughter; a nephew; and many old friends.

He is survived by his children, Walt (Gina) of Ronan, Lori (Scott) of St. Regis, Dan (Jackie) of Polson, Bobbi (Ron) of Helena, and Kenny of Ronan; 23 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-granddaughters, with a great-great-grandson soon to arrive. He also leaves behind his sisters, Norma Sirucek of St. Ignatius and Lucille Johnson of Trout Creek; his brothers, Dave Tromp of Missoula and Gus Tromp of Lolo; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Al found joy in daily visits with his many friends throughout the Valley. He lived a long life filled with adventure, loyalty, cherished memories, and an unshakable spirit that never slowed.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to Marine Corp Toys for Tots.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Ronan Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends to be held after the funeral. (Location to be announced.) Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.