Lars Allestad, 86

Aug. 29, 1939–May 24, 2026

Lars Allestad was born in Big Timber on Aug. 29, 1939, to Thorvald and Freda Allestad. The family moved to Plains around 1942 and lived there and at the Smiley Slough before moving to the property they bought 10 miles north of Plains.

Lars lived on that property the rest of his life except for two years when he served in the U.S. Army. His brother, Ted, and sisters Florence and Elizabeth also grew up there.

Lars brought his new wife, Joan Thomason, up there where they raised their two children, Andy and Judy. After their divorce, Andy and Judy stayed with him until they left home.

Lars worked at the Paradise tie plant for over a decade before becoming self-employed as a one-man logger and sawmill operator.

He is survived by his brother and sisters, children Andy and Judy, and grandchildren Alex and Cody Allestad and Judy’s children, Kevin, Christine and Patrick.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting and spent many years enjoying these activities with his neighbor, Louie Rodder.