Peter Gleim, 79

Peter Conrad Gleim was born in Somerville, N.J., on Nov. 17, 1946, and passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2025. He was the middle of three children born to George Herbert Gleim and Helen Shikora Gleim.

After Pete graduated from high school in Pleasant Ridge, Ky., he was accepted at the University of Montana as a major in Forestry. While studying for his bachelor of science degree, Pete worked as a smokejumper out of Missoula.

Upon graduation in 1967, Pete enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was trained as a helicopter pilot. He was sent to fly in Vietnam, and by the time he completed his assignments, he left the USMC as a Captain.

As a civilian Pete was a pilot for a number of helicopter companies and primarily flew fighting wildfires. He flew in many areas of the country including the 1988 Yellowstone fire and lived in Alaska while flying fires there. While stationed in Juneau, Alaska, he met his wife of 38 years, Donna Marie Kotyk.

Pete had property in Seeley Lake, and he built his cabin, shop, and other outbuildings there with wood he milled with his sawmill. After Pete retired from flying, he bought a truck and began working for Pyramid Lumber Company as an owner-operator until full retirement.

Pete was an avid hunter, fisherman, and an excellent woodworker.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Paul Herbert. He is survived by his wife, Donna; brother George David of Tallahassee, Fla.; and an extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law located throughout the United States, in Michigan, Tennessee and Idaho, and Toronto, Canada.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.

Please make any memorials to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.