Stephen Lozar
courtesy photo
Stephen Lozar
POLSON — On Monday, April 15, 2019, Stephen Aloysius Lozar passed away to avoid paying his 2018 taxes, a jokester to the end.
“Buddy as we all know him,” was born in St. Ignatius on June 27, 1925, to Mary Azelda Morigeau and Stephen Joseph Lozar. He was a proud member of the Confederated Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille Tribes and was raised in Arlee and Dixon. He graduated in 1944 from Thompson Falls High School and was immediately drafted into the Army. He served in the 9th Corps with tours of duty in the Pacific Theatre attaining the rank of master sergeant. At the war’s end he returned to Montana where he had a blind date with one Margaret “Maggie” Winn and three months later they were married; must have been one great date. They started their family in Dixon with the birth of their children, Stephen Winn, Patricia Ann and then in Pendleton, Oregon, Janice Marie.
Buddy worked 31 years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Montana, Oregon, Washington, California and Arizona. He made sure that he always came home to help his parents on their family farm. He retired in 1982 from the BIA and returned to the Flathead Reservation where he found retirement lacking and became a tribal judge for the remainder of his working career. His favorite pastime was his grandchildren, logging many miles to all their sporting events, concerts or just hanging out with them. He also had set a goal to visit every major league baseball park, which he finally completed in 1999. Buddy was strong in his Catholic faith and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Polson. He touched many, loved everyone, irritated Maggie for fun and had the biggest sense of humor.
He is survived by his loving wife, Maggie, of 71 years; his son, Steve (Keryl); daughters, Pixie (Doug) and Jan (Mark); grandchildren, Mike (Hilary), Dan (Gina), Casey (Reagen), Kolleen (Alex), Pat (Joanna), Steph (Brandon), Keri (Eli), Kevin, TJ (Brie), Nick, and Rylee (Bree); great-grandchildren, Hayden, Kate, Chase, Kallen, Annalyse, Elaina, Finley, Leighton, Winn, MaryMac, Asher, Keegan, Fischer, Carter, Cora, and Maggie; and all his beloved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary and father, Steve; his sister, Gladys Jo and granddaughter, Haley Annice.
In lieu of flowers gifts may be sent to the SKC Scholarship Foundation on behalf of Stephen Lozar.
Services have been held.
Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
