John Robert Talmage

John Robert Talmage of Kalispell, Montana passed away at his home on March 25, 2024. John was born in Canada on June 13,1955 to Robert and Alice (Strand) Talmage.  He was the oldest of three children. His father served in the U.S. Air Force, and John spent several early-childhood years in Germany where he made life-long friends and his passion for automotive and aviation was ignited. The family moved back to their hometown of New Richmond, WI where they owned & operated a dairy farm that still stands today next to Strand Lake.

John graduated from New Richmond High School in 1973, and subsequently attended the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire to study electrical and aeronautical engineering. He married Patty Quam in 1976; together they had three daughters and also owned an auto repair business in New Richmond, WI.  He obtained his private pilot license in 1978 and later his instrument, multi-engine and commercial pilot license.

John moved to Kalispell, Montana in 2002 to own and operate an aircraft modification business.  His business focused primarily on designing, manufacturing and installing modification kits for Piper Apache and Aztec twin-engine airplanes. John’s expertise and dedication to aircraft quality and functional improvement has forever impacted the aviation industry.  He took much pride and joy in collaborating with customers around the world in their shared love of aviation. 

John is survived by his three daughters: Karen (Andy) Ives, Amanda (Doug) Nadeau, Victoria (Ben) Steinhoff and their mother Patty (Mike) Burke; Siblings: Steve (Jeri Ann) Talmage and Dianne Talmage; Grandchildren: Liberty and Elle Nielsen, Ryder and Revelyn Ives.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell, Montana on Friday May 24, 2024 at 11am MST.