Alvin George Al Vietz

Al Vietz, 84, of Livingston, Montana, passed away following a long illness on October 18, 2018 at his home in Paradise Valley. He was born on June 18, 1934 in Hebron, North Dakota to William and Lillian Vietz.Al was educated in Hebron, North Dakota and graduated from Hebron High School. He was member of the track and field team and competed at the state regional meet in the one mile. He also enjoyed acting in school plays. While in high school he began working at the Hebron Herald where he first learned the art of printing. Following graduation Al studied printing at North Dakota State School of Science and afterwards worked at various newspapers in North Dakota. Al also served in the US Army for several years. He moved to Livingston in 1959.Al married Barbara Stene on July 13, 1968 at American Lutheran Church in Livingston. Al and Barbara were blessed with two children, Heather and John. Together, Al and Barbara were in the printing business for over 40 years. For the past 18 years they operated Marathon Printing at their home in Paradise Valley. Als passion was running. He ran many marathons and other distances in Montana and around the country. One of his favorite races was the Rapid City Marathon. Al qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon 5 times. He competed at the Big Sky State Games for 30 years, earning more than 60 medals and several age group records in running events there. His biggest honor came in 2016, when was named the Big Sky State Games male athlete of the year.Al was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harold. He is survived by his wife, Barbara as well as his children, Heather Vietz and her husband, Peter Stucki of Roseville, Minnesota and John Vietz and his wife, Christine of Winchester, Massachusetts as well as grandchildren, Matti, Anna, Christian, and Mark. He is also survived by four brothers, one sister, and several nieces and nephews.Burial was private at Mountain View Cemetery. A public memorial service will be held on Friday, June 28th, 2:00 P.M. at American Lutheran Church in Livingston. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to the Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston, Montana. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.