Louis Joseph Armentaro

Louis J. Armentaro, 97, of lifelong Livingston resident and local celebrity, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021. Louis was born on September 23, 1924, in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of Fred and Mary (Leto) Armentaro. He received his education in Livingston and was a graduate of the Park County High School Class of 1944. Louis entered active military service in the United States Army on July 12, 1944 and served his country during the end of WW II. Louis was stationed in the Philippine Islands and also in Japan two weeks following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. He did double duty as a combat infantry man and entertainment director. Louis remembers that the military made him a man overnight. Louis was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement on the ground against the enemy. He received an Honorable Discharge on August 15, 1946. On February 11, 1956, Louis was united into marriage to Donna Jean Schustrom at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Livingston. This marriage was blessed with two Children, Mary and John. Kim joined the family becoming the little sister in 1982. They shared 65 years of marriage. Louis lived life to the fullest. He was a man of music since way back when. In the 1950's he organized the three-piece band "The Rhythm Ramblers. He has played the steel guitar for over 72 years. He had a Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest living steel guitar player. Louis was a man of true entertainment. Whether working rodeos as an announcer, playing with the band or just catching you at the post office for a chat, Louis made in memorable. You could find him performing his music following the rodeos at the saloons. He was a movie projectionist and worked as a substitute teacher for 10 years. Louis has served as the Fourth of July Parade Announcer for 70 continuous years which is documented in the Guinness Book of World Record. Louis worked for the Livingston Enterprise as a print man for 33 years as well. He was a man of many hats raising 31 foster children with Donna. He served on the Livingston City Council 12 years as the Water, Park, Street and Alley Boards as well. Louis enjoyed his vegetable gardens and cherry and plum trees. He especially enjoyed spending time visiting and sharing his life lessons with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. Louis is survived by his children, Mary (John) Betley, John Armentaro, Kim (Shawn) Meyer; grandchildren, Joe Betley, Robyn (Christopher) Sherdahl, Mike Betley, Robin Noel (Cody) Miller, Tyler Armentaro, Bo Jessen, Ben Jessen; great-great grandchildren, Angel Sherdahl, Ashlyn Sherdahl, Lilly Betley, Jaxton Miller; brother-in-law, Bill Schustrom; and many other relatives and friends. Louis is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Donna; parents, Fred and Mary Armentaro; sister, Theresa Spooner; brothers, twin John Armentaro, Jim Armentaro, Tony Armentaro, Frank Armentaro, and Dominic Armentaro. In Lieu of flowers please consider donations to Counterpoint Inc. and the Stafford Animal Shelter in honor of Louis. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021, 11:00 am, at the Park County Fairgrounds. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.