Longtime Billings Carpenter Marlon Hustad Dies at 84

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Marlon Peter Hustad, a longtime Billings resident and carpenter, passed away on January 30, 2026 at the age of 84. Hustad was the youngest son of Norwegian immigrants and grew up on a family farm outside of Lustre, Montana. He spent over 50 years as a member of Carpenter's Local 1172, working as a foreman on several major construction projects in the Billings area before retiring at age 55 and opening a home inspection business with his wife Charlotte.

Why it matters

Hustad's life story reflects the changing nature of work and community in Montana over the past several decades. As a skilled tradesman, he was part of the construction boom that transformed Billings into a regional economic hub. His transition to entrepreneurship in retirement also highlights how some longtime workers are finding new ways to stay active and engaged later in life.

The details

After graduating from Wolf Point High School in 1960, Hustad began his career working at a gas station and then joining Carpenter's Local 1172. He spent over 33 years in construction, serving as a foreman on projects like Sky View High School, Transwestern office buildings, and the Rocky Plaza. Hustad also held a Federal Firearms License for many years and enjoyed hunting, target shooting, and woodworking in his free time. After retiring at 55, he and his wife Charlotte opened a home inspection business that they ran for about 7 years before fully committing to traveling the American West and spending winters in Arizona.

• Marlon Hustad was born on September 18, 1941.
• He graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1960.
• Hustad joined Carpenter's Local 1172 and worked in construction for over 33 years.
• He retired at age 55 and opened a home inspection business with his wife Charlotte.
• Marlon Hustad passed away on January 30, 2026 at the age of 84.

What they’re saying