Longtime Montana Farmer and 4-H Leader Bill Lauckner Dies at 82

Lauckner spent decades running the family farm and supporting local youth programs.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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William 'Bill' J. Lauckner, a lifelong farmer and 4-H leader in Nashua, Montana, passed away on February 12, 2026 at the age of 82. Lauckner took over the family farm in 1967 and spent decades working the land, while also serving on various agricultural boards and leading 4-H programs for local youth for 30 years.

Why it matters

Lauckner's passing marks the end of an era for the Nashua farming community, where he was a fixture for decades. His commitment to 4-H and youth development also had a lasting impact on generations of local children, many of whom went on to careers in agriculture and community service.

The details

Lauckner was born in 1943 in Glasgow, Montana and started working on the family farm at age 12 as his father's hired hand. After graduating from Nashua High School in 1961, he served 8 years in the National Guard before taking over the family farm in 1967. In addition to running the farm, Lauckner was an active member of the Farmers Union Elevator, Farm Credit, and Valley County 4-H Council, and he led 4-H programs for 30 years, working with youth in areas like shooting sports, wildlife, and leathercraft.

  • Lauckner was born on September 7, 1943 in Glasgow, Montana.
  • He graduated from Nashua High School in 1961.
  • Lauckner served 8 years in the National Guard after high school.
  • He took over the family farm in 1967.
  • Lauckner passed away on February 12, 2026 at the age of 82.

The players

William 'Bill' J. Lauckner

A lifelong farmer in Nashua, Montana who took over the family farm in 1967 and was an active leader in the local 4-H program for 30 years.

Myrna Anderson

Lauckner's wife, whom he married in 1966.

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What they’re saying

“I went in as a cook and came out a tank driver.”

— Bill Lauckner

The takeaway

Lauckner's life exemplified the values of hard work, community service, and dedication to youth development that have long defined rural Montana. His passing is a loss felt deeply by the Nashua community, which will remember him as a pillar of the local agricultural and 4-H programs.