Gone Fishing!
Albert (Bert) Henry Bellgardt (1951-2025) went on the greatest fishing trip of his life- with Jesus- on Monday, September 15th, 2025. Not even cancer kept him from fishing here on earth, and he even fished just days before his death.
Albert was the son of Albert and Luella (Flowers) Bellgardt and a 3rd generation Montrose native. His grandpa moved here in 1906 and helped build the Gunnison Tunnel.
He is survived by his faithful wife of 53 years, Sheri; his daughter, Jodi Woodden (Adam); son, Albert (Allen) Bellgardt; and grandchildren: Samuel Woodden (Kyilie and great grand baby, Madi), Adeline Austin (Benjamin and great grand baby), Mykal Woodden, and Deklan Woodden; his sister, Dolores (Ron) Eden; his brother-in-law, Richard (Wendy) White; his sister-in-law, Cyndy Bartel; and several nieces and nephews.
After high school, Albert worked for Hartman Brothers as an auto body technician. He then started his own 30 year taxidermy business (Big Horn Taxidermy) and had an amazing gift of being able to create life-like animals. He loved his family and friends, wildlife, nature, hunting, and of course, fishing. His mother would tell stories of him at 5 years old pretending to fish from the ditch in the yard, even when there was no fish in the ditch! He was known for making homemade jerky and jelly to share with friends, loved ones, and even strangers that he considered friends. Another favorite pastime was wood carving and arrowhead hunting.
We will have a memorial service at a later date, most likely in October. The family appreciates all the love and concern we’ve received and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Montrose Hope West, who was such a huge blessing to us in so many ways.
We’re comforted knowing Albert is now at Home with Jesus and that we will see him again.
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