Carl “Dusty” Black was called to his happy hunting grounds on October 25, 2021 at the Musselshell Mountains. Dusty was born to Elva Peaslee and Bernard “Big Ben the Bear Hunter” on a Friday the 13th in January 1956. He grew up on their family farm where they primarily took care of dairy cows; in fact some of his earliest memories included waking up early to make sure they were milked before the day could start. It was the formative years on the farm where he learned how to be a hard worker that was taught and modeled to him by his father. Life on the farm not only was about hard work but it is also where Dusty learned his crazy, mischievous ways with his big brother Bronco. Dusty fondly recalled their blackberry picking adventures when they were supposed to gather for their mom to make pie but instead found themselves eating blackberries off the bush and subsequently running in to a black bear and losing the rest of their blackberries on the run home.
Following Bronco and Dusty were his two sisters Lisa and Lori and later his youngest brother Joe. Dusty loved being their big brother and of course would be annoyed only as big brothers can be. His love of hunting started at a young age, he shot his first deer at the age of 12 and was very proud of his doe. He ran back to get help and his Uncle Lloyd was able to help him. Dusty being Dusty decided to trick his dad into believing that he shot a big buck. Uncle Lloyd and Dusty nailed horns to the deer’s head, and it almost worked but Bernie was quick to catch on. He loved to dance with his ma in their small cabin to old country music and play drums for a polka at the bar at a young age. He was proud to be Bloomer Blackhawk ℅ ’74, so much so that he would boom in a radio announcers voice “Caaarl BLACK number 69 for the Blackhawks!!!!”. It was during his tenure as a football player that he earned his Wisconsin nickname of “Cubby” because he growled when he was on the line. After losing his Dad Dusty opened his first bar, Salisbury Bar located right on Salisbury Lake and enjoyed a fun few years in Wisconsin serving chilled mugs, playing spoons to the tune of “Hamburger” by Led Zeppelin, and creating memories and unforgettable stories with Pat Klatt and Duke Pederson.
After his venture in Wisconsin, he followed the trail to Montana and stopped in Wolf Point for a temporary job and stayed for the next 40 years. He was a man of many talents with some of his notable jobs including working for Marvin Brookman-Brookman Rodeo and being a part of the 1987 Las Vegas NFR Crew. In addition to his roughstock cowboy ways Dusty continued his craft of bartending for Flynn’s Bar, Harry’s Night Club and Cattleman’s until he opened his own bar-Dad’s Bar alongside his wife, Patti Jo, in 2008. During his time at Wolf Point he created lifelong friendships and made family with many of the people he worked with and served. It was in Wolf Point as well where he became the father to his beloved son Tanner in 1986. He loved the nineteen years he had with Tanner but missed him immensely after his passing in 2005. In 2006 Dusty met the love of his life, Patti Jo O’Brien and they married in Vegas in 2007. Together they built their life on their homestead north of Wolf Point, managing their business, and centering their life around hunting season in the fall and pontoon/camping season in the summer. He loved his “Fluff” and showed his love by making sure she was well taken care of. He loved cooking for her, camping with her and going on little adventures. Even more so he loved how she took care of him and made his little bachelor pad into a true home. Along with Patti Jo, Dusty inherited her two daughters as stepdaughters, however he enjoyed the responsibility and opportunity to raise the youngest Kaileen as his own. Over the last fifteen years of his life with Patti Jo, Dusty also inherited the title of papa to five grandsons and one granddaughter who he said inherited his blue eyes.
Dusty understood the preciousness and fleetingness of life. This understanding allowed him to follow and do what he was passionate about which included hunting, fishing, camping, trapshooting, poker and visiting his beloved friends. He was always up for adventure or a good time as long as it was only a drive away. He looked forward to his yearly Elk Hunting Trip and helping guide Wisconsin family and friends with their hunt locally during November. Also enjoyed his many hunts and fishing trips with his friends and family locally and especially enjoyed helping his daughter Kaileen and son-in-law James with their first kills.
Dusty is survived by his beloved wife Patti Jo; Daughter Kaileen (James) Stovern; Stepdaughter Adriann (Griffin) Ricker; Sisters Lisa (Roy) Baldry, Lori Pickthorn; Brother Joe Black; Grandchildren Kaniel, Grady, Emma, John, Zael, Jameson; Numerous nieces, nephews, close friends who he considered family and who he held closely in his heart his daughter Tia and her two children and his grandson from his son Tanner.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Bronco, son Tanner, brother-in-law Lane Pickthorn and niece Brittany.
Dusty’s lesson to us all is to do what you love, take care of what you love and always be open for a good time. He will be missed by so many he called friends and family and most importantly by his wife and love of his life Patti Jo. “I ain’t here for a long time, I’m here for a good time” travel well Dusty Roads.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 1, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 2, 2021
Dusty and Patti Jo's Homestead
5880 RD 1072
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 1, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 2, 2021
Dusty and Patti Jo's Homestead
5880 RD 1072
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Mel Cromwell says
Heartfelt hugs to Patti Jo and family.
dawn allen says
Patty Jo,
So sorry for your loss. Dusty was a great guy.
Deb Burghardt says
Dusty (Carl) was a great guy to grow up with. I have great memories of how he was kind and loved to joke around. He loved his cowboy shirts. I am so glad we got to reconnect in April. RIP friend.
Linda Motzer says
Our deepest sympathy.
patti martin says
we had many a good time at the horseshoe bar,when he and friends first came out here…hunting mainly but we tended bar .going to miss you dusty fly high…….friends from hays montana…patti and tiny martin
Linda Melbourne says
Deepest sympathy patty jo. Your a great friend. So sorry for your loss
Sharon C Wemmer says
So sorry for you loss. So many good memories of Dusty and his silly personality. He was one of the first people who really made me feel welcome when I first came to Wolf Point. Seemed like we always ran into him around Women’s Tournament time at the Marina and he always kept us entertained and of course he never forgot to call me Shakey. We hope you can find comfort in the memories.
Our Sympathies
Sharon and Paul Wemmer
Jacqueline Follette says
My prayers for you and your families Patty Jo. Condolences to all.
Trudy Fox says
Patti Jo
My deepest sympathies – Dusty was a one of kind!
I’m sure he’s swapping stories in Heaven!
Trudy Fox
Warren Evans says
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
SHAWN LOEGERING says
I am so sorry to see this. My heart felt condolences to you Patti Jo…
DEBRA says
Awwww Dusty, I WON’T RUN INTO YOU ANYMORE AT THE POST OFFICE. GONNA MISS YOUR JOKES. SUCH A FRIENDY GUY.REST IN PEACE COWBOY.
Pam Durch says
So sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. He made it back to Bloomer for the last 2 class reunions.The guys had a few good laughs with him.His friends back here in WI are deeply saddened by his passing.RIP Dusty! Dan and Pam Durch
Terri Stelter says
We really enjoyed visiting with Carl at our last class reunion. His quick wit kept us all in stitches. We joked that we were going to come and see him at his bar. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen. RIP Carl. The Traveling Sisterhood are going to miss you at the next reunion and will raise a glass or two for you.
Mary, Beth, Julie, Lois, Jeanne, Jenny and Terri
Mary Wetsit says
RIP Dusty ..Fly high 🦅✝️ Prayers to the family🙏
Tim Cody says
Many memories with a fellow who shared many early bar days upon his arrival to our country. There will be no other like him. Rest well my friend and get the Lord’s saloon ready for us all.
Janine Tan says
Prayers to the family 🙏
Colleen says
I am so sorry for your loss Patti Jo. Your husband was one of a kind I tell you and loved by many. He was the best bartender boss ever. We sure shared some good laughs Dusty, Traci and me. The old story teller told me that he was traveling thru Wolf Point & got a flat tire, & been here ever since. He sure did love his “Fluff”. May god comfort & bless you with all the good memories of time spent together. Rest in Paradise my friend.
Michelle Stovern says
Patti Jo and family,
We are so sorry for your loss! You are in prayers and we hope you find comfort and peace during this time.
Rob and Michelle Stovern and Family
Cathy Wieferich/Brookman Rodeo says
So sorry to hear about Dusty! Sure enjoyed him and his tormenting everyone! Hugs to you and your family, Patti!🙏🏼❤️
Karla McGill says
So very sorry to hear this news Patti Jo. Your in my thoughts!
Chisel (Robert) And Patti LaGesse says
We were so happy that he was able to make it back for the last couple of Class of 1974 Class reunions. We had so much fun taking about the old days. One heck of a guy. Take care Patti Jo. Praying for you and your family.
Chisel (Robert) And Patti LaGesse says
RIP Cubby. God Bless.
Nadine Adams says
So sorry to hear of Dusty’s passing, what a great guy he was. Prayers for Patti Jo and family.
Heather and Pat Friesen says
Our heartfelt sympathy to Patti Jo, family and Dusty’s family and friends. Their was only one Dusty and he will be missed by many. Such fun and good memories. R.I.P. Dusty, you were a friend to many! 💙