It is with a profound sense of loss and deepest sympathy that MTTA (Montana Tow Truck Association) acknowledges the passing of founder and staunch supporter Milo Casagrande of Milo's Towing & Repair in Butte. Milo died on February 20, 2002, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Butte, Milo was born on June 5, 1931, the son of Camillo and Evelyn M. (Berryman) Casagrande. After graduating from Butte High School, Milo proudly served his country during his stint in the Army. As owner of Milo's Towing, he aided many a stranded motorist and provided a reliable and honest service to all. He was also a member of the Towing & Recovery Association of America (TRAA). See Milo's MTTA Hall of Fame page for more about him.

Margo was born October 3, 1953, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Erick and Lorna (Larson) Holmgren. She had an older brother, Lorence, and a younger brother, Michael. She was raised at the family homestead north of Kulm, and attended school in Kulm. Margo met Dennis Frownfelter April 20, 1969, while roller skating in Jamestown. They were married three years later on April 21, 1972, in Edgeley. Margo and Dennis lived north of Bismarck on a feedlot, where Dennis worked for four years. Their children, Todd and Tina, were born in Bismarck. In 1992, Margo and Dennis started expanding the business, Bolster's Towing, by purchasing their first tow truck other than the five that came with the business. Margo was known for treating employees like family. In 1999, Margo joined Dennis at the Montana Tow Truck Association meetings as the Mountain Towing representative.

Margo passed away December 4, 2007, after a short battle with cancer in her home with her family by her side. Her parents, Erick and Lorna, numerous aunts and uncles. and her father-in-law, Ira Frownfelter, preceded Margo in death. Margo is survived by her husband, Dennis, her son, Todd (Mindy), her only grandchildren, Daniel and Kimberly, and daughter, Tina, all of Kalispell, her brothers, Lorence (Connie) and Michael (Della), Aunt Frieda Larson and Uncle Wilbur (Carol) Holmgren, five nieces and three nephews and their families in North Dakota, her in-laws, Donald, Raphael, Bernadine, Kenneth, and Christine, four nieces and their families, and Margo's unofficial children, Robert and Lisa, and many friends.

Note: I'd like to share The Dash with you. I'm sure Margo would approve.

William Charles Sparr, 61, of Missoula, passed away of natural causes on Thursday, February 18, 2010, in his home. He was born March 9, 1948, in Anaconda to Robert and Hilda Sparr. As a young boy, Bill enjoyed the family cabin at Georgetown Lake, hiking, fishing, swimming, and ice skating on the Anaconda city commons. While in high school, he participated in many sports and formed lifelong friendships. After some college, he served in the Navy and was stationed in Guam and Spain during the Vietnam War as a communications specialist.

In the 1960s, he and his sister, Bobbi, joined their father, Robert, in the family business that was originally a Conoco service station in Anaconda. In the early 1970s, they relocated to Missoula to open a service station and towing company near the fairgrounds where the intersection was known as Malfunction Junction. They later moved the business to its current location near the Southgate Mall and expanded the operations to include auto repair, moving-truck rental, and property leasing. He and his sister have managed the business since their father's retirement. Bill helped write the Montana Professional Tow Truck Act, which outlines basic rules for towing in Montana.

He enjoyed golf and billiards. He was involved with Shriner's Hospital and Masons and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a beloved member of the community, liked by all and knew "everyone." You were lucky indeed if you were one of many who experienced firsthand his heart of gold.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie, son Michael (Jamie), daughter Lisa (Al), sister Roberta, father, Robert (Ellie), his step-children Scott Anderson, Dawn (Jurian) Hofman, and Jeff Jacobson, all of Missoula.

Click here for a video of the parade in honor of Bill. Friends, family, and peers honored Bill Sparr as about twenty tow truck drivers from Butte, Great Falls, Missoula, and Kalispell drove in a processional down Russell Street. The Montana Tow Truck Association organized the processional. Sparr's father was one of the original founders.

Robert L. Sparr, 82, of Missoula, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at St. Patrick Hospital.

He was born November 24, 1927, in Bozeman to Albert and Zelda Sparr. As a child growing up during the Great Depression, Bob had many experiences, which developed his tenacious enduring attitude toward hard work and play.

He served in the Navy during and after World War II and was stationed in Japan as a carpenter. Bob returned home and worked for the BA&P Railroad in Anaconda for several years where he was an engineer. His love of trains remained a lifelong hobby. He began his business career in Anaconda with a Conoco station and later a towing and service operation. He moved the business to Missoula in 1970 where he and his two children, Bill and Bobbi, expanded the business to include auto repair, towing and recovery, moving truck rental and property rental. He retired, but never left the business, often consulting and managing from his home or on daily visits to the business across the street.

He enjoyed ballroom dancing, Grizzly football, walks with his dogs, and gardening. He and his wife, Elly, shared endless hours of joy in their joint interests and pure enthusiasm for life. Bob’s interest in dancing was so passionate he built an addition to his home with a ballroom dance floor just so he could practice regularly. He was an enthusiastic Griz fan, holding season tickets, and he never missed a game.

Daily outings to the river with Bob''s "puppies, "Prince and Princess, was an important part of Bob and Elly''s life. An animal lover at heart, he owned many pets throughout his life, including a squirrel named Rocky. An avid hat collector, he had an extensive collection from various time periods and countries. Bob also enjoyed gardening and working in his yard with Elly. He built river-rock archways to his home which will forever welcome and remind us all of his enthusiastic spirit for life.

Survivors include his wife Elly of Missoula; daughter Roberta of Missoula; grandchildren, Michael (Jamie) of Missoula and Lisa (Al) of Missoula; brother Albert J. (Ginger) of Columbia Falls, and other extended family members in Missoula area. He is preceded in death by a son, William C.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at the Alliance Church, 100 Foss Court East, Missoula at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 30. Tow truck procession line up from Sparr’s Towing, 2000 W. Central, Missoula at 10:30 a.m. Memorial service to be officiated by Chaplain Dan Dixon. A reception will immediately follow the service at the Alliance Church.

The family suggests memorials to the U of M Foundation, Excellence Fund, PO Box 7159, Missoula 59807.