John Ostlund was the kind of guy who didn’t just talk about Montana values; he literally lived them on the seat of a road grader. Most folks in Billings know him as the long-serving Yellowstone County Commissioner who seemed to be everywhere at once. He was first elected way back in 2002, and honestly, he became such a fixture in local government that it's hard to imagine the courthouse without his presence.
He wasn't just a suit in an office. Far from it.
On a random Tuesday, you might have found him out at his ranch in the foothills, plowing snow or messing around in his airplane hangar. That’s just who he was—a worker. But his story took a tragic turn in June 2025 that left the entire Big Sky State reeling. When his Cessna 172 went down south of Billings near Blue Creek Road, Montana lost more than a politician. It lost a "quiet strength" that had guided the region through decades of growth, a devastating tornado, and the constant tug-of-war between rural and urban needs.
The Man Behind the Commissioner Title
John Ostlund wasn't actually a Montana native, though you’d never know it by his grit. He was born in Bowbells, North Dakota, in 1952. His family made the move to Billings in 1964, and that was it—he was hooked on the Treasure State for life. Before he ever stepped into the political arena, he was just a guy who loved the dirt. He grew up helping on the family farm, and that connection to the land never really left him.
He worked on county roads. He hauled grain part-time to pay off debts. People who knew him back then say his work ethic was "top shelf," which is a pretty high bar in a place like Montana.
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Eventually, he found his way into the public eye, serving four six-year terms as a County Commissioner. That is 24 years of dealing with budgets, property taxes, and the kind of granular local issues that would give most people a permanent headache. But John had this way of being a "straight shooter." Even if you were his "lefty friend"—as some of his political opposites jokingly called themselves—he’d still sit down, buy you breakfast at a local diner, and try to find common ground.
He married Kristie Cooper in 2001, and they built a life on a ranch that was basically his sanctuary. He was a father to five and a grandfather to eight. For John, the ranch wasn't just a piece of property; it was where he hosted the family, tossed the ball for his dogs, and taught the grandkids how to ride four-wheelers.
Why John Ostlund Billings MT is a Name You’ll See on Buildings Now
If you’ve been downtown lately, you might have noticed a new name on the local skyline. Just this month—January 2026—the county officially opened the John Ostlund Building.
It’s a big deal for Billings. Basically, it’s a "one-stop shop" for county services. Instead of sprinting between the old courthouse and the Stillwater building, residents can now hit the DMV, Public Works, and Emergency Services all in one spot. It’s fitting, really. John was a huge proponent of common-sense government, and nothing says "common sense" like not making people drive across town three times to get a permit.
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A Legacy of Agriculture and Grit
Just a couple of weeks ago, the Billings Chamber of Commerce named him the posthumous recipient of the 2025 Ag Excellence Award. You don't get that award by just showing up to meetings. John was the muscle behind:
- The new outdoor arena at MetraPark.
- The recovery efforts after the 2010 tornado that absolutely trashed the Metra.
- Constant support for 4-H, NILE, and the Chase Hawks Roughstock event.
He understood that Billings is an "ag town" at its heart. He spent years making sure the connection between the city folks and the ranchers stayed solid. He wasn't afraid to push back on policies he thought were "punitive" or too complex for the average taxpayer to deal with.
The Controversies and the Complexity
Look, no one stays in office for two decades without some friction. John had his share. There was a notable dust-up years ago regarding a vote for tax incentives for Billings Flying Service. Critics pointed out he had an ownership interest in a plane with the company's owners. He didn't recuse himself, pointing to a county attorney’s opinion that said he was legally in the clear.
It sparked a lot of "Good Old Boy" talk in the local papers. He was a man who stuck to the letter of the law, even when the "spirit" of it was being questioned by his detractors. It’s a reminder that even the most beloved public servants are human and operate in a world of complex relationships.
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But even his critics usually admitted he cared about the "greater good." He was a fierce advocate for kids at the Youth Services Center, often spending personal time with them just to listen.
What Really Happened in June 2025?
The news hit Billings on June 19, 2025. John’s plane struck power lines and crashed in the Blue Creek area. He was 73.
It was a shock because flying was his passion. He loved being in his hangar. He loved the freedom of the Montana sky. The FAA and NTSB reports eventually trickled out, but for the community, the "why" mattered less than the loss. Governor Greg Gianforte and leaders from both sides of the aisle lined up to pay respects. His celebration of life was held at First Interstate Arena—the very place he helped rebuild after the 2010 storms.
Actionable Insights: Moving Forward in Yellowstone County
So, what does the "John Ostlund era" teach us about Billings today? If you’re a resident or looking to get involved in the community, here’s how to carry that momentum forward:
- Visit the Ostlund Building: If you need county services, head to the new facility downtown. It’s designed to be the transparent, efficient hub he always wanted.
- Support Local Ag: The 2026 Billings Chamber Ag Banquet is happening on January 30th at the Montana Pavilion. It’s a great way to see the specific projects John championed.
- Get Involved in Local Boards: John started on the ground floor. Yellowstone County is currently looking for citizens to serve on various boards and commissions—everything from planning to public works.
- Advocate for Transparency: Whether you agreed with his votes or not, John showed up. The best way to honor a long-term public servant is to show up to the Tuesday morning commission meetings and voice your own opinion.
John Ostlund was a man of his time—a rancher, a pilot, a politician, and a "straight shooter" who left a physical mark on the city of Billings that will likely last another fifty years.
Next Steps for Residents:
- Check the Yellowstone County website for the 2026 meeting schedule to stay updated on how the new commissioners are handling the transition.
- Review the Billings Chamber of Commerce events list if you want to support the agricultural initiatives John helped build.
- Drive past the Blue Creek area or visit the MetraPark arena to see the tangible results of a life spent in public service.