Richard David Krott, co-founder of Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum, died October 30, 2021. Born September 6, 1946 to Virginia May Krott and Paul Frederick William Krott, he is survived by his beloved wife Belva Lotzer; his children Jeffrey Krott of Helena, Michael Krott of Las Vegas, Deanine and husband Chris Morris of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and grandchildren Derek and Casey Krott; sister Linda and husband David MacDonald of St Claire, Michigan, and nephew Brian (Selena) Carrick and their children Drake, Veronica, Lucas & Sylvia; and stepson Ron Palmer (Nicki) of Calgary and grandchildren Alex, Isaac, and Victoria of Calgary. He is proceeded in death by his parents and Judy Garrity (wife).
Richard grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, attended Muhlenberg High School. He was drafted in 1967 and spent the next few years serving his country. He loved Montana from the first day he came and immediately after leaving the military moved to Helena, where he settled with Joy Tsontarides to raise his family.
Richard worked for Morrison and Maierle as an engineer, and he also owned numerous businesses over the years: The Ink Spot and Graphic Supply, the original Made in Montana Store, Readers Alley and the Stonehouse restaurant, Stonehouse Foods, Tizer Lake Distributors and Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum. He also sat on numerous tourism boards over 35 years.
