Billings Couple Claim Montana Millionaire Top Prize

01/04/2008 Billings Couple Claim Montana Millionaire Top Prize

Gary and B. J. Klipstein of Billings have claimed the Million Dollar Prize in the Lottery’s Montana Millionaire game. The Klipsteins presented their ticket, numbered 136916, at Lottery Headquarters this afternoon.
Gary is an avid Lottery player, but always expected the game he’d win would be Montana Cash. I kept telling B.J. we were going to win, said Gary. Wife B. J. said she’s a pessimist, and wasn’t quite as confident as her husband. It still seems surreal, she said.
Gary bought his winning ticket on Saturday, December 29, at 24th Street Cenex in Billings. He buys his regular Lottery tickets at 24th Street Cenex.

Gary is a charge nurse at the Billings Clinic, and has been there nearly 30 years. B. J. is a homemaker, and they are parents of two. They also have several grandchildren.
Gary went home for lunch on Monday, December 31, and while he was home, decided he should check the Lottery’s website to see what the winning numbers were from that morning’s Grand Prize Drawing. He immediately saw that the Million Dollar ticket was sold at 24th Street Cenex. Hey, this might be something, he said. Then he looked at the number and realized it was his number. I hollered at B. J., and told her we won, said Gary. You’re crazy, B. J. replied. B. J. said she had to keep looking at the ticket and the winning numbers to make sure it was real.
The Klipsteins will be cautious with their winnings. Gary, who is 69, intends to work at least another two years, although he admits retirement is looking pretty good. They plan on investing their money, and working with financial advisors so they can retire comfortably. The one splurge they are thinking about is a trip to Hawaii. I’ve wanted to go there, said B. J. Now it seems possible.

www.needto.net/montana.htm