Montanan is world’s oldest man

GREAT FALLS – Walter Breuning learned to read by kerosene lantern, remembers his grandfather telling him about fighting in the Civil War, and cast his first presidential ballot for Woodrow Wilson.

The 112-year-old resident of Great Falls apparently became the world’s oldest man when 113-year-old Henry Allingham of England died Saturday. Breuning was born Sept. 21, 1896.

Now living at the Rainbow Retirement Home, Breuning takes one aspirin and eats two meals a day. He strolls the halls wearing a suit and tie and still walks the ramps to his second-floor apartment.

Breuning said he’s more grateful for his health than he is for a world title.

“If you’re in good health, you’ve got everything there is,” he told the Great Falls Tribune.