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Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

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For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Brayden Roy Schaeffer, age 16, of Helena

July 2, 1999 – February 1, 2016

Our beautiful son, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin and undeniably best friend, Brayden Roy Schaeffer left us on February 1, 2016.

The good lord and grandparents Roy and Carrol Reddick, Grandmother Sandy Kovich, Great Grandparents Jim and Peggy Schaeffer and Cousin Kyle Sims are undoubtedly blessed to have welcomed him by their side in the Heavens above.

He was a junior at Helena High School where he remained active in weightlifting and track. Brayden was infamous for setting the 400 meter record at EVMS and taking a wild tumble in another 400 coming out of turn 2, where he rolled, got up and won the race anyway. Brayden loved comedy, especially Impractical Jokers and Gabriel Iglesias, who he recently got the chance to see live in Missoula. He had a HUGE heart for animals, especially his new Dalmatian puppy Lakota, who was his shadow.

Brayden will be missed by the entire world for his infectious beautiful smile, his warm and safe hugs, his gentle nature and willingness to protect all that were close to him. His larger than life heart and soul made the world a better place with him in it and he did leave his mark on it.

Brayden is survived by his father Steven Schaeffer, Mother Melissa Schaeffer, Sister Saisha Reddick (Devin Keller), Brother Steven Schaeffer Jr. and his best friend (his only niece) Natalia Krueger who dubbed him to be named “Coco”, in which the entire family followed suit. He is also survived by a Grandparent, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many close friends.

We all love you, we all miss you and we all will be forever grateful having the blessing of crossing your path. Our hearts will forever be broken without you.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A pot-luck reception will immediately follow in the social hall of the funeral home.

Memorials in Brayden’s name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.

Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Brayden.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Monday February 8, 2016

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Immediately following the memorial service

Monday February 8, 2016

Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Monday February 8, 2016

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Immediately following the memorial service

Monday February 8, 2016

Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Jen Coen says

    February 3, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    Melissa, Steve & Family,
    I am so very sorry to hear of Brayden’s passing. My heart hurts for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending you all a great big hug!
    Jen (Peterson) Coen

  2. Jody Anderson says

    February 4, 2016 at 12:03 am

    Although I do not know the family my heart is heavy and I beg in prayer for GOD to wrap his arms around you. When I lost my first son at age 16 the shock and overwhelming grief shook me to my very soul. Whenever I hear of a parents loss, I feel their pain….I feel your pain. May you know and feel the love that this community feels for you.

  3. Larry and Cheri Clifford says

    February 4, 2016 at 8:47 am

    Melissa and Family,
    There are no words for your sorrow. May God’s peace and comfort be with you now. Brayden’s place in heaven is secured through the love of Jesus Christ. Are thoughts and prayers are with you that you may find comfort in the love that surrounds you.
    Larry and Cheri Clifford

  4. Cathy and Dale Reagor says

    February 4, 2016 at 8:50 am

    Although we are sorry that we do not know the family of Brayden, we knew Brayden himself, who worked in my husband’s office after school. He was a very sweet, kind and responsible young man. He was also best friends with our grandson, Ricky. Our hearts go out to both parents, for this heartbreaking loss of your precious son.
    Cathy and Dale Reagor

  5. Martin Family says

    February 4, 2016 at 9:57 am

    Dear Family and Friends of Brayden,
    We are thinking of you and will pray for you as you move through this very sad season.
    Tom, Sheila, Evan & Emma

  6. Kristen Morrison says

    February 4, 2016 at 10:26 am

    Melissa and Family,
    I am truly sorry for your loss, Brayden was an awesome kid, so sweet and one of my sons closest friends. We will always remember his warm welcoming smile.
    Kristen and Dakota

  7. Katrina Livesay says

    February 4, 2016 at 10:38 am

    Melissa,
    Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel for you! You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and hope the many happy memories you have of your precious son help you find comfort.
    Katrina

  8. Shari and Fred Haux says

    February 4, 2016 at 11:29 am

    Melissa and family,
    Our hearts ache for all of you at this time and if there is anything we can do to help, we are here for you. Keeping you in our prayers.
    Shari and Fred

  9. Eric and Trudy Erickson says

    February 4, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    There are no words……… just that Eric and I love you all.

  10. Tina says

    February 4, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    Dear Schaeffer Family,
    I did not know Brayden,but the loss of a child is unimagineable.
    Our hearts are breaking for your family. So incredibly sorry for Brayden’s passing. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    Tony,Tina,Joey and Kelli Tillo

  11. Sysum Family says

    February 5, 2016 at 8:17 am

    Dear Schaeffer Family,
    Although we did not know Brayden, we wanted to express our sympathy for your loss. I hope you will find some strength and comfort in knowing others care.
    Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    The Rouane-Sysum Family

  12. Katie Olsen says

    February 5, 2016 at 8:44 am

    I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I am thinking and praying for you and your family. And don’t forget to reach out to me if you need me. Love you tons!!!

    Katie Olsen

  13. Shauna Simpson says

    February 5, 2016 at 10:12 am

    Mah and Family,

    All my thoughts, love, and prayers are with you. There just aren’t appropriate words to express my sadness for your loss of Brayden. May you find comfort and peace.

    Shauna

  14. Maggie Pentecost says

    February 5, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Melissa and family,

    Our hearts are broken to hear of this loss. May God comfort you now and in the coming days. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you, we hope you can find peace.

    Maggie (Pentecost), David, Sophie and Caden Stockburger

  15. Cindy Dolson (GF office) says

    February 5, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    Melissa-
    My deepest condolences on the loss of your son. May your beautiful memories sustain and bring comfort to you during this very difficult time.

  16. charmin olson says

    February 6, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Dearest Missy
    Im praying for you. I wont stop I promise.
    Love you, Charmin

  17. Patricia Snell says

    February 6, 2016 at 10:51 am

    Oh Missy I am so sorry for your loss. I hope in time your heart isn’t so heavy and you can smile in your sons remembrance. Wish I could be there. Take care, will be praying for you and your family.

  18. Theresa Rivers says

    February 6, 2016 at 11:08 am

    Melissa, Steve and Family,
    My heart breaks for all of you. Brayden was a friend of my nephew Josh from the time they were in elementary school, and I had met him on several occasions. He was a sweet boy. His passing was way too soon. May your memories of Brayden give you peace and comfort.
    Theresa Rivers

  19. Sheri Dietrich says

    February 6, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    To Brayden’s Family,
    I did not know Brayden well, only from my grand-son Kase. I met him once that I recall but all I heard about him were good things. He always had a place at his home for Kase. They were good friends. May God comfort you during this rough time. Friends and family will help to fill the void. The memories too will help.
    My sincere condolences to you all.

  20. Wanda Dolence says

    February 6, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    So sorry for your loss Missy & Steve. This family’s hearts break for you both!

  21. Michelle and JT Lingenfelter says

    February 7, 2016 at 8:20 am

    Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends. May God bring you peace and healing. Our daughter went to school with Brayden from kindergarten on. I spent a lot of time volunteering in their classes when they were little and Brayden was always the sweetest boy. Our prayers are with you

  22. Amara Theys says

    February 7, 2016 at 8:25 am

    Melissa and Family,
    Words cannot even begin to express the pain you must be feeling. No parent should ever have to feel such heart break of losing a child. I pray God keeps you all in his comforting arms and brings peace to you as well. Keeping you in our prayers.

    All our love,
    Amara, Jay, Ashlyn and Easton Theys

  23. Vicki Simmons says

    February 7, 2016 at 10:53 am

    I was sorry that Amanda had to share such sad and tragic news with me. There are no words to truly make you feel less grief. Melissa, Steve and extended family please accept my heartfelt condolences at this dark time, and I hope you have some peace and sunshine scattered here and there by way of humor and pleasant memories.

  24. Patty Hallock says

    February 7, 2016 at 11:55 am

    Missy and Family………..You all our in our Thoughts and Prayers at this time and the coming days ahead………….Your Memories of Brayden will hold you close at heart to him………Love and Hugs Patty and Milt and Family

  25. Rev Richard Francesco of Saint Mary Catholic Community says

    February 7, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Condolences and prayers to all of Braydon’s loved ones.

  26. Chantelle Mahan says

    February 7, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    Gone too soon. Deepest condolences to you. May God wrap you in his loving arms and keep you through this most difficult time and always. Keep looking up. Love and prayers.

  27. Tanna Gerds (Rasmussen ) says

    February 7, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    So sorry for your loss missy and family

  28. Sheri Dietrich says

    February 7, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    Melissa & family,

    Jase is unable to be here, but he sends his condolences. No words can express how he feels. He is saddened at Brayden’s passing. May God give you strength to endure your pain. May the memories fill your heart.

  29. Jim Cox says

    February 7, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    Melissa and Steve, so sorry to hear about your loss. It’s a tragedy that no family deserves. Our thoughts are with you all.

  30. Angie Sampson Peterson says

    February 7, 2016 at 9:42 pm

    Missy, thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this time of loss. Hold family and friends close, they will give you the strength you need. Love you!

  31. Sheri Sullivan says

    February 8, 2016 at 9:44 am

    You are in our thoughts and Prayers! No words can be said for what you all are going through! So very sorry for your loss!

  32. Michelle Silverthorne says

    February 8, 2016 at 10:22 am

    Dear Brayden’s family,
    I had the honor of having Brayden in my class at EVMS. Always throughout my years of teaching I had those students that have that “extra light” in them, that made my teaching more joyful and Brayden was one of those. I absolutely loved his sense of humor and his smile…. So sorry for your loss. Michelle Silverthorne (formerly Ms. Young to Brayden)

  33. James MacIntyre says

    February 8, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brayden. I was fortunate enough to have Brayden in class last year. I will forever remember the smile he had and positive impact he gifted upon all who surrounded him. He certainly left his mark and I know that I am not alone when I say that I am a better person for having known Brayden.

  34. Darcie Hilton Dunlap says

    February 8, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    Dear Brayden’s family
    I am so sorry for your loss. I used to think there were no words to express what everyone was going through, but at the funeral today I heard those words from Steven. I don’t think anyone could have said it any better, and your words about your dear son were inspirational, loving, moving, and extremely powerful. There were a lot of people there today filling every nook and cranny of that funeral home, all in honor of Brayden. And your words touched us all. Your strength and courage today were amazing and I have great respect for you and what you accomplished. I know I wouldn’t have been able to do that and if even just a small portion of all those students and parents listened and truly try to accomplish what you challenged us all to do, you will have impacted several lives!

  35. Holly Bixby says

    February 8, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    Melissa and family, I cannot begin to express in words the pain I feel for you. Please know my old friend that you will always be in my heart and prayers. Melissa, what does not destroy us will make us stronger! I am always here for you.

  36. Ruth says

    February 12, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    As a casual acquaintance of Brayden’s at the Secretary of State’s office where he ran business documents for one of the local law firms I am tremendously upset to hear about this great loss. Brayden was always a funny, smart and incredibly charming person to do business with. What a loss to us all.

  37. na says

    August 12, 2023 at 10:24 pm

    i remember when we were in art class together and brayden would always ask me to help him draw whatever we had in our sketch packets. and he’d always give me crap when this one rihanna song came on, shine bright like a diamond. rest in peace buddy. you are truly missed. 🩵🩵🩵

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Service Schedule

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Monday February 8, 2016

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Immediately following the memorial service

Monday February 8, 2016

Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

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