Casey Tuckerman died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning, August 3, 2024, released at last from the cruel grip of Alzheimer’s Disease. Casey loved his family, music, and traveling. He lived all those passions to the fullest.
He grew up in Great Falls, Montana, with his brothers, sisters, father, and mother who adored him. Throughout his life people were drawn to him by his laughter and charisma, and he made many lifelong friends who stayed with him through college and throughout his life.
Casey married Jodi Mattson in 1975. They had two daughters, Mary and Lindsay, who he loved deeply. In 1985, he married Christine Evans, and embraced her family as his own. Grandchildren followed, who he loved and entertained with walks, wrestling matches, games, and, of course, songs. Just as he had sung to Mary and Lindsay, the grandchildren were treated to many renditions of “I Love You, A Bushel and a Peck,” and “The Bear Necessities.”
Casey and music were synonymous; everyone who knew him knew that. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music and taught music for 30 years. He was known for his Broadway Junior productions at Helena Middle School, and he continued to produce grand musicals in Spokane. He sang in the St. Paul United Methodist Church choir in Helena and both the Helena and Spokane Symphony Chorales. With friends he formed the group “Midlife Crisis” and played gigs with them for several years. Any conversation with Casey might be interrupted by a song if a word or phrase reminded him of one of the countless songs in his head.
He met Chris in graduate school and began their 40 years of love and adventure. Friends were amused and amazed at how many cars and houses they bought through the years. They started traveling the first summer they met and never stopped. For 20 years, they traveled with their good friends Jon and Mickey Hanson: San Francisco, Chicago, Turkey, Greece, and Italy were among their destinations. More travels took them to Hawaii, Alaska, several cruises, London, Paris, and more.
Casey lived life to the fullest and will be remembered for his warmth, his ever-ready smile, and his beautiful baritone voice.
He is survived by his wife Chris, his daughters Mary Hollow (Tyler) and Lindsay Tuckerman (Chris Moratelli), stepdaughter Katy Deffe (Doug), grandchildren Ashley, Sabrina, Elsie, Cooper, and Giovanni, and one great-grandchild: Keeley. He is also survived by his sister Lanell Benner, brother Randy Tuckerman (Cathy), sister Bonnie Alvy (Harvey), sister-in-law Michael Evans, and brother-in-law Mathias Weingart. He had many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, many of whom were lucky to have him as a role model from the time they were young. He loved dogs all his life, too many to mention, but he is survived by Sam and Razz.
He was preceded in death by his parents Emerson and Nellie, his sister Gayla, as well as in-laws David and Dorothy Evans and sister-in-law JoAnne Weingart.
The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan St., Helena, followed by a Celebration of Casey’s Life scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s.
Donations in Casey’s name are suggested to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 10, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 10, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Saturday August 10, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 10, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 10, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Saturday August 10, 2024
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Ted Polette says
My heart is crushed for you Chris, and your family. I am so sorry for your loss of Casey. He was my first subbing assignment before I got my job teaching at Clancy Elementary School. I have no musical ability at all and he told me not to worry because he had it covered, and he did. When I got to the school, HMS, and looked at his lesson plan I relaxed because all I had to do was show videos of MTV! Thanks Casey! 🙂 He was always such a positive force in our universe and a great advocate for his students, who all loved him. His charisma made him friends immediately with all who met him. The world is dimmer without his light in it.
Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories and I know Casey’s garden will bloom brightly and forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Judy Rolfe says
We are so sorry to learn of Casey’s passing. He was a great guy and a wonderful teacher. At one time he tried to get me to run for the school board, I always took that as a compliment coming from a guy who sure understood education issues. Our sincere condolences to the entire Tuckerman family.
Steve Armstrong says
I performed in several groups in Helena way back when while I was teaching at Helena High. One day I received a call from Casey telling me about this new group he was creating, named Midlife Crisis, and he invited me to be their drummer. Regretfully, I had to decline his kind offer for a number of reasons, but mainly because I was maxed out of weekend performance gigs and kind of moving in a new direction. I do remember that the group was a hit in Helena with Casey in the lead.
He made an indelible impression on hundreds of students who had the pleasure of having him has their teacher.
Sympathies to his family.
Linda Gillett says
Chris and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Casey .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Linda and Jim Gillett
Robyn Boyle says
I have such fond memories of Casey. I am so sorry for your loss Chris, Mary and Lindsay. He was such a wonderful man and always had so much patience with us girls when we were young. Such a loving person. Prayers going up for your entire family🙏🏼❤️
Steve Smith says
I’m so sorry for Chris and families to lose Casey. Casey was my oldest friend. We met when we were three. We may not have seen each other as often as I would have liked but when we did it was like time hadn’t passed.
Kim Cameron says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Tamara Hintz says
R.I.P. Mr. T. I remember having him as a choir teacher at HMS. I remember he was so nice and funny. So sorry for your loss.
Jeffrey Kingman says
Tuckerman family, I only knew Mr. Tuckerman in Helena. From 7th grade choir, Mr. Tuckerman created an amazing impact on my life. It was there that I met a couple dozen other students that would be friends through high school graduation, and to today. A number of us went on to sing under Ray Champlain at HHS (and take state championships). I am so very sorry for your loss. Jeffrey Kingman (HHS 1982)
Jenny (Sahinen) Faure says
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Tuckerman’s passing. He was my music teacher at what was Helena Junior High School. And I was honored to have had him as the cantor at our wedding 37 years ago.
Rest peacefully Mr. Tuckerman. (He’ll always be “Mr. Tuckerman” to me😊)
Holding you, his family, close in my prayers.
Richard Gibbons says
I had the pleasure of performing with Casey in Mid Life Crisis and in various Grand Street productions. He was one of a kind . His energy was relentless. He made every occasion an adventure. I will never forget a Valentines Day dance that we played in Chester, Montana. After the gig was over, the equipment loaded, we faced a very long ride back to Helena on a Sunday night, We would all get about 3 hours of sleep or less to begin our day jobs back in Helena. Rather than dwell on the drudge that lay ahead, Casey seized the moment. He had our driver stop the van, We all got out and stood around in the snow and looked north. The northern lights were putting on a light show that I have never forgotten. The beauty of the moment propelled us through the next week and beyond. That was Casey
DAVE HANSON says
Some of my favorite memories are of singing and goofing with Casey. We all had the best of times making each other laugh and trying not to be caught in Great Falls and then Bozeman. Rest in Peace my brother
Ruth Brannan says
Lindsay & family I am so sorry for your loss.
Darcy Schulz says
So sorry to hear of Casey’s passing Chris. He was such a vibrant, fun, loving person. Reading his obituary it sounds like you and Casey lived life to the fullest! Casey will dearly be missed by so many.
My thoughts & prayers are with you and the family
Ruby Ireland says
So sorry for your loss think of the two of you often
Joseph Cislo says
I had the honor of being the first Helena Junior High seventh grader to meet Casey upon his initial arrival in Helena. By a simple twist of fate he and Jodi lived in my parent’s basement rental apartment prior to buying their first home. What a remarkable school year! When he wasn’t teaching me music in school, I was at home learning every lyric to “Brigadoon” by simply listening to he and Jodi singing through the floorboards!
Thank you Casey for the role you played in all of our young lives.
Godspeed my friend.
Kathryn Lampert says
Mr. Tuckerman was the best music teacher anyone could ask for. He was my music teacher for 1st through 8th grade then stepped down shortly after graduation.
As a young country music enthusiast, I had never heard of artists like Don McClean or Buddy Holly. He helped me branch out of my country music genre and learn about the classics. Learning to play songs like “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”, “American Pie”, and “Bare Necessities” on the guitar were some that I loved play in the gym and to this day remind me of him. His famous unit of teaching guitar to his students was so fun and always something I looked forward to; especially “renting out” the guitars to practice at home. Our 8th grade song “Stand by me” is also one that brings back vivid memories of 8th grade graduation and all the emotions that came with it.
He will always be someone I appreciate and value deeply. He wasn’t just my music teacher but a good co-worker of my mom as they taught alongside each other. You will be missed Mr. Tuckerman and I will pray for your soul to meet God face to face. ✝️
Darryl Penny & Val McNaughton says
Our deepest condolences,Chris and families.
We enjoyed his company whether it be hiking,or performing in the entertainment in Bonita Mesa,or just visiting.
He will be truly missed.
May good memories comfort you in this sad time.
Buddy Salizzoni says
We only knew Casey a short time. My wife Kathy who sufferes from dementia and Casey shared the same care facility. They often times walked hand in hand around the facility. Casey was always smiling and singing, Kathy enjoyed his company especially between visiting times. I find solace in the fact that Casey is now at peace. May God bless Casey and grant him eternal peace.
With Love Kathy and Buddy
Pat Kukes says
So remember our fun times at MSU and the old music dept. We taught together in Helena for many years. I’ll miss you Casey.
Gail and Chris Beuhler says
What a lovely tribute for Casey. As said, he will be remembered for his smile and his music.
Our sincere condolences to Chris and families.
John Graveley says
A treasured memory in my life was sharing the stage with Casey. He had an infectious energy as a performer and just a splendid friend whose memory will be a blessing always.