DENNIS C PETTY – – 1947 – 2021
In the early morning hours of July 19, 2021, Dennis passed away peacefully in his sleep. Dennis was 73 years old.
Dennis was born on October 11, 1947, in Bakersfield, California to Floyd and Stella Petty. Dennis attended elementary schools and high school graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1965.
Dennis worked various retail jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Army. After the Army, he returned to Bakersfield and became a Deputy Sheriff with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. During that time in 1976, he married Margaret (Mickie) Neis and to that union were born three children – Brett Christian, Noal Gregory, and Allison Ann Nicole.
In 1981 Dennis and family moved to Cameron, Montana and shortly thereafter to Ennis, Montana. Over the next couple of decades Dennis enjoyed running his own businesses to include being the “gumball” guy and “Jack Colt” as a private investigator for the State of Montana.
In 1989 Dennis and family moved to Bozeman, Montana where he continued his vending business and private investigation business. Lots of family trips to visit relatives in California and family vacations – too many to mention.
In true entrepreneurial fashion, Dennis and family opened a restaurant in Manhattan, Montana. Here at the restaurant is where Dennis earned one of many nicknames “Discount Den”. This nickname was achieved by Dennis making sure he kept business costs down by consistently “cherry picking” the sales. Here at the restaurant, Dennis could be found visiting with customers who, over time, became close friends due to his outgoing and friendly personality.
After selling the restaurant in 2004, Dennis and Mickie “retired” to St. George, Utah. Dennis settled into the retirement life while enjoying the hot, desert heat. As grandkids started arriving, Dennis wanted to be closer to his children along with the grandkids, therefore, Dennis and Mickie moved to Helena in 2012. Here in Helena is where Dennis became a true grandkid favorite. Dennis treasured being around all of his family and making sure all of the grandkids had a Coke and/or ice cream bar at any hour of the day.
Dennis was a member of Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church. He enjoyed helping in any way needed from mowing weeds to washing dishes. The friendships made with so many great people were truly cherished by Dennis.
Dennis is survived by his spouse, Mickie, his sons, Brett (Rose) and Noal (Carissa) and daughters, Allison and Valerie (Ernie) Leal and seven grandchildren – Tucker, Caybree, Blake, Pierce, Parker, Corbin Petty and Ian Leal. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Daillak and Kathy (Wayne) Wright and two brothers, Nathan (Sandra) and Dan, along with Uncle Ira and Aunt Ida Lynch. There are also numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis will truly be missed by family, friends, and really anyone he came into contact with. As he had many sayings, one saying that was commonly expressed was:
“IT’S A GOOD LIFE” – He enjoyed life to the fullest each and every day whether it was mowing the lawns, watching grandkids play ball, traveling, playing bingo, or enjoying a Coors Light while listening to “The King” – Elvis.
A funeral service held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the burial at the Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church, 3384 Canyon Ferry Road.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday August 5, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday August 5, 2021
Canyon Ferry Baptist Church
3384 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday August 5, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday August 5, 2021
Canyon Ferry Baptist Church
3384 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Brenda Hegel says
Sorry Mickie, Alison, and boys. Our love and prayers are with you all! Brenda and Mike Hegel
Karen Thomes says
Words cannot express the sorrow we all feel. Big hug to Mickie, Allison, Brett, Noel, all the family members. Dennis will be greatly missed. We are here for all of you. Love you, Karen and Ed Thomes.
We will be there on the 5th. Call if you need anything.
Paul Bentley says
Fond memories hanging out with Dennis and the family in my school years. This was quite the surprise to hear. I’m sorry for your loss Brett, Noel, Allison, and of course Mickie.
Hope Stockwell says
Sending lots of love to you all. Hope Stockwell, Aubrey, and Annalee
Norma Smith says
Oh Mickie, I am very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
Kathy Grace says
So sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father – my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fran Waddell says
We from the Bell Choir send our sympathy to you Mickey. We are all so shocked. Most of us will be there to support you on the 5th. Please call if we can help in any way. Fran Waddell
Fran Waddell says
We from the Bell Choir send our sympathy to you Mickey. We are all so shocked and saddened. We will be there on the 5th. Please call if we can help in any way or maybe even ring the bells. So sorry, Fran
ROSIE WILSON says
So sorry for you lost. Our prays and thoughts are with you and your family
Ron & Rosie Wilson
Nanette Holmes says
Dear Mickie,
So, so saddened to hear about Dennis. You and your family were blessed to have him and he will be deeply missed. You are all in my prayers.
Nanette Whitman-Holmes
Stacy Garvin says
I am truly sorry for Dennis’ passing, Mickie may you find comfort in Gods hands and loving embrace. My prayers are with you and the family at this time. He was such a wonderful human being. I enjoyed talking with you both.
Condolences sent many times over.
Dan Northway says
Mick, and family …….We are all extending a huge hug from Ennis. Please know we are praying for you and your family during this time.
Dana Piper Melcher says
Prayers to all of you. Such a shock and a huge hole in your hearts. Let all of the awesome memories keep you going in the coming days, weeks and months. Let yourselves feel his touch around you as he is always close.
Susan Barker says
I’m so sorry to hear. It makes my heart sad. I’m sending love, hugs and prayers for comfort. Much love to each of you.
Susan Barker
Bobbi Jo Hansen says
Such a difficult time to lose your dad so young. He was always so happy when I saw him, proud of his children! Prayers to you, Mickie. You have enjoyed so many years with Dennis, raising great kids and enjoying grandchildren together.
Nancy Robinson says
My heart hurts for you and your family, such a great loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann (Croy) Gentry says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs to you.
Karen Rice says
Hugs and prayers to all of you Mickie! We are SO sorry!
Lannen family says
Dear Mickie and family, We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dennis! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We remember all the fun things we did together camping and 49ers football games! Having fun at the restaurant! Fond memories. Love to you all, The Lannen family Jack Janet Josh and Joy