We lost our father, husband, papa, rock, person to call, friend, strength, and hunting partner on January 8, 2025. Earle Louis Feist was born on September 22,1958 in Great Falls, MT to Joe and Lois Feist. He was lucky number 7 out of 11 children raised in the vast, rolling prairies of the south side of the electric city. From the beginning, Dad learned to work and work hard. Whether it was fixing a car, building something, retro fitting, or plumbing he learned and knew how to fix it all… This is also where he learned to be fiercely protective of those he loved and fought to be there for everyone around him. In 1981 he moved to East Helena. He went on to have and raise Shane and Wes, who both lived their lives to keep up with their dad and make him proud. Earle built his dream of owning a small business into reality, developing Big Sky Cabinets into the reputable cabinetry business it became.
Earle’s passion and skill of cabinet design followed him until the end. He is still regarded as Helena’s leading cabinet designer and beloved by his clients and colleagues in the industry. Earle was truly gifted at home building and creation and could remember almost anyone by their name and what type of kitchen or bathroom cabinets they had, even decades later. He ended his lustrous career with Silver City Stone. There he found the best coworkers and employer imaginable. We are so grateful to David, Andrea, Shelley, and the team for all they did for Dad to help him through his last months of work and life.
In 2000 Earle came together with longtime friend Robin Thiel and they were married in 2006. Robin has two daughters; Tami and Dawn, who already knew and cared for Earle so much. It was a natural fit.
Together Earle and Robin traveled the country by Harley, trying to see the sights of every two-lane road in western Montana. They were able to support and encourage one another to an eventual retirement which sadly wasn’t able to be enjoyed as it should have been. Robin was the love of his life, and we are so thankful for her love for Dad.
Dad’s favorite song, Beautiful Loser, by Bob Seger is how he can best be summed up:
“He wants to dream like a young man
With the wisdom of an old man
He wants his home and security
He wants to live like a sailor at sea.
He’s your oldest and your best friend
If you need him, he’ll be there again
He’s always willing to be second-best
A perfect lodger, a perfect guest,”
Dad loved fiercely, worked hard, called bluffs, and did it his way. There was a lesson in every interaction, a reality check when needed, and a dedicated humility that we can all learn from.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lois Feist, sisters Janice and Marcia, and brothers Don and Bob.
Earle is survived by his loving wife Robin, sons and daughters Shane and Brook Feist, Wes and Dani Feist, Tami and Jason Lee, and Dawn and Jeff Lambert. He is also survived by his grandkids, for whom he had the most admiration: Kaleigh and Lauryn Feist; Jaxsen Green and Trenten Feist; Trevor Lee; and Cayden, Zander, and Alexis Lambert. Additionally, Earle had a huge and supportive family and friend network including his brothers Ed and Larry; sisters Cheryl, Patti, Wendie, and BJ; brother in-law Scott Thiel; best friends Ron Meek, Sharon Meek, Nick Clos, John Sanderson, Luke Campbell, Pat and Patty Foley and Family; among countless others.
Services for Dad will be Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz; 3750 North Montana Avenue; Helena, MT 59602.
The family welcomes you to share memories, condolences, and photos on this link. This is a wonderful way for them to remember Earle Feist in a personalized book for the family members: www.newlywords.com/earle-feist
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Jennie French says
So sorry for your loss Robin.. Earle was a great man and you were the perfect couple! I’m thinking of you always.
Love ya!
Jennie French
Steve Giulio says
Robin and family,
Sorry to hear of Earle’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He was a great guy.
Steve
Linda Roe says
Robin and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I always admired the care and attention and his love for Robin as she traveled the state for her job. He encouraged her, supported her and was just wonderful! He was definitely very special. He touched the lives of many and will be missed.
Connie Aspenlieder says
Sending words of comfort, prayers and a hug to you all.
Connie and Jeff
Jeff L. says
Earle has left a big whole in our hearts and will be missed by so many.
I will miss our talks, camping trips, motorcycle rides, side by side rides and game nights.
Love you bud.
Jeff L.
Shelley Harris says
Earle was so deeply loved. More than a coworker, he was a friend and partner in business. He was not afraid to say “I love you” and I am so deeply grateful those words were the last spoken between us.. Earle changed the culture when allowed to lead his way. It was about team, clients, friendship and accountability. I only wish I could have known him longer, been with him more.. You are deeply loved my beloved friend.. See you on the other side!
Sharon Heigh says
So sorry to hear of Earles death.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Audrey Blomquist Kelly says
Thinking of all of you and sending prayers during this sad time.
Scott Duncan says
I knew Earle for many years in the building industry and was proud to call him a friend. You will be missed by many Earle
I hope you’re enjoying retirement in the next and best life
Scott
Jim McCormick says
Robin and family,
Sufficient words are hard to come by to express condolences. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with and for you.
Jim McCormick
Karen Shawler says
Robin and family, I know this is a difficult time for all of you. Keep in your heart all the wonderful times spent together. The love and laughter he brought to everyone who knew him. I know how devoted he was to you and family. I’ll especially remember and keep in my heart all the great times we all had. He was a man of happiness, love and spirit
JoDee says
Sending my love and prayers to you, Shane and Wes. I knew your dad well as you were growing up and I had the honor of standing up as maid of honor in your dad’s wedding to your mom , Kim. I have so many good memories of all of you when living in Great Falls, then in Helena when your mom and dad started the cabinet shop together. I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was a wonderful friend.
JoDee Anderson says
Sending my love and prayers to you, Shane and Wes. I knew your dad well as you were growing up and I had the honor of standing up as maid of honor in your dad’s wedding to your mom , Kim. I have so many good memories of all of you when living in Great Falls, then in Helena when your mom and dad started the cabinet shop together. I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was a wonderful friend.
JoDee
Jay Martinsen says
Earle, thank you for raising such a great son, I feel honored to call Shane my best friend. Sending much love to the Feist family from the Martinsen’s.
Gary Bowman says
I worked with Earle at the BMC Design Center for many years and still miss not working with, him he made every day more interesting. The world is a little less bright now he’s gone.
Rest easy my friend
Gary
Steve & Wanda Arlint says
Very sorry for your loss. He was a very kind man. Earle was indeed a great cabinet guy. He put two kitchens together for us. Years later he always recognized us. He also bought a lot of meat from Steve.
Steve and Wanda Arlint
Roxianne Verworn says
I had the pleasure of working with Earle for years at Home Depot. We shared many laughs while we were there. After we both went on to other employment, we’d still run into each other at the Mini Basket and catch up on things. Such a wonderful individual, quick witted and great partner in crime. My sincere condolences. Know that he is the brightest star in the sky and a very special angel who will always be watching over all those he loved.
Christina Terry says
I will miss you uncle Earl.