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

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In Memory Of

Jeffery D. “Jeff” Tesdal, age 65 of Helena

November 24, 1953 – February 22, 2019

Jeffery Dennis Tesdal, age 65, died February 22, 2019, after a brief battle with cancer.

Jeff was born in Dickinson ND to Almon & Florence Tesdal.  He was raised in Anaconda MT and later moved to Forsyth MT with his second family including Maynard & Muriel Fulton, brothers Tim & Leroy, sisters Ellen & Alicia.

Jeff married his wife of 35 years, Colleen Franzen, on June 25th, 1983.  They moved to the Helena area in 1986. Jeff gained employment at the MT Department of Revenue and retired after 29 years in June of 2018, as a Computer Systems Analyst.  His favorite activity to pass the time was golfing, but he also greatly enjoyed hunting & fishing.  He was a football fan loyal to the Denver Broncos. He loved spending time with his large family and dogs.

He is survived by his wife Colleen Tesdal, daughter Stacy Kosik, daughter Lisa Tesdal, granddaughter Katherine Kosik, Brother Almon (Rose) Tesdal, brother Russell Tesdal, sister Renee Tesdal, sister Peggy (Gary) Boschee, sister Gail Sutton, brother Charles Tesdal, and sister Regina (Leroy) Stuart.  Extended Family – brother Leroy Fulton, brother Tim Fulton, and sister Alicia Fulton-Fritz.  He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, which he loved equally, although it is still disputed to this day who his favorite is, much to his delight.

He is preceded in death by his father Almon Tesdal, mother Florence Rosella Tesdal, father Maynard Fulton, mother Muriel Fulton, brother Gene Dwayne Tesdal, brother Dennis Jeffery Tesdal, sister Ellen Fjelstad.

The family would like to thank Dr. Wiener and the entire staff at the Cancer Treatment Center, and the entire staff on the Oncology floor at St. Peter’s hospital for the care and compassion they provided.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up at Rocky Mountain Federal Credit Union in his wife Colleen Tesdal’s name to help with final expenses. You can make your donation at either branch, but please be sure to tell the bank representative to “share a comment” and leave your name so we know who it came from. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jeff.

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  1. Diane Gray says

    February 24, 2019 at 2:17 pm

    Colleen, we are so sorry for your loss. We both remember Jeff as a fine man very much devoted to you. Sincerely, Diane Gray and Bruce Coen

  2. Robin Craig says

    February 25, 2019 at 10:50 am

    Brother you will be forever in our hearts. Much Love to Colleen and family.

  3. Margaret Kauska says

    February 25, 2019 at 12:59 pm

    I worked with Jeff my entire career at the Department of Revenue and am very sorry to hear of his passing. May you find peace in your memories.

  4. Carol Ramberg says

    February 25, 2019 at 10:33 pm

    Colleen, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family. Hugs Colleen.

  5. Evan Eck says

    February 26, 2019 at 11:11 am

    I had the pleasure to working with Jeff at the Department of Revenue after I was hired. I did enjoy his sense of humor. God bless him and comfort his family

  6. Tracie Grimm says

    February 26, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    What a kind, wonderful,funny soul the world has lost, way too young. Colleen and family my thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. Jeff helped me endure my years with the DOR, always helpful and a great jokester. I will never forget him. Hold to all the memories and he will never be far.

  7. Betty & John Brewer says

    February 27, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Colleen I am so very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Please contact me and let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. John and my hearts go out to you. We love you both so much. Jeff was an amazing man and adored you. May he Rest In Peace in Heaven with Jesus

  8. Missy Thomsen says

    March 3, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    Auntie and Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss of a truly amazing man! It’s a comfort that he is not in pain any longer! I love and miss you guys!

  9. david orndoff says

    March 3, 2019 at 1:45 pm

    I worked with Jeff for many years. He was a great guy, always friendly, always a kind word, and forever optimistic. I was proud to know him. So sorry for your loss…

  10. Mariea says

    March 3, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    Uncle Jeff and Aunt Colleen came to Missoula while I was staying with my Aunt Gloria and Uncle Wilbur. We all went to McDonald’s for lunch. Rest In Peace Uncle Jeff!

  11. Tim Fulton says

    March 3, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye. Jeff thank you for being a great big brother. You definitely helped shape me into the man I became. I love you. Colleen you are in my prayers.

  12. Connie Brown says

    March 4, 2019 at 9:57 am

    I have known Jeff for almost 50 years as he became part of the Fulton family. We shared many of good times over a game of Pinochle. Colleen you are in my thoughts and prayers, may God grant you peace in the days ahead.

  13. Debbie Tesdal says

    March 6, 2019 at 8:57 am

    We all loved Uncle Jeff so much and will miss him terribly. Aunt Colleen and Lisa – we are thinking about you and are inspired by your strength.

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