Jeffrey Allen Bracken, 56, passed away March 10th, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. His family was by his side as he drifted off to be with the Lord and was welcomed with open arms by his Grandfather Carter, his father Wilbur, his Grandmother Grace, and his brother Gregg.
Jeff was born to Marilyn and Wilbur Bracken on May, 26th, 1960. Jeff grew up alongside his four brothers, Gregg, Doug, Marc, and Todd. He graduated from Helena High School in 1978 and was a member of the National Honor Society and received a full scholarship to attend college which he turned down to pursue his career in the grocery business. Before graduating Jeff began working at the B&B Market in 1976 which would lead to a long and rewarding career. In 1979 he went to work for Albertsons and thus began his journey that took him to stores in Great Falls, Billings, Bozeman, and finally to Butte as the store director until his illness made him unable to work any longer.
Jeff was a selfless and caring person with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, hunting, camping, and especially being able to train and hunt with his bird dogs, Brandy and Chip. While living in Bozeman he developed a passion for horses and when he moved to Butte he worked tirelessly to build his home where he was able to continue riding and raising his horses. In 2001 Jeff moved back to Helena where his family cared for him until his passing.
Anyone wishing to may make a donation in Jeff’s memory may do so to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Montana Chapter, 1242 North 28th Street, #1003 Billings, MT 59101.
A Memorial Service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21st, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the reception.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jeff.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
After the reception
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
After the reception
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kelly Rhimer (old Albie's) says
To Jeff’s Family,
The man fought a hell of a fight. He is now at piece, finally. Have missed him for awhile, that sense of humor, his smile and twinkle in his eyes, I will always remember. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Steve Curran says
So sorry for your loss.Your family has been through a lot over the years. I think of you often and hope you are doing ok. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb says
So sorry for your loss. I got a chance to take care of him several years ago and enjoyed getting to know Jeff as well as the family. Rest in peace Jeff. My thoughts are with the family during this time.
Vivienne says
Oh, Marilyn, and family, I am so sorry…so saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. When I think of the struggle both he and Gregg endured, it breaks my heart. What remarkable young men, who were so very blessed to have such amazing family love, support and care. May you all be filled with, and strengthened by, our Lord’s grace and peace, knowing their struggle is over. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Betty West says
Dear Bracken Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Jeff. He was the most courageous man I have ever known. I am blessed for having known him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Val Flansaas says
Marilyn we are sorry for your loss of Jeff. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott Colvin says
To Jeff’s Family
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Greg and Jeff hanging out with my brother n law Dennis Kraut. Jeff was always so kind to me. He is in a better place. May Heavenly Father blessed you all at this time.
Scott Colvin
Jill Honer says
Dear Marilyn and family, we were so saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. I think of each of you so often. You all are such a beautiful family,and We were so blessed to be able to be a part of your life . God Bless and wrap his arms around each of you during this difficult time.
Love and prayers, Jeff and Jill Honer
Verne Brown says
My thoughts and prayers for the family. When I heard of his passing my memory came back to the grins on his face in high school. Jeff was a god guy and will be missed by many I’m sure.
Steve Wilson says
It’s been 49-years since Jeff and I would walk home together from grade school. Marilyn, you and my grandmother (Micki Hicks) were neighbors and close friends. I’ve never forgotten Jeff, nor will I. He is and will always be a wonderful person. I’m so sorry to hear about his suffering these last years, but comforted knowing that he had a wonderful life, that was surrounded by his friends, family and the things he enjoyed doing.
Dee Barfknecht says
To the Bracken family,
I’m was so sorry to learn about your loss. How very sad and yet I’m thankful for your incredibly strong and supportive family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy….
Heidi Botterbusch Gile says
I haven’t seen Jeff since high school but have many memories of him as my table partner in biology class. Ms. Otten was known as being a very strict teacher, but Jeff made the class more enjoyable. I still smile when I remember the rooster/testosterone experiments. My prayers are with his family and friends at this time. May God bless your hearts with many happy memories.
Sharon Haugen says
Marilyn and family
I am so very sorry to learn of Jeff’s passong . Your family has always been important to you and of great support to each other. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that I hope you find great comfort in all of the great memories that you all have created together.
Penny and Ken says
Marilyn and Family,
Thinking of your family in this time of sorrow. Marilyn, you will have many memories of the good times and places you were able to travel with Jeff over the years.
Tom juhl says
Doug sorry to read about your brother,thinking of you and your Mom,prayers be with you…..