Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

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

For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Jeffrey Geary Bryson

January 15, 1947 – December 29, 2011

Jeffery Geary Bryson, 64, of Helena passed away on December 29th, 2011 at St. Peters Hospital. He was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his passing, and while his departure was a shock to all who knew him his final passing was peaceful.

Jeff was born in Helena, Montana on January 15, 1947. The eldest son of Howard (Geary) and Rose Bryson, and the older brother to twins Robert and Judy (Lynch), he attended Cathedral High before joining the US Navy in 1965. Upon his return from service he embarked on his career in law enforcement by serving the Helena Police Department for 20 years and Department of Justice, Gambling Control Division for another 20. He was on his way to work at the time of his aneurysm.

While his professional passion was public service in law enforcement, his personal motivation was always his friends and family. Jeff married Karen Lee in 1974 and their love affair continues to this day. They loved each other unconditionally, which is the only reason they were able to raise their three boys and survive to enjoy grand parenthood. Throughout their relationship, Jeff provided the jewelry and Karen provided the directions.

Jeff was the greatest husband, father, co-worker, and friend. He was anxiously looking forward to retirement and full time grandparent status. His true calling in life, besides his 40 plus years in law enforcement and 37 years as a loving husband and father, was spoiling grandkids. With two in hand and one on the way, the future looked bright in providing opportunities to hone his skills. While he was a respected professional and extraordinary patriarch, he was an exceptional grandfather and will be sorely missed.

The oft used word to describe Jeff as we mourn his passing will be the ‘kind’. To his friends and family, the word does not do justice to his absolute dedication to those he loved. He will forever be remembered for his gentle disposition, patience, love, and loyalty to those who became a part of his wonderful life. His legacy is his civility, his gentleness, and his humanity.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother (Howard Geary Bryson)(Rose Kralic Bryson), survived by his wife Karen, sons Mike, Eric (Carrie), and Brad (Ashley) Bryson, and grandchildren (Emma and John Bryson and Abbey Lynn Bryson due April 9th, 2012), brother Robert Bryson, sister Judy (Ned) Lynch and family, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Viewing hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Avenue. Join his family and friends as we celebrate his life at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Monday, January 2nd at 1:30 pm for funeral services. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials in Jeff’s name are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601 or to the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com

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Memories

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  1. I am so very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. What a shock! I knew he was looking forward to retirement. Jeff was an awesome person and friend.

  2. When I heard of Jeff’s passing I was in shock as many of you were. Jeff was a good man. I knew Jeff and Karen when I entered Law Enforcement at the Helena PD in 1975. Jeff was always a level headed sensible person, one who you could go to for advice. He was very professional in his duties in Law Enforcement and his dealings with the public. He treated people kindly and fairly. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to Karen and the family. May the Lord be with all of you. Andy Wilson

  3. Karen and Family,

    There are no words that can describe the sorrow and disbelief I feel over Jeff’s sudden passing. His kind gentle nature touched many, many lives – he always had a smile on his face for friends and we all knew he truly enjoyed life. My heart aches for you and the kids, but you are a strong woman and I know you’ll hold your family together. We will all cherish our memories of Jeff and he will remain in our hearts and thoughts forever.

    Love Becky

  4. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen – and to your family. When something like this suddenly happens there are few answers and a lot of grief, but the Lord will surround you with his love and peace.

    Love,
    Betty Didriksen

  5. We are so sorry for the loss of our beloved Jeff. We will always have him in our hearts as such a kind and wonderful person. Jeffs smile and gentle spirit will remain with us always. We will keep you all in our prayers knowing our Lord holds him in His arms and that some day we will be with Jeff once again for all eternity. All our love. Bill & Sharon Ware

  6. We are so sorry for the loss of our beloved Jeff. We will always have him in our hearts as such a kind and wonderful person. Jeffs smile and gentle spirit will remain with us always. We will keep you all in our prayers knowing our Lord holds him in His arms and that some day we will be with Jeff once again for all eternity. All our love. Bill & Sharon Ware

  7. I don’t have the words to describe my shock and sorrow. Such a fine man and a wonderful family. Make sure and share all memories with those adorable grandchildren.

  8. Karen and family,
    My love and thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

  9. Karen and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jeff will be greatly missed in the Law Enforcement Community as well.

  10. Karen and family. We’re all in shock as we’re sure you are. Please know we’re thinking of you all and our prayers go out to you. Please call if you need anything. Our love, Carol and Steve

  11. Karen & Family, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Jeff. I can only imagine your sense of grief. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Take care of yourselves.
    Carol

  12. Karen and Family,
    So sorry to hear about the passing of Jeff. I didn’t know him personally, but Karen shared many a story about him and her wonderful family when I visited with her at City Court. Hold your family close, remember all the great times, and know I’m thinking about you.
    Carolynn Bright

  13. Karen and family,

    So very shocked and sorry to read of Jeff’s passing – both of you have always been favorite people of ours. We were unable to attend Jeff’s service as we were in AZ, my Dad passed away on Dec 30th so were down there with my Mom.

    Karen, if there is ANYTHING we can do to help, please let us know. Brad, be good to your mother (I know you will be).

    Love you you all.

    Dave, Kathy & Josh.

  14. Karen and Family:
    Jeff was such a fine person with a kind nature and a ready laugh. He’s in God’s hands now and I’m certain that we’ll all meet again. I pray that the Lord will comfort you in the time of your sorrow.

  15. Karen and family, Both David and I are so very sorry to hear about Jeff. Jeff was a great husband and father and grandfather. We have lost a wonderful caring friend.
    You are in our prayers.

  16. We are still trying to wrap our minds around Jeffy’s passing. Our hearts ache for all of you Brysons, our precious “family.” Jeff was such a BIG part of our family’s life. No words can ever express our sadness! Prayers continue for all of you! Deb

  17. Karen and family, we send our sorrow and condolences for the passing of Jeff. It is hard to know what to say in a time like this. Just rejoice in the fact that you had him while he was here, and know that he will be smiling down on on all of you. We are sorry for your loss. Denny and Melanie

  18. What can we say to help ease your pain? I’ve been praying for you, Karen, and your family since I heard the shocking news. We all know that Jeff is happy with our Lord; and will always be with you in your heart and as an angel watching over you all. Hope you will find peace in the sharing of precious memories. God bless you all. Diane

  21. Karen and family,
    Memories that you as a family built are going to sustain the sadness in your heart right now. As time passes you will say or hear or see something that will remind you of Jeff and make you smile. He will always be a part of your life.

  22. Karen my heart is heavy with grief for you and the family. Your husband was a fighter and fought as long as his body would let him. He is in heaven now and he is a healthy man again. I am sure of that…hope he meets my man (Randy) there.

  23. We were so blessed to know Jeff. He was so gentle and gave everyone a smile of warmth.
    I will always treasure the time we had working together. Our prayers and love are with you.

  24. Karen, we are very sorry we won’t be there for the services. We are still in Seattle with our kids and grandkids. We are sure Jeff would understand. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jeff will be forever in our hearts as a model of kindness and a true gentleman. Much Love, Ellie and John Sullivan

  26. My sincere condolensces. Just found about jeff’s passing.
    I was away from home until late Monday the 2nd, or I would have attended the Services.

    Jeff was one of the good ones. Always a smile, always had the time to say Hello. I will always recall my first few weeks on Helena PD way back in 1979 riding with Jeff as a new Officer. He and I “clicked” immediately. A friendship that endured long after I left HPD and went to the Highway Patrol.

    Such sad news. He was one in a million.
    Sincerely,
    Frank Nowakowski

  27. Karen,

    We are deeply sorry for your unexpected loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Fred and Sharon

  28. Karen,We are so sorry to here about Jeff.We just saw the both of you a few weeks ago with dad.Well Jeff and dad are working together again.Our thoughts are with you.

  29. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of Jeff. His memory will live on in those who new him and whose lives he enriched and blessed by his presence

    Jeff enriched my life; he was my friend.

    Karen, God’s blessings on you, your children grandchildren and family.

    George

  30. I was so shocked to hear of Jeff’s passing. I got to spend some time with him just recently at a retirement get-together, where we talked of retirement, which I know he was looking forward too. Being around Jeff was always a pleasure with his positive attitued and never eluisve smile. Jeff was one of the truly great people in the world.

  31. karen and family. i am so orry about your loss. i have lots of good memories, not a single bad one, of my time working with Jeff at HPD. he was an awesome man and someone i looked up to not just as a cop but as a man. Jamie J.

  32. I am so sorry to hear of this loss. He was the nicest person and so enjoyable when he came to Central Services at the Dept of Justice. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

  33. Karen and family, We are greatly saddened by Jeff’s passing. Please know that your loss is shared by many who care. Our love and prayers to all of you. Jeanne and Gary

  34. We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s untimely passing. Please know that the Beneventi family is thinking of you and your family. Thre are so many fond memories of being roommates, working together and friendship. Our hearts and prayers are with you Karen.

  35. Judy and I were saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was a great guy — a good listener and he always shared his ready smile. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

  36. I would like to offer my most sincerest condolences to Jeff’s family and friends. I worked with Jeff many years ago at the Helena Police Department. Jeff was so very understanding to the new kid (me)and never hesitated in offering a helping hand. Although we have not spoken in many years I considered him a friend and will miss his presence with us on this earth.

    I have made donations in the past to the Wounded Warrior Project. My next will be an honor and very special.

  37. Jeff was the best brother I could have asked for. His death was so sudden that it is still hard to believe. I will miss his smile, laugh and sense of humor. I know his is with Mom and Dad and has found peace. We now have to find our own peace. Love to you, Jeff.

  39. Dear Karen and family,

    We were so shocked to hear about Jeff and are so very sorry for your loss. We have known both of you for over 40 years and have very fond memories of a very loving family, a wonderful husband, father and friend. We will miss Jeff greatly and known you will too. He was a wonderful person, so kind and gentle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the Lord watch over you and be with you.

    All our love,

    The Jim Johnston family

  40. We were so saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. Jeff was a good friend and will truly be missed. Our sincere sympathy goes out to Jeff’s family and especially to Karen. We will always remember.

  41. Karen and family, Jeff was a wonderful friend to us and we will miss him deeply. WE loved his funny and dry sense of humor. He was so kind and caring to everyone. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. All our love and sympathy, Carolyn and Larry

  42. Dear Karen and family, We are so saddened by the sudden passing of your dear Jeff. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you.
    Danny and Linda Jacquez

  43. We are so sorry for you loss our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

  44. Karen and family,
    There are no words to say how truly sorry we are about Jeff’s passing. What a beautiful, accepting and giving soul to know. He will surely be a missed part of our family. It is anyone’s loss not to have had Jeff in their life.
    – Micki & Sten

  45. We are sorry for your loss. We know what a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and Best Friend he was.
    Remember the happy times.
    And know the Guardian Angels will keep him safe until you meet again.
    Love Mike & Mary Root & Family

  46. JKaren, Mike, Eric, and Brad:
    Carol and I were so sorry to hear about Jeff. We were in Glendive when we heard. He was a wonderful person and gave a lot to the community. When I think of him I remember his laugh. He always honked and waved when he saw me driving around. He will be missed.

  47. In working with Jeff, I always found him to be open minded, fair, and willing to work with others to achieve a common goal. Individuals like this are very rare and he will be missed. Jeff and your family are in our prayers.- Mike, Wendy, and Nick Alamia

  48. Karen and family,
    I met Jeff on the PD in 1973, and he ‘broke me into’ law enforcement. I remember being very impressed by his proffessional manner and bearing. And yes the word ‘KIND’ aptly desribes this husband, father, grandfather, and friend of many.

    Sue and I are deeply saddened by his passing, and our prayer go out to all of the Bryson Clan.

    Norb and Sue

  49. Dear Karen & Family ~

    Please know that our most deepfelt sympathy and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing.

    I know God will heal all of our hearts in time. Cherish all the wonderful memories and may God keep you all at peace.

    May God Bless You All,
    Pam, Charlie & John Brown

  50. I worked with Jeff for years. My office was right next door to his. He was truly a joy to know, always having a ready smile and a joke or two. I learned a lot from him and count him as a dear friend. I will miss him very much. All my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

  51. I am sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing. Your eulogy was wonderful and so accurate. I worked for Jeff and was a good supervisor fair, knowledgeable, and fun! All my best to you his family.

  52. Dear Karen & Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Life certainly has challenges for us, but we know you will guide your family through this one. He sounds like an amazing man. cwfa

    Peggy & Steve Harlen
    Jesup, GA

  53. Karen and family, what does one say? Jeff & I shared many fun times at HPD. Some being handling calls, some being just having fun and a laugh. He was a true professional officer and well respected Commander. We have lost a gentle, kind, just nice, dear friend.

  54. Karen and Family,
    It is with great sorrow we share you loss of Jeff. While this is a difficult time for your family, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that the Good Lord has a new, better plan for Jeff.
    God Bless You.
    Rex and Chase

  55. Karen & Family – I am so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow and reflection.

  56. I want to offer my love & condolences to JEff’s family….We spent a lot of time together when we were in High School before I moved away to pursue my Broadcasting dreams….He was a class guy who always looked out for his friends and family….I wish I could have been half the man that Jeff Bryson was…..good LUCK to you all…
    Rod

  57. Karen:
    You and your family are on my mind and in my prayers.
    In reading Jeff’s obituary, I was struck by the paragraph that described his patience, love, and loyalty. I know that even though he and I didn’t talk alot at the reunions which he allowed himself to be drug to; he was evident in his presences because of his love, loyalty, and patience with his bride and life partner.
    If I knew a secret to making the future easy for you and your family, in moving forward it would be in this note. Mourn your loss and charish your memories. Then remember Jeff’s spirit, as you move forward living every day, as he did.
    Peace be with you..
    Rodger C.

  58. Karen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Please know that the Lord is with you at all times. In our brief time together at Justice Court I observed you to be a strong person and have no doubt that with the love of family and friends you will be ok. Love in Christ Sharon

  59. Karen and Family…………..

    I am so very sorry to learn of Jeff’s passing. I know he was a wonderful man and lived an exemplary life. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

    Shirley Reese

  60. Karen, I am so sorry in the loss of your loving husband, Jeff. My heat goes out to you and all of your family. God Bless, Sue

  61. Karen and family,

    Please accept our deepest sympathies on Jeff’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.

    Ted and Jan Clack

  62. Karen and Family, We are greatly saddened by the passing of this gentle man – he will be missed. Our hearts go out to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time of greif. Dorothy & Ted

  64. Truly one of the good guys of the world. What I’ll remember most about Jeff was his quiet leadership and genuine interest in the people he served…always put the interests of the people he lead before his own. A good chief, a good friend. Happy trails, Jeff. God be good to ye.

  65. Karen and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you!

    God bless
    Tonna and Joe Strasko

  66. Jeff old buddy, you will be missed.I will never forget your smile and ready laugh.See you in heaven my old friend.

    Wayne Gresh

  67. I can’t imagine what a shock this is and nothing I say can make it better. I am so sorry. Treasure his memory, take care of yourselves, and live every day to its fullest. All my best.

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