Jeffrey Lawrence Westfall, 56, of Helena, Montana, passed away on December 23, 2023, in Helena, Montana. He was born on September 12, 1967, in Bozeman, Montana. Jeff was a father, a wonderful son and brother, and an outstanding military leader. He had a deep passion for hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He inherited his skills as an outdoorsman from his great-grandfather, Harry Westfall, and grandfather, Duane Coleman, who like Jeff, could catch a five pound rainbow trout in a mud puddle. When the family went camping anywhere near water, Jeff would get his siblings to help him make a raft of driftwood. He learned he needed glasses while hunting; he borrowed his dad’s glasses so he could see a deer that was right in front of him.
Jeff is survived by his father, Larry Westfall (Debbie); his brother, Jason Westfall (Tana); and his sister, Amanda Sell (Michael); his children, Brittney Lewis (Tony), Camie Westfall, Abe Westfall, Ian Westfall, and stepdaughter, Megan Moody (Danny); as well as his grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews, who will cherish his memory.
Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Westfall, and his grandparents, Duane and June Coleman, and Robert and Ruth Westfall.
A University of Montana graduate, Jeff earned a degree in History/Political Science and a Secondary Education Certificate, and boasts a diverse background of service and academic excellence. In his 20s, he student-taught at Lolo High School, and he also fought fires for the US Forest Service for several summers. For over 20 years, he served with distinction in the Montana National Guard, retiring as a Captain, having deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005. Starting as a combat engineer in 1986, he climbed the ranks, graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1992. His leadership positions spanned infantry and armored cavalry units, as well as the Armored Cavalry Troop in Helena, earning him accolades such as the National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (5th award), Armed Forces Service Medal with “M” device, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Jeff’s enduring commitment reflects his love for both our country and his beloved state of Montana.
In the early 2000s, he relocated to Hamilton, MT to be closer to his children. It was there that he discovered his passion for creating beautiful furniture made out of barn wood and logs. This passion was ignited after he built his first log home, cutting down and meticulously peeling, and stacking every course of logs.
Outside of his military and career pursuits, Jeff enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cutting firewood, and being in the mountains. These hobbies allowed him to connect with nature and find solace in the great outdoors. He was an American history and Montana history buff and spent much time reading about American military leaders and battles, Montana mining history, mountain men, and the Indian Wars. He loved classic rock bands such as Kiss, The Clash, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Who, Van Halen, and especially AC/DC. He enjoyed rooting for his favorite football teams, the Montana Grizzlies and Seattle Seahawks. He also loved baseball and enjoyed coaching his sons’ teams when they were growing up. He always had at least a couple of projects going on, and with a little duct tape, brute force, and creativity, he could fix just about anything.
The family thanks Barbara Westfall, Danielle Wood, and Gayle Kurth for supporting and helping raise his children into fine adults. Special appreciation to Diana Westfall for caring for him in his final months.
Jeff will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy as a loving father, son, brother, military leader, skilled craftsman, and avid outdoorsman will live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew him.
Jeff will be buried at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2024 with a reception to follow in the Large Pavilion at Spring Meadow Lake.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 17, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the service
Friday May 17, 2024
Large Pavilion Spring Meadow Lake
2715 Country Club Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 17, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the service
Friday May 17, 2024
Large Pavilion Spring Meadow Lake
2715 Country Club Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Tawny Eaton says
Sorry to hear of Jeffs passing. We had a lot of fun working together and hanging out with mutual friends years ago. He was such a character! He will be missed by many.
Deena Westfall says
I’m very sad to hear about Jeff’s passing. As his older cousin I babysat him a lot and he was a great kid. I’m sad to say we lost touch over the years and I regret that. My heart goes out to his children, brother, sister, father and all my family. He was loved very much.
Mike Yaeger says
Jeff was a great friend, hunting partner and brother in arms. He and I could talk anything, guns, history, kids and life. He taught, me, this flat lander from Lewistown how to operate in the mountains. He was my Executive Officer when I commanded an 11th ACR Heavy Cavalry Troop. When my time was complete, he took command. The part of hunting with Jeff I hated was trying to keep up. He must have had mountain goat DNA… I will miss him. God bless you Jeff and “Kill BLUEFOR!” “Allons!”
Caleb (Chris) Mohrmann says
Jeff was my best friend in high school and we did everything together. We lost touch for over 30 years and only recently reconnected. I was thrilled to spend about a year catching up and reminiscing and was planning to visit him in Sept. of this year. I continue to think about him often and look back with fondness at the comradery we shared over the years. Loved hunting and fishing with him back in the day, apart from trying to keep up with his style of hunting which always included racing straight up the mountain. He loved the outdoors more than most and laughed easily. I hope you are at peace, my friend. Slate!