Jeffery Lee “Jeff” Burner died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 23 at his home in Helena. He was 56 years of age.
Jeff was born to Morris and Shirly Burner on February 20, 1961 at St. John’s Hospital in Helena, Montana.
Except for a short time in California, Jeff lived his entire life in Helena. He graduated from high school in California and attended one year of college at Carroll in Helena.
He was night manager at the Hofbrau Casino, in Helena, for several years and then went to work for the Montana Highway Department as a lab inspector and instructor for 15 years.
For a young man who survived several near-death experiences, his friends will be surprised to learn that he died peacefully while napping in his recliner.
Jeff believed he had at least nine lives and used them all to the maximum. Among his many experiences, was doing wheelies in his pickup on ice-covered Canyon Ferry Lake and ending up on the bottom of the lake. He made it safely to shore, but it was a few days before the truck could be recovered.
Jeff never married nor did he serve in the military. His passions were water skiing and motorcycling to name two.
He is survived by his father, Morris R. Burner of Helena; his brother, Ronald A. Burner of Missoula; his uncle Max D. Burner of Helena and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins and special friend, Trudy Eaton of Helena. Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Shirly Burner.
A memorial service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Helena, MT 59602. A reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in honor of Jeff are suggested to Shodair Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 5539, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday February 2, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday February 2, 2018
Social Hall of Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday February 2, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday February 2, 2018
Social Hall of Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Jody Bachini says
Morris, I am so very sorry and shocked. The world is a darker place without Jeff’s contagious smile. You and Shirley raised a wonderful man who left his mark on everyone he met. I know he is catch some big fish in heaven.
Bevin says
Morris my heart goes out to you. I have never met such gentlemen as the men in your family. Jeff always brought a smile to his brothers face. I am here for your family in any way. I will continue to help and support Ron in any way I can. My thoughts are with you.
Natalie Sibbett says
My heartfelt condolences to Jeff’s family and loved ones. He was one of the few people at work that I “instantly” liked, and I’m saddened by his passing. He was always polite, fair, fun, and had an awesome sense of humor! MDT will never be the same without him. Rest in peace, my friend.
Sheri Bunker says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve known Jeff for over 30 years and he was the nicest and sweetest man. Years ago he started calling me Susie and it stuck, it became our thing and I always thought it was cute that he just decided to change my name. He will be so missed!
Dave and Christy Stergar says
We were shocked and saddened by the news this morning. Jeff was a good neighbor and will be missed by many on our block.
Rick & Beth Cottingham says
Morris and family, Jeff was a friend of ours for the last God only knows how long. We’ll miss the philosophical chats and humor he brought along. He was ma great guy and would help anyone. We’ll all miss Jeff. God bless him!
Velma and Jerry Johnson says
We are so sorry to learn of the loss of your son, Morris. Even though we did not know him, if he was anything like his father Morris and uncle Max he had to be a great guy! May he rest in peace.
Mickey and Patty says
Uncle Morris we are so very sorry for the loss of Jeff! You all have such a special place in our hearts! We pray that the peace that passes all understanding,will give you strength and comfort! We will treasure our memories of him! We love you! ❤️
Tim Morrow says
Morris, Max and all the related Burner family. I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of Jeff. He is such a close and great friend of mine and I loved him like a brother. He was a priceless blessing in my life that I thought the world of him and will miss just more than I can find words to express myself. It was such a privilege to know and share time with Jeff and I am a better person for his influence in my life. Jeff was always a step a head of everyone on how to always be able to get the most out of what life had to offer and he went after life like very few could ever do. He will be greatly missed.
Stanley Kuntz says
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Jeff’s many visits to Great Falls over the years while here inspecting equipment at the MDT lab or teaching the WAQTC classes. He was always professional and knowledgeable in his job and fun to be with.
Dori Wetherelt says
I am saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. Jeff was great to work with – I helped with his computer questions and issues for years. He always had a kind word, held the door for me and was always smiling and asking how I was. I will always remember that great smile and kind, fun person. May God bless you all with strength, peace and comfort. Our prayers are with you.
Janet Pace says
I was very sorry to hear of Jeff’s death. Once upon a time, before I became a nurse, I was a waitress at the Hofbrau and Jeff tended bar. I always appreciated his sense of humor and how quickly he would move from behind the bar to help bus tables. He never left me to flounder. Those sort of traits say a lot about a person.
Terri Eaton says
Morris, I am so sorry for your loss. I have always had a special place in my heart for Jeff, he was always so sweet to me. I will miss baking him cookies and sharing my short ribs with him.
Pat Reichert says
Morris, so very sorry to hear of your son’s death. I did not know him, but if he was like you, he was a sweetie. Please know that Ted and I are thinking of you at this sad time. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Gary Shaw says
What can I say except that I am truly saddened Morris for your loss. Although Jeff and I saw each other every few years he and I picked up where we left off from our last encunter, had a few laughs, a few beers, and toured the country side enjoying each other’s company. Jeff was a guy with nine lives and I loved hearing from him his adventures and knowing he was living life to the fullest. When god calls me, I too hope to be sitting in a recliner with my pet at my side. I’ll miss Jeff, but I thank god you and Max are with us. This is s hard time for all, but I know he is with Shirly, my mother Carol, his friends that have past on, and pets that crossed the rainbow bridge ahead of him. We will all see Jeff again. God bless you Morris. I love you. Gary Shaw
Leisa Radley says
Dear Burner Family,
I just heard of the saddening news about Jeff. I’m am so so very sorry. Connie McMorris and I we’re just reminiscing about the old Hofbrau days. Jeff was one of a kind… Funny, fun, mischievous, loving and special. He will be missed tremendously. Again so very sorry. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow ??❤️
Corky Hull says
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. We just lost our son’s wife and the grief was monumental. I know that God has called Jeff to. Better place and must need his help. My heart and thoughts are with you dear friend. Mat Jeff Rest In Peace.
Bob Stewart says
Jeff was the funniest man I’ve ever met. I read a quote one time that said ” I’ve had many friends in my life, but those that made me laugh I’ve loved”. I don’t think there was a person that Jeff met he didn’t make laugh. His brutal honesty was infectious. He had a way that was just purely “JEFF”. He will be so dearly missed. My condolences to Morris, Max, Ron, and the Burner family.
Michelle Hodges says
Jeff you will be missed in Wibaux!
Karen (Harvey) & Larry Ferguson says
Very sad to hear about Jeff, my thoughts go out to the family. I have not seen Jeff in awhile but will always have some of the greatest memories of him and crew during our 20’s.
Trudy- my heart is with you. I am here, if you need anything. Maybe a good laugh from a crazy memory?
Love Karen
Bradley Bruce says
Jeff was my friend. We saw each other infrequently. He gave me his cell number and I knew if I ever was in a bind I could call on him for help. When I poured a slab for a building he just showed up and worked until 3 pm. We were just kind of letting the work cure and he asked if I needed him anymore because he was going to go waterskiing that afternoon.
I always told him I would be glad to help him do anything that needed done and occasionally I would look him up and we would talk.
It saddens me that he is gone.
Valery Shaw says
Uncle Morris,- I am so saddened by this am not sure what to say.- We , the Shaw’s and the Burners go way back with so many wonderful Memories with You and Shirley, Ron and Jeff. I have not seen Jeff since 1984 when I was visiting there- I will never forget the fun we had. So much laughing always was a joy for me to get together from Childhood on. Jeff on that trip , took me for a long Drive and Lunch, the fastest Car ride I have ever had, ha ha ,– I had to beg him to slow down. He would then stop and speed up whiplash style in that powerful ride- we laughed so hard and had a blast. His jokes I remember to this Day, along with my precious Aunt Shirley’s very contagious Laughing.– Jeff treated me like a Queen whenever we got together. He thought I was a beautiful Lady even when he was little, so cute, he had a little crush on me, his face would flush all Red around me,his Auntie. I remember him eating “cheesy’s and Sour cream was his favorite when he was little.- So cute- he was, with the Blonde/White Hair and personality plus. I Cherish all of the memory’s with him and your family Morris. I am so sorry this happened – he was so young. I know I will see him again one day in Heaven , along with my Auntie Shirley and my Mom. I hope to see Ronnie soon too, Those Brothers were so close,& I cannot help but recall the good times I had with Cousin Ronnie too. I used to say my two Boys when they were young reminded me of Ron and Jeff. I am so sorry Morris , I love you and miss you too.-Always,-Valery
T.H. Wakefield says
Rest in peace Jeff! You will be missed.
Kristopher H. says
Vaya con Dios, Jeff.
Jennifer Sowieja says
So deeply sorry to hear of Jeff’s loss. He was a joy to work with and always with a smile and joke for any that he came across. I know that I looked forward to any and all visits that he did to the Wolf Point area. My thoughts and prayers with the family during this very difficult time. RIP Jeff. You are loved and are greatly missed.
Greg Zeihen says
To all of Jeff’s family and friends: Jeff was a really great guy, with his optimistic outlook and “can-do “attitude, he was the kind of person anyone would want to work with. I appreciated his stories and his humor, and I will miss him greatly. So sorry for your (our) loss.
Shannon Throm Hahn says
Wow, what a shock, I always thought Jeff had 9 lives, he always came through all the crazy times like a “Rock Star” with that HUGH smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by many at MDT as well as in life. I’ve got some crazy memories of him I will cherish forever…….RIP Jeff
Pam Pouliot Buckman says
Morris, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your son, Jeff. I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Stuber says
Jeff was definitely a lot of fun to hang out with. I was only running around with him during one of his bouts of cheating death. This was his fall through the roof of the Brewhouse when he was helping renovate it. He said he remembered the wind whistling over his ears as he was falling and after he landed he saw a bone sticking out of an appendage. In true, classic “Jeff” form he said he had to reach out and touch it. He was relegated to being driver of the boat that summer, but made the most of it. As I’d walk down the dock with a case of beer he’d ask, “What are you going to drink?” Then, “Ya know, I think I just might need to have the one more” about every 20-30 minutes. One of my favorites was Jeff yelling, “Row the boat!” when he was ready to pulled out of the water on his ski. The vision of a bunch of people rowing the boat fast enough to get him up still makes me laugh. We all have hundreds of Jeff stories. I hope to be hearing some Friday afternoon.
Barbara Tack says
To the family of Jeff Burner,
There is just no words to express how sorry I am for your loss. I have known Jeff for a number of years with the dept of transportation. He was very helpful in the WAQTC program and always patience with any question that one had. He will be missed dearly. I had just seen him a month or so ago and had a nice conversation of just touching base on things from work to life. Once again so sorry about your loss. God Bless each and everyone that Jeff knew
Tom Winfield says
To the Burner family:
I guess I’m still in shock over Jeff’s passing, I have known Jeff for 38 years and we had a lot of good times together, whether it was at the Hofbrau, or out at the lake in his jet boat. He definitely made a mark while he was here on earth! Rest in peace Jeff!
Jim Adams says
Very sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. After so many broken body experiences and unlikely near misses I believed Jeff to be amongst the invincable super heroes. I new Jeff through his helping out with annual service of MDT Gyratory Compactor test machines. Our team also included Jeff’s good work mates Bill Wedgwood and Hank Gordon and for about about a week each year we worked hard and found time for a little fun. I recall being in pain with laughter from Jeff’s seemingly endless supply of outrageously funny stories and jokes. I knew Jeff to be very considerate and giving of himself to others totally that is I’m sure after the morning crossword puzzle. He worked hard and lived to have fun being very successful at both. Thanks Jeff for sharing and creating unforgettable memories and making the world a better place.
Joyce says
I am so sorry for your loss, Morris. Although I did not know Jeff, he was my cousin and I am sorry we never had the chance to know each other. May God’s comfort surround you at this sad time.
Joyce (Reinhardt) Larson
Shannon says
Morris, I am so sorry. I guess I thought Jeff would just always be there. I’m in shock. Jeff was truly one of a kind. He made lasting memories with everyone he’s ever met. The one that makes me giggle the most was when Jeff was showing me his shot gun and safety snapped, cut his finger and blew a hole into the shower wall. Our ears rang for weeks. Always an adventure when Jeff was around. I miss him. Know the world grieves with you.
Terri Russell says
Looking forward to seeing you in Shambala “Jeff-Ro-Bo-Deen” Scope out the best fishing spots for us while you are waiting for the rest of us to arrive. Morris, you and Shirley made an original …. no one like Jeff for sure. Gonna miss him so much.
George Jackson says
I met Jeff through his cousin Doug Burner in the early 80’s, and like Doug we became friends immediately. We saw things through the same eyes. I came to Helena from Baja every year to see these ” boys” because they were part of what things really were, no fascade, no bull. We drove heavy equipment on side hills in the forests of Island Park, Idaho, and truely turned a skidder into a Baja 1000 jumping rig. As a former USMC Sharpshooter, I could not match bulls eyes with Jeff and his Kimber 45. He had an amazing record of survivability, so many incidents/accidents happened to him out of the blue that would set back the average guy; but after his many healing periods, there he was, ready to give ‘er Helll again. Many times, even as early as last August, we’d get into it; match muscle, I’m his senior by 10 years, but he was way tougher than the average man, and really liked to show you that he did have the upper hand. He was a friend you could count on…written in stone. It’s hurts to see a younger friend die before you, the memories will have to be it now .
Jim & Jo Burrington says
Morris, So sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. What a shock and we send you our deepest sympathy and prayers
Dan Rossberg says
Morris, I met your son Jeff when I was the Manager of Power Townsend back in 88 or 89. The Hof was my waterin hole after work. We became close friends. In recent years, he would meet me on Holter or Gates of The Mountains walleye fishin many times or I would just drive to Helena and sit with him in his living room watchin Fox News, discussing politics and tellin jokes. He worked-out like a fiend and kept himself in such good shape. I was very proud of him. I remember him tellin me on several occasions that he had to go over and mow your lawn or wax your car. He was the waxin’st son of bitch I ever knew. I often thought how much he must have loved you to look forward to doing that. I’m truly sorry I did’nt meet you until just recently. It was such an honor to know Jeff and call him my good friend. I look forward to the day that I will see him again. Love you buddy!