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Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

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

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In Memory Of

Jesse Lane Rider, age 32 of Helena

October 11, 1982 – August 24, 2015

Jesse Lane Rider was doing something he loved-riding his motorcycle-when he was struck and killed in a vehicular collision.  He was in full protective gear, helmet to boots; unfortunately, it was not enough, and he died on August 24, 2015.

Jesse is survived by his parents, his mother JoAnn Rider, his father George Rider (Cindy), his big brother Matthew (Jenn), his maternal grandmother Ione Kincaid and his uncle Richard Kincaid, his aunt Laura Callaway (Ray), his uncle Jack White (Raina), a multitude of cousins and a legion of friends.  Jesse was always up to something; one never knew if it was good or no good, only time would tell.  His smile, laughter and uncanny ability to interject completely random tangents into conversations will be much missed.  He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Joe Kincaid, his paternal grandfather, George Rider, Sr and his paternal grandmother, Bev White.

Jesse was raised in the Montana City area, graduating from Helena High School in 2001.  He was a sometime bouncer at Millers, a regular at the Blackfoot and Boilermaker by trade.  Though he hated being away from home as much as he was, he was proud of the work he did.  When at home,  he would spend as much time with friends and family as possible, diving into his hobbies.  It would be far easier to say what he didn’t do, as he was willing to (and did) try everything.  He loved monkeying with vehicles.  When not in the garage, he was outside.  Motorcycling, camping, fishing, rock climbing, caving, hunting, attending concerts.  Winter found him carving up the nearest (and farthest) mountains on one of his many snowboards.  Jesse lived each day to the fullest.  To him, there were 24 useful hours in every day.

Jesse’s family will receive friends from 4-6pm Friday, August 28th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. A memorial service celebrating Jesse’s life will be held at 10am Saturday, August 29th at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue.  Burial will take place at Forestvale Cemetery immediately following the service.  A reception will follow the burial back in the lower level of the church.  Jesse’s family encourages all who knew him to come say goodbye. Memorials in Jesse’s name are suggested to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Helena, 30 W. 6th Avenue, Helena, 59601, and to the Stone Tree Climbing Center, 1222 Bozeman, Helena, MT.  Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jesse.

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday August 28, 2015

Retz Fuenral Home

315 E. 6th Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Saturday August 29, 2015

St. John's Lutheran Church

1000 Helena Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

Graveside Service

Following the service

Saturday August 29, 2015

Forestvale Cemetery

490 Forestvale Road

Helena , Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Following the graveside service

Saturday August 29, 2015

St. John's Lutheran Church

1000 Helena Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday August 28, 2015

Retz Fuenral Home

315 E. 6th Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Saturday August 29, 2015

St. John's Lutheran Church

1000 Helena Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

Graveside Service

Following the service

Saturday August 29, 2015

Forestvale Cemetery

490 Forestvale Road

Helena , Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Following the graveside service

Saturday August 29, 2015

St. John's Lutheran Church

1000 Helena Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Ryan Blackman says

    August 26, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with George, Joann, Matt and the entire family.

  2. Dan Wing says

    August 26, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    We are all extremely sorry for your tragic loss of your beautiful young man. May God console you and give you peace. Rest in Peace Jesse Rider!

  3. Tim Laedeke says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    Rest in Peace Jesse Rider. Sympathy to all and family. Too young.

  4. Marge Edwards says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    Jessie was so kind ,helpful he would do anything to help some one
    He was like having an other grandson
    Every one in the neighborhood is sad
    May God Bless All Of His Family
    Dan, Marge, Laurie, and the 5 yr. old twins

  5. Erik Selanders says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Jesse’s family at this difficult time. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace Jesse.

  6. Paddy Ferriter says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    George and family,
    I am so sorry for your sad, sad loss of Jesse. I am heartbroken for you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Paddy

  7. Anthony Grimes says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    It was a pleasure working with your son! He will b greatly missed by many. Prayers to your family

  8. Frank Fuhrmann says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    George and family, sorry for your loss, Jessie was one of the best persons that I ever got to know , he was one of the best boilermakers, he would lead , teach , have patience, kindness and understanding of his fellow workers, he would give his shirt off his back if need be, it was really an honor to work with him, he will be missed by many, Rest in Peace my brother.

  9. Angie Gustine says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I am so thankful to have known Jesse growing up, I have a lot of very wonderful memories of our little subdivision group in Mt. City! I am so very sorry for your loss. Jesse will be very dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in Peace Jesse <3

  10. Chris lehman says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    Jessie rider was the most loyal person I have ever met. He taught me a lot and was a good friend. You will be missed brother. My prayers and condolences go out to the family. He was always eager to help those in need. I am so sorry for your loss. He will never be forgotten.

  11. Mike Buchanan says

    August 26, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    Rest in Peace, my friend. Thank you for the countless memories, laughs, and predicaments!

  12. casey ygnatowiz says

    August 26, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    Red rider you will always be in my thoughts. You were a good friend great co worker and better boss. I will always remember your smile your laugh and how quick witted you were rest in peace brother you are gone but never forgotten.

  13. Debbie boyle says

    August 26, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    Jesse was such a kind hearted person that seemed to get along with everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed having him in my 5th grade class at MCS and will always remember his sweet smile. I am so sorry for your loss; he will be deeply missed.

  14. Jessica Harne-Hayward says

    August 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    So many wonderful childhood memories. You will be dearly missed. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. RIP dear friend

  15. Senja says

    August 26, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    Such a free spirited person. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. Prayers to Matt and rest of family at this difficult time.

  16. James DeHart says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    Jessie was so nice to me in High School when so many were not. This was really sad to hear tonight. Your family are in my thoughts tonight.

  17. Sharon Hopkins says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    My heart goes out to your family at this time of loss. Know that so many of us are keeping your family in our prayers.

  18. Kramers says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    Our hearts are broken – Jesse was such a nice young man. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

  19. Rebecca Snider says

    August 26, 2015 at 10:27 pm

    Oh sweet Jesse, I’m so sad to know I won’t see your smiling face or hear your your hello anymore. Peace be with you and your family.

  20. Sarah Wear says

    August 27, 2015 at 8:55 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

  21. Tina and Mitch says

    August 27, 2015 at 8:59 am

    Dear George and family, and Matthew and Joanne,
    We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tina and Mitch

  22. Sue Donahue says

    August 27, 2015 at 9:51 am

    My thoughts and prayers for your family during this. Jesse will be truly missed, such a wonderful person to know and work with. I will always miss his smile and genuine kindness.

  23. Keith Baxter says

    August 27, 2015 at 9:57 am

    Red Ryder – Little brother – Friend – Co worker – Ski buddy

    Mostly a smiling friend with great positive energy. so fun to be around.

    RIP You will be missed. Thoughts and healing prayers to family at this difficult time.

  24. Boilermakers Local 11 says

    August 27, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    Boilermakers Local 11 will miss you, Brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rider family.

  25. Mick Miller says

    August 27, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    We are so sorry for this loss. I met Jesse only a couple times, but knew him best from his frequent mention in conversations with my son. Jesse “had his back,” he told me not long ago. He seemed like the glue keeping a calming hand on a diverse group of characters and personalities. It seems so little to say he will be missed, but I think in Jesse’s case, it will be by the many he was able to touch while he lived the life he wanted.

  26. Bethany Flint says

    August 27, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    We will miss you Jesse- peace and love to your family.

  27. Kathleen Swimley says

    August 27, 2015 at 6:36 pm

    My thoughts,and prayers are,with all of Jesses family and friends.

  28. Kat Neill says

    August 27, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    Jesse, there isn’t much more I can say that hasn’t been mentioned. You were always up for an adventure and I hope this new one is up for the challenge of you. George, JoAnne, and Matt- I’m so sorry for your loss, Jesse was a great person and will be watching all of you from afar, make him proud… Just remember WWJD what would Jesse do… love and miss you all

  29. Lyssa Flesher says

    August 27, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    Growing up in Montana City, I always seemed to bump into Jesse throughout life. Always good vibes, a nice smile and good conversation. Last time I saw him I was at Teton ski hill this spring and was having troubles with my snowboard. I look over and there was Jesse, he jumped in happily to help without hesitation. Such a kind, good good man. You are with us everywhere now. The world was lucky to have you in it. <3 Sail on beautiful soul

  30. Carly Jenkins says

    August 27, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    Jesse Rider- with a name like a Wild West outlaw and the epic spirit to match. Much love and gratitude for the summer shenanigans on Buffalo Run Road. How lucky I was to have that grinning boy with the amazing red hair and perfect laugh right across the street and ready for adventures. Thank you Joanne, George, and Matt for raising a gem of a human who’s spirit lingers and grows with us all. My heart is with you.

  31. Jim and Karen Davis says

    August 28, 2015 at 5:42 am

    Please accept our deepest condolences. Although we know no words can ease the loss you feel, just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  32. Sharon P. says

    August 28, 2015 at 9:41 am

    George – So sorry to hear about your son. I remember you talking about him when he was a tadpole. Nothing can ease what you and your family must be feeling. You are in the thoughts of many people. Take Care

  33. Carol A. Kramer says

    August 28, 2015 at 10:32 am

    My prayers are with you, Cindy and George. I send my love.

  34. Fred Jense says

    August 28, 2015 at 11:37 am

    JoAnn: Very sorry for your tragic lose. One cannot express the feeling of sorrow in words, but we are grieving with you. Keep in your memories all the fun times. Stay strong and you will get thru this period. We often forget how precious life is and how things can change in a instance.
    God bless.

  35. Stan Buckalew says

    August 28, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your loved ones. This world lost a good man in this tragic accident.

  36. Amanda Duncan says

    August 28, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    Jesse was such a wonderful and kind soul. He always had a smile on his face when you saw him and he was very easy to be around. I’m so sorry he’s gone. He will be missed greatly by many.

  37. Sandy and Rob Rogge says

    August 28, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    Joann So sorry for your loss. Though it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
    may looking back at all the wonderful times and memories help comfort you in the days to come. We are thinking off you and the family at this time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Our sons Brett Troy and Darin remember Jessie from grade school. Take care Joann.

  38. Andrea Opitz says

    August 28, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Jesse was a wonder to behold. He was always enchanting and had the keen ability to create light as if by magic.

  39. Curtis Johnson says

    August 28, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    Losing touch with Jesse will forever be one of the great regrets of my life. He was as great a friend a kid could ever ask for, from as far back as I can remember all the way through high school. Much love and thanks to Jesse and his family for so many great times, his was truly a life worth celebrating. He will forever be missed, and never forgotten.

  40. Donald Farnes says

    August 29, 2015 at 8:29 am

    I think Jessie was one of nicest young men I ever had the pleasure of working with. He worked hard and he played hard. He was a good friend. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. He was one of the good ones. Rest in peace my Friend.

  41. Alli Johnson Welter says

    August 29, 2015 at 10:33 am

    Thoughts, love and hugs to the Riders. So many wonderful Montana City memories of Jesse. Bless you all.

  42. Terry Johnson-Dillon says

    August 29, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    Matt and Family,
    So very sorry to hear about this. Please know we send our thoughts and Prayers.
    May you all find peace where you need, especially with the memories.
    Take good care of yourselves.

  43. michael casey boilermaker 154 says

    August 31, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    Im so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.i met and worked for jessie this spring we had alot of laughs together and was a exceptional boilermaker and a awesome young man. RiP MITTENS

  44. Rowan Family says

    August 31, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    Jesse was our neighbor and truly a great neighbor. Always looked forward to his wave and smile. We will miss him so much. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need anything from us.
    Frank, Karen, Kevin & Megan Rowan

  45. Joan Wescott says

    September 3, 2015 at 8:49 am

    My heart is very sad & heavy to have just found out. Remembering you from Karate, and knowing your mom and brother. I will always be grateful for your supportive friendship with my date Tahnee. We will miss Jesse greatly. My heart aches for you JoAnn!

  46. Carol says

    January 16, 2016 at 12:05 am

    George, just found this and what shock and heartbreak. holding you in my heart and prayers.

  47. Bridger Mason says

    December 5, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    He was a great friend I remember on an annual camping trip, he would call me “the wood boy” because I would always get the wood and keep the fire going. Rest In Peace my friend you will always be loved.

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Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday August 28, 2015

Retz Fuenral Home

315 E. 6th Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

Memorial Service

10:00 a.m.

Saturday August 29, 2015

St. John's Lutheran Church

1000 Helena Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

Graveside Service

Following the service

Saturday August 29, 2015

Forestvale Cemetery

490 Forestvale Road

Helena , Montana 59602

View map

Reception

Following the graveside service

Saturday August 29, 2015

St. John's Lutheran Church

1000 Helena Avenue

Helena , Montana 59601

View map

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