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

Jesse R. “Baldness” Athearn, age 36, of Helena

May 25, 1981 – January 11, 2018

Jesse Athearn, “Baldness,” a friend to many, died unexpectedly on January 11, 2017 at the age of 36.
Jesse was born May 25, 1981 to Steve & Carol Athearn in Helena. He graduated from Capital High School in 2000 and went on to play football at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota before coming home to Helena.
Jesse was a gentle giant with a big heart. He was a protector and caregiver for anyone who needed him. Friends and family were the most important things in his life and he loved fiercely. He didn’t walk an easy path in life, but he did it on his own terms, often with a book in his hand or wandering the hills.
Jesse recently found a community working at Town Pump in East Helena. He was proud of his job and recent successes.
Jesse is survived by his parents Steve and Carol, sister Brianne Blackburn (Jeffrey & Juniper) and many family and longtime friends too numerous to mention-a life lost too early.
The family will receive friends from 4:00pm to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. At a later date, family and close friends will gather for a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, Jesse’s parents would like memorials made in his name to the Montana Hope Project, PO Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604, Helena Food Share PO Box 943, Helena, Montana 59624-0943 or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

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

Friday January 19, 2018

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

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

Friday January 19, 2018

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

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Memories

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

  1. Carol, Steve, Breeann, I am so sorry for your loss my prayers are with all of you and your family. Brenda

  2. Carol and Steve, we are so very sorry to hear about Jesse. No amount of time is enough to spend with those we love or to prepare our hearts for letting them go. We are sending you all our prayers and so much love. Please let us know if we can do anything to help. Brandy, Keith, McKenzie, and Zach

  4. Steve and Carol, we are so sorry to hear this news. We are praying for your family.

  6. Carol, Steve and family. I am so very sorry to read this. All if you are in our thoughts.

  7. Carol and Steve, We are so sorry to hear about Jesse. May memories of him comfort you at this most difficult time.

  9. My comforting thoughts and prayers go to you Angie. Words can’t describe the loss to your parents as well as your family. You were an old soul full of laughter and a smile that lit up everyone around you. I will miss your jokes Jesse and just know that you are very loved and deeply missed. You touched a lot of peoples hearts and lives. I am thankful I had you as a friend.

  10. Carol and Steve, Jay and I are so sorry. We are thinking of you and your family and hoping you can find peace.

  11. I’m terribly sorry for your loss. Baldness was one of a kind. He will be truly missed.

  12. BALDNESS, ONE OF THE GREATEST BFG’S HAS LEFT A HOLE IN THIS WORLD…. WE MUST FILL IT WITH HOCKEY AND MEMORIES THAT WE ALL SHARED WITH HIM. I WILL FOREVER BE THANKFUL TO HAVE MET HIM THO MY FAVORITE MEMORIES SEEM TO BE OF A ROWDY SORT!

  13. Carol and Steve, Duane and I are so very sorry! Prayers that God holds you close in your time of grief. you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

  14. Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you Carol and Steve. May the love you had with Jesse help you through this difficult time. Take care.

  15. Carol and Steve I am so very sorry. May God look after you all. Remember all the good memories and hope they help you through this ever so difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers.

  16. Steve and Carol, we are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  17. May he bask in the light and love of those who passed before him. My his memory warm the hearts of those close to him and ease the pain of loss.

  18. Jeezuz!! Life is short, here is proof. OMG did I DESPISE your beard, especially when you braided it. Gave me a reason too challenge my capacity to stay composed and not CHOP it off. I am so very sorry your life here on earth had ended. However, I do believe you will move on to bigger and better things. Rest in peace my friend.

  21. Oh Carol! Words are so empty, but please know I lift you and your family up in prayer. My heart hurts for you!

  23. I was devastated to hear the news. There are no words – the worst thing a parent can experience. I am so, so sorry! Know that I am thinking of you, and if there is ever anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to ask!

  24. Steve, Carol and entire Athearn family – there are no words. Just know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this devastating time. Hugs to all.

  25. Prayers of Loving Support to the Athearn Family. Jesse filled your days with Love, Joys, adventures and sprinkled with a little mischief. Big Hugs to you all during this struggle of life and know that GOD is holding you in his Loving heart as he embraces Jesse.

  26. Steve, Carol & family – We send our deepest sympathies to you. Know that we are sending you all our love & support.

  27. Heartfelt condolences to the Athearn family. Many fond memories of Jesse going all the way back to Hawthorne elementary school days, mainly the great, goofy grin he carried around. Rest peacefully, Jesse.

  29. We are so sorry for your pain. We’re here to walk this long, hard road with you

  31. Carol and Steve we are so sorry for you loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. JUDY and Perry

  32. Tom and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and all your family. We’re heartbroken to hear about Jesse’s passing. Jesse was such a kick-always wicked funny, clever, intelligent, and such a pleasure to be around and converse with. I cannot imagine the depth of your pain and grief. Please know we’re holding you close in thought and prayer.
    Shari and Tom Brownkee

  33. Tom and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and all your family. We’re heartbroken to hear about Jesse’s passing. Jesse was such a kick-always wicked funny, clever, intelligent, and such a pleasure to be around and converse with. I cannot imagine the depth of your pain and grief. Please know we’re holding you close in thought and prayer.
    Shari and Tom Brownlee

  34. Tom is hunting out of state and is so sorry he won’t be able to attend Jesse’s service. He is absolutely devasted and heartbroken, and wants you to know he’s thinking of you.
    -Shari

  35. Carol and Family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    With love,
    Tonee & Family

  36. Steve and Carol,
    Sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
    Hugs and prayers,
    Tom & Karla Dedman

  37. Dear Athearn Family,

    I was surprised and saddened to hear of Jesse’s passing. I have known him since elementary school days and have many fond memories of him. I’m truly sorry for your loss. May you find peace and in the memories you have of Jesse.

    Benjamin Fowler & Family
    Bloomington, IN

  38. We are so sorry to hear this devastating news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  39. Carol, Steve, Brianne and family. We are so so sorry to hear of your beloved Jesse’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you. maryann & pete ruzevich

  40. Carol, Steve and Bree,
    We are so sorry to hear about Jesse. Our thought and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

    Larriann and Mike Murphy
    Danelle Murphy
    Erin. Murphy Skaggs

  41. I am so increadiably sorry to hear about Jesse. He was one of the nicest guys I knew and one of my best friends in high school. I have so many wonderful memories of him and I hope your memories help you through this difficult time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Kristen Chambers Clausen

  42. Steve,
    I, and my family are thinking about you. Anything you need..,and I mean anything, just ask. Prayers and thoughts for you, Carol and your family.

  43. I am so, so shocked and sad to hear that Jesse passed away. He was one of my best friends through middle and high school, and always there for me. Athearn family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  44. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Athern family. I have alot of great memories of Jesse. He grew up and graduated with my son. What a great kid. He will be missed.

  45. To the Athearn family: We are so sorry to hear about Jesse. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  46. Carol and family, Love and prayers to all of you. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. May you find the “Peace that passéth understanding”. Thinking of you…

  47. Jesse was always the biggest sweet heart stopping over to my parents house to check in and being such a good friend to Dan for 25 years. He always had a big smile and bigger hug mixed with a mischievous way. Jesse you will be dearly missed. Holding your friends and family in my thoughts.

  48. I’m so sorry Carol and Steve. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember when Jesse was young and wanted to start babysitting. I think he had a bag of games or magic tricks ready for the kids. I thought it was so sweet. I’m sure you all have many wonderful memories of Jesse that will always be with you.

  49. Thank you Jesse for being such a huge part of my life for so many years. The memories that you and I shared will always be some of my favorites. Your laugh, your smile, and your hugs will be greatly missed. To the Athearn family, thank you for your son/brother. Jesse was one of the few people that was kind to me when I started at CR and he stayed one of my dearest friends all through school, and after graduation. He was one of my biggest cheerleaders and I was his, and for that I am eternally grateful. Jess you will be missed my friend.

  50. So sorry to hear about your loss Carol & family. My thoughts & prayers go out to all of you. God bless you in your time of grief. Marily Maphies

  51. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Jesse was a great guy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  52. Steve and family, Laura and my thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel through this difficult time. May the Lord Bless you and bring you peace.

  53. Carol and Family – We are saddened to hear about the loss of your Jesse. It’s hard to think about him without sadness now, but God will heal your hearts with beautiful memories that you will always cherish. Your family is in our prayers.

  54. Steve, Carol and Brianne, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Mary (Jarvis) Clark (from Drummond HS)

  55. So sorry for your loss… when I first moved to Rodney st ,Jesse was one of the first people to reach out and be a friend to me. And he was always sooo much fun to shoot the breeze with. Xoxo ♡♡♡

  56. Steve ~ My most sincere condolences and sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  57. Steve, Carol, and Brianne…
    I read of Jesse’s passing in the paper this morning and want to extend my sincere condolences. Donna and I are very sorry for your family’s loss.
    Bob Fischer

  58. Carol,Steve and Family, I have been thinking about you guys since reading about your loss of Jesse,My prayers are for you. I think about his Great Smile and how kind he was to me back in Helena,A truly Great Guy, It was an honor to have know him and Your Family. May the Lords Gentle Hand be on all of your Family.

  59. My heart aches for you. I’m sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts, my heart, and prayers.

  60. My prayers for Jesse’s family. The unimaginable pain of loosing someone so young. Jesse was a great guy. I always picture him with a smile. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. RIP Jesse.

  61. My thoughts and prayers are with the Athearn family. A lot of great times growing up and playing football with Jesse and being around the Athearn family. Fond memories will never fade away.

  62. Always loved loved loved this kid!! So many great memories both during and after hockey. Steve and Carol, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  63. So sorry for your loss! I hadn’t seen or spoke to him in years but we were very close friends for many years! Prayers to your family!

  64. Dear Athearn Family,
    I am so sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Jesse. So many memories of middle and high school with Jesse in them, I can’t believe he’s gone. He was such a wonderful person. I’m so glad I had the chance to know him. His family and friends will be in my prayers.

  66. Dear Carol, Steve and Brianne & family:
    My sincere sympathy for a loss no parent or sibling should have to endure. Although there may have been recent struggles, I think you can tell by the responses on this page, the attendence at his reception and condolences from friends and family of Jesse, he was loved, and he loved those around him. He will be missed by many. I’m so sad for your loss. I hope the love of family and friends can help get you through the pain, and will be a source for fond memories of your son and brother. All my love,Penny

  67. I’m so sorry for y’alls loss! Jesse was a great guy and high school would not have been the same without him! I just reconnected with him and was shocked to hear this! RIP Jesse, you’re amazing and I know you are watching over all of us 🙂

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