Josh Aaron Vestre, 46, son, father, brother, uncle, nephew and friend passed away on April 7, 2018. Josh was born on January 24, 1972 in Great Falls to Marianne and Jon Vestre. Josh spent his childhood in Helena, graduating from Helena High School.
Josh began working for Montana Rail link at age 21. He was a fourth generation railroader, continuing a tradition that began with his great grandfather, Joseph Martello. Josh proudly worked many jobs with the railroad, eventually becoming an Engineer.
Josh was a loving and caring father to his two children, Chase and Emma. When he wasn’t working, Josh could be found with family or friends. He had an adventurous heart, contagious laugh and a beautiful smile. We could all aspire to a fraction of Josh’s sincere passion and dedication to family and friends.
Josh loved to be outdoors, hunting, fishing or 4wheeling. He was an ardent Dallas Cowboys supporter even in the face of continual ribbing and through heartbreaking losses. He was a diligent coin collector and recently loved to mine for bitcoins.
Josh is preceded in death by his stepfather, Richard (Dick) Hamel; grandparents, Ed and Ann (Nonnie) Martello and Olaf and Ruby Vestre. He is survived by his son, Chase Vestre and daughter Emma Vestre; mother, Marianne Hamel and father Jon Vestre; his sister, Nicole Edmonson; his loving companion of 5 years, Diana Stewart and her son Austin; nieces, Ashlynn Edmonson and Kiara Gill; uncles and aunts, John and Judy Hickey, Tom and Rene Martello; and, numerous cousins, extended family and close friends.
Memorials in honor of Josh are suggested to NAMI Montana, P.O. Box 1021, Helena, MT 59624 or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Josh.
A Vigil will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, April 17th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 18th, at 11am at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic church, 1502 Shirley Road, Helena, MT 59602, with a reception to follow in the social hall of the church. Following the reception, the Rite of Committal will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7100 North Montana Ave. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Josh.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 17, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 North Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 17, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 North Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Rob Stewart says
Josh was a very caring person and was always willing to help out in any way he could. He was very special to my sister and my family he will be dearly missed.
Pat Verzani says
Marianne and Chase,
I was so saddened hearing the news of Josh. He always had a smile on his face and something fun to share with others. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through right now. May the fact that he is now at peace give you some comfort in your sorrow. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you…. Pat
George and Sargina Carella says
Oh Josh, our heart is saddened, you were such a great person Josh you were caring and giving. I wish there was something we could of done for you, Always had a smile on your face, George and I will always keep your family in prayers, we had fun times together and was always considered the railroad family. Peace be with you peace be with your family. Love always your friends George and Sargina Carella
Joe Storseth says
Josh was a good soul he always had a smile on his face when ever I saw him. He and my dad used to to together at Montana Rail Link. Josh and I used love to talk football all the time especially about his Dallas Cowboys. I use to tease him in a nice way of course about them. We made a few 5 dollar bets he’d win and the next time I would win. My dad and myself always enjoyed being around him he was a great person and friend. To Josh’s family all my familes love and prayers. He will be missed.
Shawna Donaldson says
Marianne & Chase, I’m sorry for your loss. Although I didn’t know Josh very well, I remember his smile. I pray God will give you strength as you travel this road. May your good memories will bring smiles and laughs through your tears. – Shawna Donaldson (J.D. Amberg’s mom)
Joe Storseth says
What I meant to say Josh and my dad used to work together at Montana Rail Link. He always thought of Josh as one of great colleagues and coworkers that he had.
AnnieB says
Saying goodbye to someone we love is heartbreaking. But, may you find comfort in Jesus’ promise at John 5:28 and 29 when we will once again welcome them back.
Pat Therriault says
Marianne and Chase, my heart goes out to the both of you. I’m so sorry for your loss. I am here if you need to talk and my prayers are with you and your family. Love your friend Pat
Noreen Raynor says
Marianne, I was so saddened to hear about Josh. I only knew him from being in school with my girls and playing with Ryan and later visiting with you. Prayers for sure.
God Bless
Beverly Spoja says
Josh will be so missed by his Spoja family. Step-mom, Bev, step brothers Jaron (Angela), Chris (Debbie), step-sisters Anna (Ryan), and Kelly (Phillip) and many nieces and nephews. One of our favorite memories is when he made spaghetti for the Vestre-Spoja clan. We were happy that he found peace and safety at his lake home.
Larriann Murphy says
Jon, So sorry to hear about the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Larriann Murphy
Diane says
Marianne and family:
I was so sorry to learn your son has passed away. There is nothing harder for a parent to face than the death of their child, no matter their age or the reason for their passing. My heart breaks for you. Find comfort in knowing Josh is now at peace and in the hands of God. You and your family are in my prayers. With deepest sympathy, Diane Pedersen
Michelle Hanpa Lingenfelter says
I am so sorry for your loss Marianne. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Bentley says
Marianne, please take care. So sorry for your loss.
Mike and Peggy Naegele says
We are so sorry and saddened by your loss. There are so many good memories of Josh, always with a smile and a laugh, he will be misssed by many. May God be with you and your family.
Dave & Chris Johnson says
Jon, Bev, and Josh’s family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you. May there be comfort in this difficult time knowing that he is at peace and with our lord. God speed Josh. He was a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy, Dave & Chris Johnson
Diana Stewart says
Josh,
You were the love of my life. We dated back 17 years. When we got back together 5 years ago there was no separating us. It was as if it should have been all along. My heart was always looking for you in our separation of life. I am blessed to have gotten to spend these last 5 years with you my love. I wish it was a lifetime like it should have been but God upstairs needed an angel and so he sent for the best angel I have ever known. I miss you everyday. I will never be the same without you. I will always and forever love you deeply until we meet again on the other side……
Mike Adams says
Josh you were a great friend growing up. I remember riding dirt bikes with you and even rolling your mom’s Subaru! I am so glad I was able to speak to you last year when we spoke about Montana Raillink. I will always remember you as the caring, helpful nice guy you were. I think your plates on your car in high school summed up your attitude “Hop in”. You were always a friend to everyone, you will be missed..
Rinay Bender says
My thoughts are with Josh’s family at this sad time. To Jon and Bev and the rest of the family, my heart pours out love to you at this difficult moment of your lives. Though I did not know Josh, his smile radiates and I am sure it is due to his love for all of you. May God bless you.
Maxine Schvaneveldt says
So so sorry for your loss. I wish there were words to make the pain go away!
Just know I’m holding the family in my heart at this tough time.
Josh is now home. No more pain for him.
HELEN FANDRICH says
Marianne – I can’t imagine what you must be going thru. May time help you thru. Take care of yourself.
Diana Stewart says
I miss you so much my love. I wish things were different! I will always love you !!!!
Debora Bailey says
I am truly sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the Vestre family find comfort and strength in Jesus promise along with our heavenly father Jehovah of the earthly resurrection, where death will be eliminated forever. Truly, what a glorious and unbelievable day that will be, for God cannot lie!
Paul Williams says
Wow just saw this Josh was a great guy in high school so sad to hear of his passing!