Leon Eddy Lilletvedt, 69, passed away October 24th at his home in Helena, Montana surrounded by his family after courageously battling a terminal illness.
Leon was born January 5, 1948 in Great Falls, Montana, the first of Edgar and Maxine (Powell) Lilletvedt’s three children. He grew up in Great Falls and was a member of the first class to graduate from C.M. Russell High School where he spent most of his elective time as a student instructor in the wood and auto shops. Leon enlisted in the U.S Navy Reserves in March 1965, graduated High School in 1966 and the Navy permitted him a short deferment so he could assist a farmer with bringing in his crops. Leon proudly served on active duty during the US conflict in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1968. Upon separation from active duty, Leon continued to serve his country in the Naval and Army Reserves until his final discharge in February 1976.
Upon completing his active duty service overseas, Leon reunited with his high school sweetheart, Janis Bell. The couple wed in Great Falls on September 6, 1969. Leon was briefly enrolled at Montana State University, but his need for practical application was not satisfied by University curriculum requirements. At the suggestion of his father, Leon enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Spokane Community College and went on to graduate second in his class in 1972.
Leon was successfully employed as an automobile mechanic and later as a Vehicle Inspector for the U.S. Government’s General Service Administration. He retired from full-time employment in 2001, but continued working part-time for a local Sporting Goods store where he was able to share his passion for the outdoors.
Leon had a great love for his family and friends and enjoyed all sorts of outdoor activities. He played for a very competitive “blood-and-guts” softball team where he met two of the best friends he ever had. He enjoyed coaching Small Fry Football and continued to do so for several years after his own boys had moved on from the program. He enjoyed watching and playing various sports and was comfortable sharing his opinions of the performance of the officials and referees.
Leon spent countless hours as a volunteer Bowhunter Education Instructor for Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and with the Capital Trail Vehicle Association advocating for multiple use of public lands and performing trail maintenance. If he wasn’t working on something, he could usually be found camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, or shooting with his family and friends.
Leon was preceded in death by his father and mother, maternal grandparents James Powell and Effie (Oberlin) Strain, paternal grandparents Jacob and Carrie (Heggen) Lilletvedt, great pal Lenny Lytle and his beloved hunting dogs.
Leon is survived by his loving wife Janis and sons Eric (Teri) and Ryan (Rachelle) all residing in Helena, his sister Janice Lilletvedt, and his brother Brian (Terry) Lilletvedt. Leon has five grandchildren that he considered his pride and joy: Andrew, Lexus, Jarod, Jaden and Kadi. Leon is also survived by nephew Jake Lilletvedt, lifelong friends Dale Firman and Bill Hall, fellow “stooge” Tom Dart, extended family, countless close friends and two excellent hunting retrievers.
Graveside services with Military Honors are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Immediately following the service, Leon’s family will host a gathering at 3191 Solaris Road in Helena.
In lieu of flowers or cards, memorials are suggested to the Northern Lights Athletic Scholarship Foundation (NLASF) at PO Box 807 Havre, MT 59501 (nlasf.com) or the Capital Trail Vehicle Association (CTVA) at PO Box 5295 Helena, MT 59604 (ctva-ohv.com).
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Leon.
Kathleen and Maury Hamill says
Our hearts go out to your family. Leon was a very nice guy. Did not have to be around him long to see how important his family was to him. He was so proud of all of you. Thoughts and prayers, Kathy and Maury Hamill
Jan Collins says
My prayers are with you Jan and all of the family. We will miss this wonderful man
Ray DeWitt says
Lilletvedt family, my thoughts are with you during the very difficult time. Ray D.
SPENCER (Bud) Pynn says
To Leon my Navy Brother may you sail into calm seas with the wind always at your back ! RIP my friend ! To Jan and family my prayers and thoughts are with you all in this difficult time, May the hand of GOD comfort you all.
Shelley Stiles says
My heart and prayers go out to Leon’s family. I hope the wonderful memories of time spent together will help bring you comfort in this time of sadness. Never forget the promise found in Revelation 21:3-4 where it promises that “pain and death will be no more”. In the very near future we will once again be reunited with our loved ones. (Acts 24:15) Until that time, may the “God of All Comfort” be with your hearts in the times ahead. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Jennifer Kennaugh says
I am so sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. I just saw him a couple of weeks ago with the dogs. I really enjoyed his hunting/dog trial stories. Leon reminded me a lot of my own father. He will be truly missed.
Marilyn Combs says
My condolence to Leon’s wife and family. Leon and I were in the Navy in 1966, in Gt. Falls. I was so happy I got to see him at our 50th high school reunion. May God comfort you in your loss.
Gail Madson Dean says
Leon is one of the Largent School kids. I have known Leon since grade school and was so happy to spend some time with him at our class reunion last Fall. He delighted in telling me all about his family and what he had been doing throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. So sorry for your loss.
GSA STAFF says
Our prayers and thoughts continue through this time of loss. The GSA Fleet family enjoyed Leon’s laughs. Hey” Leon” we will see you someday and laugh again”….. GSA Fleet Management staff.
Ron & Brenda Deyerle says
Condolence to Leon’s family. Leon you truly will be missed
Don and Julie Hendrickson says
So sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. He was a great, funny guy and we will miss his visits. Many great memories from his Small Fry days.
Connie and Tim Ferriter says
Jan, Eric, Ryan and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. He loved his family very much. It was a pleasure to have you as our neighbors for many many years. Leon was a kind hearted man and helped us with plowing our snow for years. He will be truly be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless
Muriel and Larry Fryett says
Our condolences to the Lilletvedt family. We met him as a neighbor and then met the family, one by one. Leon was a great man that basically looked after everyone that came into his sights. There is not enough that we can say about his kindness and the caring person he was. We know he will be missed dearly and I am sure I will met him again in Heaven. Our prayers are with you..God Bless All
Susie Lytle Black says
Praying for God to give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Leon was such a good friend to Lenny and now maybe they are together figuring out what they can get into together. God bless you!
Deanna Kapptie Anderson says
Jan and family,
So sorry for your loss. May you find many special memories to share as you gather to remember Leon. I hope we can reconnect and catch up in the future. My prayers are with all of you.
Lori Norby says
My sympathy to the family. May memories, family and friends ease your loss.
Dave and Deb Klein says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! May your special memories help you through this difficult time.