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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

Neil B. Self, age 60, of Helena

March 5, 1953 – December 30, 2013

SELF, Neil B., age 60 of Helena, peacefully passed away on December 30, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital after a brief illness.  Neil was born to James and Pauline Self in Rushville, Indiana on March 5, 1953.  During his career he worked in construction, mining and road building.  He married Debbie Nigg Self on August 18, 2001 and they resided in Corbin, MT.  Neil enjoyed road trips with his friends on his Harley, gardening and back yard barbeques.  Neil will be greatly missed by his friends and family.   Survivors include his wife Debbie and step-son Tory Wiseman, his sister Debbie Farlow and husband Ward, and grandchildren Cora and Dillon Wiseman.  Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws Paulette (Dale) DeHart, Corky Nigg and Peggy (Ed) Kerins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  Services will be held on January 6, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Retz funeral home.  A gathering of friends will follow the service at 355 Happy Trail, Helena. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Neil.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

2:00 p.m.

Monday January 6, 2014

Retz Funeral Home

315 E. 6th Ave

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Reception

Following the service

Monday January 6, 2014

355 Happy Trail

Helena, Montana

View map

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

2:00 p.m.

Monday January 6, 2014

Retz Funeral Home

315 E. 6th Ave

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Reception

Following the service

Monday January 6, 2014

355 Happy Trail

Helena, Montana

View map

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Memories

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

  1. Lisa Moore says

    January 1, 2014 at 10:09 am

    Sorry to hear of Neil’s death. I am his first cousin and haven’t seen him for several years but have lots of childhood memories! My prayers are with you at this difficult time! Lisa Redden Moore

  2. Terry W Bass says

    January 1, 2014 at 11:31 am

    Debbie take care. T Bass

  3. T Jenkins says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:07 am

    Saddened to hear of Neil’s passing. Condolences to the family.

  4. Mike Alsman says

    January 2, 2014 at 8:56 am

    I’ll miss you Goose.

  5. Peggy Stout Howard says

    January 2, 2014 at 10:59 am

    So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. We went to church together growing up. Our families visited each other often. Prayers for the family.

  6. bernadette ravelli says

    January 2, 2014 at 11:21 am

    Such sad news….I have many good memories of Neil. Thoughts and prayers.

  7. Patti Cameron Tremper says

    January 2, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    So sorry to hear that Goose had passed. It is always a shock to hear about old friends untimely passing. When we grow older it’s a shame we all lose touch with old friends. I’m so sorry for your loss. Neil was a great guy.

  8. Kim Hunsinger Wilkins says

    January 2, 2014 at 12:20 pm

    Neil was a terrifice person and I remember his sweet smile and great personality so well. So very sorry to hear this. Condolences to all his family.

  9. Greg Raike says

    January 2, 2014 at 12:33 pm

    Debbie, although we never met, I’m pretty sure you will receive many condolences from the Rush County family who grew-up knowing Neil. Neil was my second-cousin although I am younger than he was (by three years) & even younger than his parents who were my first-cousins. Go figure. My deepest condolences to you, your family & friends who had the privilege to know Neil. He was a lot to a lot of people 🙂

  10. Cheryl Eaton Caudill says

    January 2, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. We were in high school together. I remember a very sweet guy…my condolences to the family

  11. Rachelle Morse says

    January 2, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    Deb, I have only know you and Neil for a couple of years but, it seems that I have know you guys longer! I cherish the memories of floating the river with Neil and espeically our Smith River Trip this last June. He is a very special person. It was a pleasure having him as a close friend and you as well. I will miss him terribly! I was fortunate enough to go through his Hill Billy Therapy! I am thinking about you Deb and my deepest condolences.

  12. Cathy Beckett says

    January 2, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    Debbie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Let me know if I can do anything. Your have my prayers and love.

  13. Rob Self says

    January 2, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    Debbie, I am very sorry to hear that Neil has passed. He was my first cousin, and someone that I looked up to growing up. He always took time to talk with me, and even though he was older, he always treated me like I was just one of the guys and not a pest! He will be sadly missed by all. Love and prayers to you all in this time of sorrow. Goose will be sadly missed by all!

  14. Linda Ray says

    January 2, 2014 at 4:37 pm

    So sorry to hear this sad news. Will always remember the fun times and that great smile!
    Hadn’t seen him in many years and now….the thought that we never will is hard to imagine. Rest In Peace…..you will be missed!

  15. Brenda Self-Dean says

    January 2, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    Debbie, I’m so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. He is my first cousin, and I have many memories of him growing up. As I moved to Michigan I didn’t get to see him but his dad was always trying to get my husband to go out to Montana to hunting with Neil and he never got to do that. Love, Hugs & Prayers to you and the family.

  16. Becki Paul says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    So sad to hear the news of Neil’s passing. He had such a great personality and smile. It has been a long time since I have seen hi. Prayers to your family!!

  17. Joy Oakley says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:13 pm

    So very sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. He was such a great guy with a kind and peaceful soul. Thoughts and prayers to your and yours. May Neil Rest in Paradise.

  18. Evelyn Miller says

    January 2, 2014 at 8:10 pm

    I was sorry to hear that Neil had passed away. I watched him grow up in Rushville, and was his Den Mother in Cub Scouts. He was a sweet boy who grew up to be a good man. My condolences to his family.

  19. don cherry says

    January 2, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    R.I.P.GOOSE

  20. Butch & Renea Bowling says

    January 3, 2014 at 5:38 am

    Debbie, We were shocked to hear the news. Butch has many memories of coon hunting together with Neil. He will be missed. Our condolences to you. Take care & God bless.

  21. Anne and John Ewbank says

    January 3, 2014 at 6:48 am

    So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing… hadn’t seen him for too many years, but lots of good memories. May you cherish his memory, and remember the love you shared.

  22. Linda and Dave says

    January 3, 2014 at 8:42 am

    Debbie,so sorry to hear about Neil,we are heartbroke he will always be remembered as a true friend. We had many hillbillie therapy session around the shop stove.The Visits ,the parties and the phone calls will be remembered and greatly missed. We often thought that after our hillbilly therapy sessions ,we had solved all the world’s problems. He will be missed beyond words !

  23. Ann Miller Deal says

    January 3, 2014 at 9:13 am

    I’m very sorry to hear of Neil’s sudden passing. He was such a wonderful friend when we were in school together starting with 1st grade. He was always such a thoughtful and kind person. Prayers and condolences to family.
    Ann Miller Deal

  24. Louise and Jon Gray says

    January 3, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about Neil. I went through school with him, but haven’t seen him in years. Our thoughts are with you.

  25. Betty and Don Shaw says

    January 3, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    Debbie, So sorry for your loss. Neil will always be held close to our hearts and will be missed
    deeply. We will miss everything we shared, from the laughter, to the bike rides, the BBQs and the solving of world problems, the list was never ending. Our thoughts and Love are with you.

  26. Jessie (Work) Lesofski says

    January 3, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    So sorry to read about Niel’s passing. I always enjoyed sparing with him. You’re in our prayers, Debbie.
    Lesofski’s

  27. Mardeana Suttle says

    January 3, 2014 at 9:36 pm

    On behalf of my Dad (Lowell Redden) and myself, our deepest sympathy to your family. I hadn’t seen Neil in many years, but remember him well. The Redden family and heirs grew up in the Presbyterian church. Neil’s grandfather and my grandfather were brothers. Again, our deepest sympathy.

  28. Loren Holmgren says

    January 3, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    What a shock to me to see Neil’s picture among the obituaries in todays Helena paper.
    I did not know Neil by name, but always enjoyed a quick conversation with him when he would bring his household trash to the Jefferson City Solid Waste Transfer Station.
    I have been a relief attendant there for the last several years and will certainly miss seeing
    him come in of Tuesdays and Saturdays. Debbie, please introduce yourself if you see me working there.

  29. Nancy Roe says

    January 4, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    Deb, my heart goes out to you. Neil’s passing leaves a big black hole in my life, and I’m sure many people feel the same. I’m glad you two had quite a few years of happiness together, and also that you have family close at hand to help you now. Even with many good memories to draw on, I feel a huge sadness. The world will be less colorful without Neil.

  30. Bill Alsman says

    January 4, 2014 at 5:49 pm

    Sorry to hear about Neil’s passing. He was a good friend and we had a lot of fun back in the day. RIP Goose. You will be missed.

  31. Sharon Rees Hoovet says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:34 am

    Neil was one of my oldest and dearest friends…we attended school from first grade and had many great times with other friends in Indiana. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him

  32. Alice says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:42 am

    Goose was my best friend!!! We had many special adventures! I will miss him forever! So sorry Deb! Love you!!

  33. Rick Woods says

    January 6, 2014 at 10:22 am

    Deb, I am so sorry and still shocked. I feel as though Goose and I became quite close since Alice and I have been together. I am so thankful we saw him in October in Rushville, and our vacation last year to visit you two and Cora was the best one I have ever had. I will always think of Neil in association with Glacier National Park. Love you, Rick.

  34. Myra bowled says

    January 6, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    So sorry for your loss and so blessed I got to see him when he came back to see stymie:(

  35. Paula King says

    January 6, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    Sorry for the loss. Was Glad to see Neil when he came to Rushville last fall. He grew up in a house just behind my dad’s vet office,so have known him for a long time. A nice man with a good heart.

  36. Sally Collyer says

    January 6, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Neil (Goose) and I went to school together
    and have many fond memories. I was really blessed to see him when he was back in
    October. RIP my friend! Condolences to family…Know he will be missed by all.

  37. Bill and Marty says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:03 pm

    Deb,
    Words can not express how sad we are to lose such a great friend! We have so many special memories that we will always cherish.
    Sending much love and warm thoughts your way!
    We will see you this summer.

    Here’s to you Goose!!!!!

  38. Pam Rogerson Ashley says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    RIP Goose. Such a prince. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Rushville in 1975. He was always a prince to me and I always appreciated his many kindnesses.

  39. Scott and Nina says

    January 6, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    What a wonderful surprise when Goose showed up to visit with Clark this fall. He was helping his good buddy Clark get out to see some friends in his final days. Neil was a special and caring friend. We will miss him .We send our love to you Deb.

  40. Julie Self-Allen says

    January 12, 2014 at 8:11 am

    Neil was my 1st cousin and a few years older than me. I am the family genealogist in the Self family and have spent time gathering family stories and pictures. I loved spending time talking to Neil and his dad about our family. They were both great story tellers. I miss all of them but know I will see them again. This link will take you to Bruce’s page and a picture of him when he was little. http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/17905498/person/694638794
    He will be missed.

  41. Maude Mabel Jane Laura Liz Babe Junior... says

    January 14, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    My heart broke when I heard the news of Neil’s passing. What a loss to his family and friends!
    I have so many memories of our time together in Rushville and in New Mexico. Goose’s Wally-world party at Eagle Nest Lake is still talked about, all these years later. What a great time that was!! I will always have a special place in my heart for Goose.

  42. Jamie Shelton says

    June 27, 2018 at 9:53 pm

    Debbie I just found out by chance about Neil. So very sorry. Love to you and yours.

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Service Schedule

Memorial Service

2:00 p.m.

Monday January 6, 2014

Retz Funeral Home

315 E. 6th Ave

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Reception

Following the service

Monday January 6, 2014

355 Happy Trail

Helena, Montana

View map

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