Perry Raymond Weidler departed this life on October 2, 2016 surrounded by loved ones following a lengthy illness. He resided at 1531 Stuart Street in Helena, Montana.
Mr. Weidler was born in Howard, South Dakota on November 29, 1919, the only child of Raymond and Cora Mae Weidler. He moved with his parents to Drake, North Dakota and later to Towner, North Dakota where he received his grade school education. In 1937, the family relocated to Billings, Montana where he graduated high school.
After attending a business college in Chillicothe, Missouri, Perry held positions with JC Penny, Montgomery Ward and later the shipyards in Bremerton, Washington. It was in Seattle in 1942 where he proudly enlisted in the Army, serving in the US Army Signal Corps stateside and in the Aleutian Islands until his honorable discharge in December 1946. He separated highly decorated with the American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal.
Perry worked for the Billings Gas Company which was later purchased by Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU) Company until his retirement in December 1984. His service with MDU entailed promotional transfers from Billings to Bismarck, North Dakota, then to Glendive, Montana, back to Billings and a final move to Helena in 1975. Perry was a lobbyist from 1969 to 1971 for the Montana Legislature. In 1972, he lobbied the Montana Constitutional Convention. He lobbied annually in 1973 and 1974, then biannually from 1975-1983. When he wasn’t working with the Legislature, Perry skillfully undertook various projects with state agencies and traveled extensively networking with key figures throughout Montana.
Perry married his beautiful bride, Jane Marie Simkins on August 5, 1972 at the little church in Whitefish, Montana. Their married bliss spanned over four decades.
Mr. Weidler’s hobbies included boating and fishing at the Gates of the Mountains with his wife and close friends. He especially enjoyed hunting with his good buddy, Jim Mocklar. Perry enjoyed sharing his wood working talents with his abundance of friends and family.
Perry leaves to mourn his devoted wife, best friend and confidant of 44 years, Jane. Also surviving are sons, David (Debra) Weidler, Timothy (Penny) Connolly, Daughters Kathleen Connolly (David Mabry), Ruth (David) Small, Geral Ann Connolly. Grand children from Helena include Brice McGee and Aimee Collison, Great Grand Daughter Alyssa Collison. Perry had in total 21 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by daughter, Leslie Jo Kutzler and parents, Raymond and Cora Mae Weidler.
The family of Perry Raymond Weidler would like to thank Dr. Weiner and his staff, Mary, Vicki, Lyanne, Emily, Lano and Megan for their professional and tender care of our loved one. And from St Peters Hospice Cheryl Sabol Your kindness will not be forgotten.
A celebration of his life will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 12th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue, with a reception to follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at 2:00 p.m., following the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter, Fort Harrison. Memorials in Perry’s honor may be sent to The Cancer Treatment Center of St. Peters Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Perry.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 12, 2016
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday October 12, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N, Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 12, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 12, 2016
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday October 12, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N, Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 12, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Bob "wooly" Gilbert Helena says
I knew Perry as I was a lobbyist from 1975-2007
He was well respected and served MDU
Well. My condolences to his family, I hadn’t
Seen Perry for a long time
Leona Zaharko says
Jane, I am SO SORRY for your great loss. I know he was a wonderful man because he was married to you for 44 years. If you ever need a hug or anything, you know when you can find me at CVS. Lots of love and hugs and take care of yourself.
Carrie Madsen Bice (Jan's Pallach's daughter) says
Jane,
I am really sorry for your loss of the love of your life. That is how I remember you two so fondly. All the times at the Gates of the Mountains and at your house. You and Perry were such a joy to be around. I have a lot of fond memories of those days.. even though I was in high school. You two created great memories for my parents and us kids and we all share them to this day. With my thoughts, prayers and love to you and your family.. Love you!