Russell E. Peery, age 92, of Helena

Russell Edwin Peery, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 8, 2017, surrounded by family.  He was born October 10, 1924 to Otis and Reva Wilson Peery in Albany, MO, the youngest of five children.

On October 22, 1950, he married Mary Ann Dinges in Wheatland, WY, and together they had two children.  They lived in Wheatland for several years before moving to the Billings, MT area, where, with the help of his father, Russ built the home the family lived in until their move to Helena in 1971.

Russ joined the Navy in April of 1943, serving as a signalman on board the troop transport ship USS O.H. Ernst, in both the Pacific and Atlantic.  He recalled they were termed a “lucky ship” as they were never hit by enemy fire.  He received an honorable discharge from the Navy in March of 1946, and joined the Active Naval Reserve in 1956, where he spent 28 years.  His final job in the reserves was Command Master Chief, a position given to the senior enlisted person in command, and after a total of 31 years of military service, he retired.

He worked for the MT Dept. of Labor for 25 years, starting in the Billings Job Service, later transferring to Helena to work in Personnel and Training.  His quick wit and encouraging smile made Russ a favorite among his co-workers.

In June, 2012 Russ was privileged to be on the first Big Sky Honor Flight from Billings to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. He described it as one of the most meaningful experiences of his life and the family is indebted to the Honor Flight organization for their hard work and commitment to honoring our veterans.

Russ was a man of many talents who could fix just about anything he set his mind to, but the family particularly appreciated his gardening talents and the bountiful harvest they enjoyed each year.  He was always willing to share his knowledge, and many times allowed Mary Ann the “pleasure” of helping him plant potatoes on Mother’s Day.

After retiring, Russ and Mary Ann spent many winters in the warmer climates of Arizona, returning to Montana in the summer to enjoy attending cowboy poetry gatherings, camping, fishing, and quiet time reading.  What Russ loved most, though, was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Reva Peery, brother Allen Peery, and sisters Mildred Spencer, Pauline McAbee, and Jean Redmon.

Russ is survived by his wife of 66 years Mary Ann, daughter Linda (Earl) Goodman of Billings, son Mike (Robyn) Peery of Helena, grandsons Mitch, Drew and Nick Peery, Jon (Theresa) Anderson, granddaughter Tammi (Bob) Mathews, great-grandchildren Austin, Caleb and Lily, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 31, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue with a reception to immediately follow in the ASW Reception Hall. Burial will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Memorials may be sent to New Life Lutheran Church, 5980 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT, 59602, or a charity of your choice. Please see below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Russ.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday March 31, 2017

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 Montana Avenue

Helena , Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Service

Friday March 31, 2017

ASW Reception Hall

3750 N. Montana Avenue

Helena , Montana 59602

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Burial with Military Honors

Following the Reception

Friday March 31, 2017

Montana State Veterans Cemetery

Hero's Road

Fort Harrison , Montana

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