Wade Allen Rautio was born, Dec 22, 1981, to Tomi Heigh and Bruce Rautio in Miles City, Montana. On May 31, 1986, his little sister BreAnn Nicole, was born, completing the family. From 1990-1992, the family moved quite a few times before settling in Helena, Mt, Tomi’s home town.
Wade attended Warren School, CR Anderson Middle School and Capital high School. Wade’s life-long love of sports began with Babe Ruth Baseball, and then when he was old enough, Small Fry Football. Football became his favorite sport. He played Small Fry Football for four years and the continued on with the Capital High Bruins. He loved watching baseball and shooting hoops with his dad, Bruce. Quite recently he went to a Viking’s game in Seattle with his dad, uncle, and cousins. They had a great time and it became a fond memory for all of them.
During Wade’s sophomore year at Capital high, his life was changed forever when he had his first back surgery. Up until that time, Wade’s life was about football and friends and he was a happy kid. After the surgery, all that changed when an addiction to prescription pain pills began. In the spring of his junior year, he went to rehabilitation treatment in Yakima Washington. He returned to Helena with a fresh perspective and a goal. He wanted to complete High school and move on with his life. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that long before drugs and alcohol overwhelmed him again.
He dropped out of school and began to travel for work in the telecommunications industry. He went to Nevada, California, and Washington. With this experience, he planned to go into the telecommunications business with his father. With the collapse of that industry in 2001, he had to look at other goals. He returned to Helena to work for Associated Foods, earned his GED, and had a second back surgery. He started attending classes at Helena College but dropped out as drugs and alcohol began to take over.
Wade then moved to Colorado, with his dog, Mira, to work as a cable installer. He was able to work with good friends and he seemed very happy. When that work ended, he moved to Bozeman where he found his calling in the drywall industry. It was during this time that his maternal grandmother died. Wade was devastated as he and his grandmother had a strong affinity for each other.
He returned to Helena to continue in the drywall business with some very good friends. He met and fell in love with Kylie Adams, and her daughter Emma, in January 2012. He was so excited to tell us he wanted to propose. We were excited for him. He wanted a family of his own and he wanted to start his own dry walling business. He finally had everything he wanted. However, it didn’t take long before the stress of a new family and a new business and the recovery process of his addiction, took its toll. He spiraled out of control. He lost everything. He moved to Kalispell to work in the dry wall industry there, but eventually the addiction consumed him.
Wade had a life full of successes and potential. He had good friends and a close family. He loved, and he was loved. He loved being outdoors; hunting and fishing. He loved taking drives with his dog and watching NASCAR Racing. He was a dear person to many. Addiction took everything from him.
Wade passed away May 26, 2016 in Kalispell Montana.
Thank you to all of his friends and family over the years who tried to help him while continuing to love him for the great person he was. Wade is free from suffering and is in God’s hands. We celebrate his life and we will miss him always. We know that his demons are gone and his soul belongs to God.
Wade is survived by his parents Tomi and Bruce Rautio, his sister BreAnn Nicole, her husband Robert Hill and two nephews’ Caleb, Connor. Aunts; Billi Heigh, Marci Heigh, Deb Peterson. Uncles’; Larry Heigh wife Sam, Danny Heigh wife Patti, Bry Rautio wife Bert. Many Cousins’; Amber Carlson boyfriend Jake Borsberry, Shawna Peterson partner Wendy, Shane Peterson wife Jayme, two children Kennedy, Christan, Kevin Peterson Fiancé Shanna, Tammy Heigh daughter Alex Clark husband Ashton their son Easton, Son Riley Stevens, Chuck Heigh wife Randi, Nicole Heigh, Crystal Heigh, Tath Rautio. Very close friends’: Val Parry, John Claassen, Scott Bently, Jake Glosser, and many more. He is with his deceased Grandparents and deceased uncles Greg Rautio, Jim Peterson.
In lieu of flowers/cards, please consider making a donation to Pittie Love Rescue at www.pittieloverescue.org in Wade’s Memory. Thank you.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday June 25, 2016
Anderson stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday June 25, 2016
Anderson stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Vicki Wellenstein says
Tomi, So sorry to hear about your loss. Wade is probably having great conversations with his Grandmother. We are gone this week but are thinking of you. Prayers to you and your family
Sunni Mergenthaler says
So sorry to hear of wades passing. I sure will miss that personality of his. Prayers to all of wades family. Tomi, Bruce, Breann and Billie. You guys hang in there!!!! Your in my thoughts
Judy Howell says
I am so sorry for your loss. So many parents who have children in this age group are praying they will not have to face what you are facing with the loss of your son. It is an epidemic, what is taking our kids down.
Doug and Sherri Liston says
Bruce and Tomi , our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time .
Jim Shevlin says
I worked with Wade in Bozeman doing drywall. He worked so hard I wouldn’t have known he had a back injury. He will be missed. Jim Shevlin
Ren Potts says
Love to all of you right now during this difficult time. I remember Wade fondly as always being very kind and genuine. I hope to see you while I’m back next week, and be able to give y’all hugs in person.
Judy and Tom Rolfe says
Tomi and Bruce,
Please know that we are thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time. You are in our hearts and prayers. You were both wonderful, caring, dedicated parents who gave your dear son all you had to give. No regrets, you are both wonderful, caring parents. Just know that we care and we are here for you. Our sincere and deepest sympathy go out to you all.
jeff heil says
I didn’t know wade but my heart goes out to his friends and family, I am recovering heroin addict going on 3 years of sobriety, I am sickened by what happened to wade so sad so senseless. Addiction don’t make you a bad person but with drugs there are bad people involved at times. I could have easily been in the same place wade is now. I wish I could known wade and mabey touched his life in a positive way that could of helped him nnot be in the situation he was in or around the people who took his life. There is no amount of any drug in this world to justify taking a human life over.
Margaret davis says
So sorry for your great loss. I lost my son to drugs here in the valley as well. I am sure our kids new each other. My sona problem started much the same way. Devastating! And unfortunately I also know one of these rotten people. if you need to talk or anything else I can provide please don’t hesitate.
flossie shaw says
Sending thoughts and prayers your way for the loss of Wade. Sharing Wade’s story took courage and hopefully it may save a young person(s) life. May Wade be united in peace with his family members and may you find peace in knowing that you did all you could.
Jennell & Nick Perros says
Tomi and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Wade’s passing, I know my husband Nick had lots of memories with him attending CR and Capital and playing sports together. Know we are thinking of you at the time.
-Jennell (Hazen) & Nick Perros
Autumn mueller says
I didn’t know wade but my brother prolly did he lives in. Kalispell. I am a recovering heroin addict as well going on my first year clean I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Opiates are a silent killer I started using prescriptions when I was 13 and that’s because doctors were just giving them to me. I have your family in my prayers
sue Bartole says
Wade you were a great kid and when I think of you I will always have a smile!! R.I.P sweet man!
Katy Frize says
God Bless you all I am so sorry to hear about but just know I am here with my heart heavy for you the Mom! I may not know that hurt in my heart. But I do know what it’s like to have your children not being a part of my life. But my own demons. God Bless you always!
Eric Reichert says
Tomi and Bruce,
so sorry to hear about your loss. Wade was a great friend to me in High School. I have so many memories with him. He will be miss
Brandon & Tonya Morse says
Wade worked for our drywall company for about 6 months in 2015. We offer sincere condolences to his family & loved ones. Sharing his story, both the good pieces of his journey and the tragic heartbreaking parts, we think, is an important part of the grief process & healing needed for your family. Watching an addict struggle is too often like watching them disappear into a black hole & we have great sympathy for his friends and family.
Paul Johnson says
Tomi ,
My heart goes out to You!! I’m here for you anything you need girl.
Love Paul
Patti Horton says
Tomi and Bruce I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Although I didn’t know him, I know so many people who did and loved him. I am praying for your family and your healing.
Lori Barrows says
I did not have the privilege of knowing your family but saw this on Facebook and wanted to let you know what a strong family you are. I feel for you and I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that it was hard for you to open up and share with the world your son’s addiction through his obituary. I’m so glad you didn’t sweep it under the rug and not even mention it. Just acknowledging this fact will help many other. I wish you well and I feel your sorrow. He is in a place now where he will suffer no more. You now need to hold on to each other and love and laugh and live as he would want you to.
Dan Browning says
Tomi,
I am so sorry to here this sad story. It is way too common in this day and age. I have several other friends that have fought or are fighting the same battle. No person or parent should gave to go through this. In times like this it is hard to what is God’s plan and why th I ngs like this happen. I pray for comfort and peace for you and your family.
Judy Gudgel says
What can I say, so sorry to hear of this unfortunate story. Bless you Wade, and it makes me sad to hear the loss of someone so wonderful as you. Prayers and hugs to your family and friends. I am sure you and your Grandma are nearby each other and enjoying once again being close.
Marilyn Wine-Olson says
Tomi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All of what you said of Wade was beautifully written. Love the person-hate the disease. If his heart was half as big as yours there was lots to love about him. I am so sorry for your loss. Love to you and your whole family. Marilyn Wine-Olson
Tracey says
Tomi,
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Sorry for your loss.
Mike and Tracey Rogstad
Michelle South- Redfern says
Tomi,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, addiction is a dark disease that effects everyone. May he rest in peace, and free himself from the demons as he reunites with Dolphie. I’m thinking and praying for you all.
Christine Petrosky says
Tomi & Bruce and family,
Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family with this difficult loss. Wade has gone home to the lord to early and is now at peace. We all have fond memories of Wade which will never leave us. He has touched our lives and are so thankful and blessed to have known him. Loved his smiles and his chatter. We always welcomed his company. God Bless you all. God Bless Wade. Loved his smiles and his chatter. God Speed Wade! Chris, Dave and Breck
Mickie Sutton says
Tomi and family,
My heart breaks as I hear of your loss.
I’m so glad Wade is no longer in pain and fighting the addictions that have taken so many of our children.
My love and prayers are with you and your family. I hope you find comfort in Gods word and his promise of his love for us when we can not stand alone.
Our deepest condolences,
Mickie Sutton and family
Vicki Barbeau says
Dear Tommi and Bruce and families. My heart breaks for you. I hope you all find peace. Addiction is so sad taking people too young.
Pam Kuster says
Tomi and family,
It’s so sad to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers and have my deepest sympathy.
Pam Kuster
Kylie & Emma Adams says
Tomi, Bruce, Breanne & Family-
Emma and I are so deeply grief stricken with Wades passing. I cannot begin to fathom the pain and anguish you have felt. Please accept our most sincere and heartfelt condolences. I have been praying each night for the healing of your hearts. I cannot express with mere words how much he meant to us and how much we will cherish every moment he spent with us. I truly believe that God has a bigger plan for us all. We will all take this tragedy and learn from it and turn it into something positive, somehow, someway….I just know it.
-Kylie and Emma-
Rachel says
So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you and your family during this hard time.
-The Roberts Family
Dan & Raye Duke says
Tomi, Bruce and BreAnn,
We were stunned when we got your call regarding Wade. Words can’t express how we feel for you and all of Wade’s family. I, along with Wade Higgins (who passed away last April) and Ernie Remington, were delighted to have coached Wade in Babe Ruth baseball and Small Fry football. Wade was a well rounded athlete and a pleasant young man when he was at our house playing with our children. Those were fun times. If only……….
-All our sympathy.
Charline Lawrence says
I was saddened to read about Wade’s struggles during his life. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Marcia (Huber) Heydt and Family says
Dear Tomi, You and your family are in my thoughts; I am profoundly sad for the loss of your son. Peace and Love to all.
Quinn Erwin says
I remember Wade as someone who always had a smile and a funny comment. He was great guy to grow up with thru middle school and high school. You will be missed Wade.
Terri Williams says
Tomi,
I am very sorry for such a precious loss. I met Wade through my friendship and working with Val Perry. I’ll always remember his great smile and fun times with him. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Ron and Sharon Nason says
Tomi and Bruce,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts ache for you. We can’t imagine the pain you must be feeling. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Christopher Storseth says
Love you forever brother. May God keep you until we see you again. Your memory is clear in my mind. One of the best and funniest men I’ve ever known. Your memory still makes me smile!
Love.
Christopher
Danie Badeker says
I met wade a couple years ago. He was hired by a drywall company i worked for. When he walked on the job and we locked eyes it was something I had never felt before but i knew he was going to be a big part of my life somehow. I spent the last year of Wades life with him and there where a lot of ups and downs. I had promised to stay by his side, support and help him get through the dark times of his addiction. It was one of the hardest things ive ever been faced with. I loved Wade with all my heart and feel a piece of me has gone with him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Bobbie says
I met Wade summer of 2014. I loved every minute we spent together. I’m so sorry he’s gone. My heart will 4ever hurt!