Dan Jex Hunsaker passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023, in Townsend surrounded by family. Dan was born in Honeyville, Utah on March 21, 1927 to LeGrande and Rachel A Harper Hunsaker. He was the 8th child of 11. Dad grew up in Honeyville, Utah. Dad joined the Navy when he was 15. He was large for his age and joined without the consent of his parents. When the Navy realized his age, his dad had to sign papers so he could continue his service. He served in WWII on the USS Curtiss. He met his life-long companion, Ruth Hansen, at the dentist office where she was working as a dental assistant. They were married 68 years at the time of Mom’s passing in 2016. They moved to the ranch in Crow Creek Valley in 1949. He ranched/farmed till age 90, then continued helping his grandson with the haying, cutting grain for several more years.
Dad’s passion was farming and ranching and growing his “crop” of kids. He loved taking his family for rides to check the cattle. He loved taking us on picnics, sledding in the snow and ice skating in the field which he flooded to make a pond for us kids. He loved horses and his dogs. He enjoyed the simple things in life. Dad’s idea of a night out was to go to dinner for a big steak.
Dan was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Mom were sealed for time and eternity on June 30, 2012, in the Billings temple.
Dad was a honest, trustworthy, hardworking man. He had a very loud voice which was intimidating, and a very tender heart. He saw so many changes during his lifetime, such as going from no phone to party lines, to land lines, to cell phones, from no protection from the elements when farming to enclosed cabs with air conditioning.
He and Mom raised 8 children. Jex, Linda, Jeanie, DeeDee (Arnold), Dixie (Vince), Holly (Troy), Delbert (Joan), and Tracy (Lori). He has 23 grandkids, 50 great grandchildren, and 10 great, great grandchildren.
He is survived by 7 of his 8 children, daughter -in- law Joan Hunsaker, sister-in – laws Toni Pray and Cathy Hansen and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 68 years, Ruthie, his gentle giant son, Delbert, 8 brothers and 2 sisters.
Dad lived a long, full life. Dad had many more memorable adventures during his lifetime.
Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 25th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 916 Broadway in Townsend. Graveside services will follow at Deep Creek Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the fellowship hall at of the church.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 25, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 25, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 25, 2023
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday November 25, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintes
916 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 25, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 25, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 25, 2023
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday November 25, 2023
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintes
916 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Lori Hunsaker says
Dad, I’ve only been a part of your life for a very short time, but you made me feel welcome. I know you are in a good place now with your beautiful wife and son. I promise to help Tracy keep Flick on his toes until the day he goes to be with you. You are already missed very much. Fly high….
Beth Petersen says
I never knew my Hunsaker side. My dad is Zealand’s son Larry. Interesting how family dynamics play out. I always thought my dad looked so much like Zealand but he never had the opportunity to meet him. I remember my dad taking a trip to Montana to ask questions to Uncle Dan and some of his brothers. My dad passed away 2 in half years ago. I am sure it has been a great reunion for the family. I know Families can be Together Forever and I can’t wait to meet my Hunsaker side of the family especially Zealand.