On October 18, 2014 Gerald Massee passed away at the Mountain View Medical Center following a long illness. Gerald William Massee was born September 5, 1926 to William and Berniece Long Massee in Appleton Minnesota. He was joined by a sister Sally Jeanine and a brother Ralph Morrel Massee. Shortly after Ralph was born his mother passed away and his father married Sylvia Gustafson. A sister Rosilee was born into the family. His father passed away several years later leaving him to be raised by both sides of his family. In March of 1945, he became active in the US Army and after basic training he went into parachute school becoming a Parachutist and Communications Field Lineman. He was a proud member of the Company A First Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne. After receiving his Honorable Discharge, he competed high school at Francis Shimer College in Mount Carroll IL. He attended college at Montana State University in Bozeman where he met Ruth Evelyn Ardell Lind. They married on September 19, 1948 in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. They made their home at the Lind Family ranch where Gerald worked. His family grew to include 9 sons, Bill, James (Babe), Jerry Dean, Wesley (Hoot), Justin, Ted, Dan, Raymond and Rob, and one daughter, Montana. Gerald worked for the State of Montana Brucellosis Program in the 1950’s; he worked for the Montana Highway Dept., on road construction, was a school bus driver and worked for various local ranchers. He was a Cub Scout Master and 4H club leader. He was an original Montana Fish and Game Hunter Safety Instructor. In 1998 he received a plaque and a special edition .357 Magnum revolver for 40 years service. Many of his later activities included woodworking where he built a directory for the Mayn Cemetery, restorations of sheep wagons with Dr. Dan Gebhardt for the Castle and Bair Museums. In addition Gerald donated time and artifacts to the Museum of the Rockies and Big Horn County Museum in Hardin Montana.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ralph, step mother Sylvia, sister Rosilee, nephews and two sons James (Babe) and Wesley (Hoot). He is survived by his wife Ruth of 66 years, his sons; Bill of Helmville Montana, Jerry Dean of New Mexico, Justin of White Sulphur Springs, Ted (LaQuita) of May Oklahoma, Dan of Ovando Montana, Raymond of Kent Washington and Rob of Billings Montana and daughter Montana (John) of Lusk Wyoming, He is also survived by his sister Jean (JD) of Arizona as well as 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, a step brother and step sisters.
A service is planned for 1:00 P.M. Thursday October 23, 2014 at the Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs followed by graveside Military Rites at the Mayn Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Senior Center. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Meagher County Library or charity of your choice in care of Stevenson Wilke, will be greatly appreciated
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23, 2014
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial with Military Honors
Following the memorial service
Thursday October 23, 2014
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday October 23, 2014
Senior Center
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23, 2014
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial with Military Honors
Following the memorial service
Thursday October 23, 2014
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday October 23, 2014
Senior Center
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
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Barb Teague Cole says
Sending prayers and good memories to the Massee family, from myself and the Petz kids who grew up friends with the Massee family.
bob vinton says
Gerald was my teacher for hunters safety back in the 60s,son wes was a good friend& classmate.May God comfort all the families.