Robert Harold “Bob” Wilson age 66, of Townsend passed away unexpectedly at his home Saturday, February 1, 2014. He was born to A.H. “Harold” and Marie A. “Toni” (Milesnick) Wilson October 25, 1947 in Bozeman, Montana. Bob was raised in the Gallatin Gateway area, graduated from Bozeman High School in 1966. He attended Montana State University after his graduation from high school. Bob and Shirley Scalese were married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cut Bank, Montana on June 12, 1971.
Bob took over the family ranch operation in the Gallatin Gateway area in 1969. Throughout his ranching and farming career, Bob was introduced to a number of challenges. He and Shirley sold the ranch in the Gallatin Gateway area and moved to Big Timber in December of 1978. There they experience a severe drought and grasshopper infestation. They moved to St. Maries, Idaho in 1990, where they were flooded out prior to moving to Townsend in May 2000. The Toston-Maudlaw fire presented them another challenge. Through those crisis Bob stepped up and met all of them with his head held high, his faith and hard work ethic helped him persevere. It seemed as though he was comfortable in any situation, where he would take the leadership role in any crisis, community event or challenge for his family, a neighbor, friend or community.
For those who may not have known Bob, he was not just a farmer, but a person of the community, a kind, gentle man, a steward of the land, a man of great integrity and a man of his word. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and best friend who never knew a stranger.
Bob’s favorite time of the year was harvest. He believed in hard work but also believed in playing hard. He assisted his wife in the quilt shop, especially during the annual sale. John Deere green and yellow, were not the only colors in his spectrum.
While living in the Gallatin Gateway area, he served as President of the Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Townsend, the Elks Lodge in St. Maries, Idaho, a Board member of Rocky Mountain Supply and Board member of Montana Energy Alliance.
His hobbies were farming, bowling, being Papa to four wonderful grandsons, World War II books, movies and traveling.
He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife Shirley of Townsend; his daughters, Nancy Wilson of Townsend, and Vicki Wilson of East Helena; his mother, Marie A. “Toni” Thompson of Bozeman; sisters, Connie Robohn of Spokane, Washington, Carol Martin of St. Maries, Idaho; grandchildren, Riley Wilson, Shayden Wilson, David Wilson and Jared Toney. He is also survived by many cousins, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2014 with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Townsend. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday, February 6th at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church on Highway 12 East. Burial will follow in Deep Creek Cemetery. A funeral reception will be held in the multipurpose room at the grade school immediately following the burial.
Memorials in Bob’s name are suggested to the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 301 N. Cherry Street, Townsend, Montana 59644 or to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice. To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bob please visit below.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 5, 2014
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana
Family and Friends Service
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 5, 2014
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
2:30 p.m.
Thursday February 6, 2014
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
Highway 12 East
Townsend, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the Funeral Service
Thursday February 6, 2014
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Thursday February 6, 2014
Multi-Purpose Room at the Grade School
Townsend, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 5, 2014
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana
Family and Friends Service
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 5, 2014
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
2:30 p.m.
Thursday February 6, 2014
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
Highway 12 East
Townsend, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the Funeral Service
Thursday February 6, 2014
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Thursday February 6, 2014
Multi-Purpose Room at the Grade School
Townsend, Montana
Share
Matt & Shelly Horne says
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family our thoughts and prayers are with you
Trudene Doig James says
Please know that you have my condolences and that I am thinking of you.
Jack & Tina Altimus says
Our thought and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sadness! We pray that God helps you through this time and blesses you with all the wonderful memories you have had with Bob… Love and Hugs,
Jack and Tina
Joe & Barb Axtell says
Shirley and family,
Please accept our deep and heartfelt sympathy at this time. Bob’s kindness, sincerity, and wonderful friendship will truly be missed and unreplaceable. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Barb and Joe
Mike & Gale Figgins says
Shirley & Family ,
Our thoughts & prayers go out to your family. If you need any thing, give me a call. No one
was ready for Bob to leave us, we will all miss him! Hope you and the family are doing OK!
Love, Mike & Gale
Jodi & Calvin Christensen says
Shirley and family,
So sad to hear about your loss. Bob’s infectious love for fun always got the party started 🙂 …there will be some serious catching up with Tommy and June! Bob was “One-of-a-kind”.
We hope to pay our respects in person on Thursday. Our deepest sympathy.
Calvin, Jodi, Ryan and Cali
Dr. Gary Litle says
Shirley and family,
I will miss Bob and his positive outlook on life. His glass was never half empty, always half full. Our talks about the challenges of farming: equipment, rain (or lack of), crop reports were always a part of his visits to my office. My son and I particularly enjoyed our time together with you at the DU Banquet in November. Bob knew how to have fun and have a good time.
I pray for you now during this most difficult time.
Chuck & Lisa Larson says
Shirley & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. We loved visiting with you and Bob. He was always so positive and upbeat. He will truly be missed by many. May the good Lord keep his arms around you to protect and strengthen you all.
Much love.
Guelda Halverson says
Shirley and family,
We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Bob. We hope to see you all on Thursday.
Our hugs and prayers are with you all. Love, Danny and Guelda
Laurie Nugent says
We are saddened by Bob’s sudden passing. What a wonderful grandpa Bob was to the boys! He will be remembered through his legacy to them. Prayers and condolences to you all.
Love, Laurie and Terry
Doug Chester says
Thinking of the whole family and great times we had. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Megan Vossler says
Dear Shirley,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Bob. His kindness and wit will be greatly missed.
Love and prayers,
Megan Vossler and Family
Bob Howe says
Shirley-
I am sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Virg (Chief) says
Shirley and girls, Toni, Carol and Connie
I was shocked to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rest assured that big smile will be with us forever. Gone but not forgotten.
Virg and Carol
Moodie Implement Company says
Shirley and Family:
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy and sorrow to you at this time. Bob was an amazing man who lit up a room when he walked in. I cannot count the times he came into our store and everyone perked up to greet and chat with him. Working with Bob over the years was a pleasure. To us, Bob was more than a customer; he was a friend, brother, and role model to the community. He did, and always will hold a special place in our hearts. Bob will be deeply missed and adoringly remembered by all.
So sorry for your loss,
Em Brenneman & Everyone at Moodie Implement Co.
CHUCK AND BARBARA SNELLMAN says
SHIRLEY SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. STILL CANT BELIEVE ITS TRUE. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. BOB WAS TRULY A GREAT MAN AND FRIEND TO EVERYONE. CHUCK AND BARB AND FAMILY
Debbie Furst-Housholder says
Dear Shirley and family,
I’m heartbroken to hear about Bob’s passing. I have many fond memories of him. He had an infectious smile and could make anyone laugh. He will truly be missed. Family reunions will not be the same without his stories. Sending prayers, hugs, and love.
Debbie, Devin, and Jarrett
Tom arensmeyer says
Take comfort in the special memories of Bob. They will always be there
Dave & Yvonne Hinman says
Dear Shirley, Carol, Connie and family,
We were so surprised and saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. We had not seen him for a long time, but his smiling photo reminded us of what a good person he always was.
Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Kim & Cindy Martinson says
Dear Shirley, Nancy, Vicki and family,
We are sending our love and prayers of peace to you during this sad time. Please know that we are here for you, now and always. We are so blessed to know the Wilson family and share so many special times together, and together, we will have our lasting memories of Bob, as we celebrate his life and friendship in our hearts. His loving smile, great bear hugs, and colorful stories will be missed in this community.
Sharece, Jade, & Declan Toney says
Dear Shirley, Nancy, & Family
Thinking and praying for your family in this time of sorrow. I know how important Bob was to David and Riley. The boys always had good stories to tell Jade and my parents about time spent with him. I hope God can offer you some comfort and peace during this time.
Stevick Family says
Dearest Shirley & Family, We are so very saddened by the loss of Bob. I cannot stop thinking of all of the good times… and how many times Bob came to my rescue. Bob was one of the very best friends anybody could have!! We will all miss him terribly but we will always cherish the wonderful memories we shared!! Branding with Colin; dinner at “The Cedars”; how much he teased Cindy; Nancy, Vicki, Andy, & Ashley playing and growing up together; hunting with Bob… and Andy’s “Trophy Raccoon”; Friday night bowling & ending up at your house … our book “Mr. Wilson” memories overflows!! He was the “BEST” of friends and he will forever be in our hearts.
Jim, Cindy & family
Sig Smith says
Dear Shirley and family,
I am so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing…. we have so many good memories of your days in the Big Timber area and how Nancy and Vicki loved the Laubach “grils”…. My thoughts are will you all.
Sig
Russ Sime and Family says
Dear Shirley and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So many memories over the years but they all come back the smile, the laugh, and sense of humer your special man had. We will all miss him. God bless you and yours. Russ
Virginia Poole says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man who always made me feel like he was glad to see me. I was always glad to see him. I know how much you loved him. He meant a lot to many people. Thinking of you and all of your family.
Bing & Cherie Menard says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ellen Schatz Rose says
Shirley,
I am in shock. Just read the Bozeman paper – I cannot believe Bob has passed. I always will remember him running the vacuum at the shop and helping me pick out quilt fabric. Such a great man who left many good memories.
Ellen
Jim and Brenda Hinman says
We were deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s death. Such a positive wonderful guy! Jim enjoyed so much growing up with Bob at Gallatin Gateway. They went to school together, many years of 4H together. Then, graduating from Bozeman Senior High in 1966. Shirley and family, we give our most sincere sympathies.
Jorja Hensley Munns says
Shirley & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I am happy that I had the chance to get to know Bob when he served on the County Planning Board…yet another example of his community minded-ness. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
David & Diane Eich says
Shirley and family,
Dave and I were shocked and saddened at the news of Bob’s passing. He always and a hug and smile every time we saw him. Know that we are sending prayers of comfort and peace to you all.
Linda Tollefson says
Dear Shirley and family,
So saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Just far too soon. You were wonderful neighbors. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Tollefson
Darrell & Anna Burkenpas says
Dear Shirley and family,
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Always thought a lot of Bob and enjoyed having him as a friend and customer for a number of years. Shirley, hope all goes well for you and the family in the future.
Darrell & Anna Burkenpas
Ed & Wanda Watson says
Dear Shirley & Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers, we are so sorry for your loss, Bob had a special way about him that made a person feel at ease and comfortable to be with. We alway liked to see him walk into our store, he always had time to visit and joke around. Take comfort and know that he is with the Lord now. Our prayers are for your peace and comfort. Ed & Wanda Watson
susan seitz olson says
My sincere condolences. What a shock!
Steve & Linda McCullough says
Shirley, Nancy, Vicki and Family,
All of our love to you at this very sad time. We hold in our hearts so many fond memories of our time spent with the Wilson family. Bob was a special friend. We will miss his happy, loving , and giving self. Our sincere condolences to you.
Ron Parent says
Dear Shirley & family, Truly enjoyed knowing and spending time with Bob during our school years in Bozeman, Mt. Last saw Bob in Billings in the early 1980’s. May our Lord surround and comfort you and your family. My deepest sympathy for the Wilson family.
Lance & Trice Christenson says
Dear Shirley & family,
We are so very sad to hear that Bob has passed. We cannot even imagine your sorrow. He was such a very special and kind man, truly the salt of the earth! We are so lucky to call both you and Bob our friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending all our love.
Henry and Kay Murray says
Shirley,Nancy ,Vicki , and families,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers…..Bob was a special guy! We were blessed to know him….so much fun…….always laughter around him……..he had a smile and a hug for everyone…..I know how much you all loved him…his friendly fun spirit will be missed by so many….bless you at this time….
Janis Eckert says
Shirley,
I am so sad to hear this news. I know that I have not seen Bob in years, but we had so much fun together when we were in high school. Know that I am thinking of you. My sympathies are with you.
Janis Eckert
Mike Montgomery says
Shirley and Family,
Very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Memories of a shared childhood as neighbors and friends of the Wilson family during the Gateway years are happy thoughts. Bob and I spent a lot of time together playing ,tinkering and just being boys. Time and distance reduced our contact but it was always good to see him. The whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Russell says
Wilson family,
So very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. Just know that he had many friends and touched even more lives, he will never be forgotten, my heart goes out to you, my prayers are with you.
Amy Ahonen says
Shirley, Nancy and Vicki,
So sad to read about Bob passing away. He was always one of the nicest men I have ever met. He always gave me a hard time back in the Cabin City St. Maries times of our lives. He always had a smile on his face any time I saw him. My prayers to all of you!!
Dean and Jeanne Johnson says
Shirley and girls–
We were so saddened and surprised to heard of Bob’s passing. May your faith, and
support and love of family and friends help you through this most difficult time.
Thinking of you — Dean and Jeanne Johnson
Jim & Judy Thompson says
Dear Shirley & Family,
We are lost for words, but please know we consider ourselves blessed to have been two of your friends over the years. You have our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Rindy Miller says
To the Wilson family,
I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. He always had a way of brightening my day and I will miss him greatly. It was such a pleasure to meet you all. Thinking of you in this difficult time–
Gary JoLee Schidecker says
Dear Shirley and family, We are so sorry about your loss..and it will be big loss it sounds like. He was such a gentle man, yet so much fun. Gary remembers the hunting trips at your ranch at Big Timber and the time my dad shot too many turkeys and you had the game warden for breakfast! My dad talked about that all the time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Shirley, the girls, Toni, Carol and Connie, and the precious grandsons.
Call if you ever come to Bozeman and aren’t running. 586-4040.
Bart & Trish Toney says
Dear Shirley & Family,
It is with deep sadness to hear of the passing of Bob! Bob touched many lives & we are blessed to have known him. Great visits & laughs. You are in our thoughts & prayers!
levitra says
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cris stark says
Sorry to hear of your loss.. Our thought and prayers are with you and yours…