Herald Gordon Wetzsteon

H. Gordon Wetzsteon passed away, unexpectedly on July 26, 2024 in Sheridan Montana surrounded by his family. He was born on August 17, 1965 in Hamilton, Montana to Herald and Phyllis (Simmons) Wetzsteon. Gordon spent his childhood in Wisdom, Montana, where he learned how to fish, hunt and trap from his father Hal, who was a great Mountain Man himself. Gordon had many fond memories growing up in the Big Hole. His favorite pastime was camping up in the mountains by himself or with friends, fishing and hunting. He had fascinating stories about his explorations all over Big Hole Valley. He graduated from Beaverhead High School in 1983. Gordon was a mechanic for Tom Heggelund out of Wisdom and also was one of the absolute best small engine mechanics around, could fix anything. He logged for Alan Conover, hayed and built a shop at the Hirschy Ranch and hayed for the Spoon and Nelson and North Fork Ranches. He was a log house chinker for Don Bodda, worked for the state as a Snow Plow Driver and for Madison County as a Road Grader Operator and mechanic. He also worked for Andy Verhow at Andy Garage in Sheridan. He drove the Wisdom Ambulance and volunteered for the Wisdom Fire Department. He spent many summers fighting forest fires sometimes right next to a hot spot in a dozer building fire lines. Gordon had many talents. He was an excellent carpenter, phenomenal fisherman and one of the best, if not THE best mower in the Big Hole Valley. He could craft out a beautiful wooden pie case to an outdoor deck. You could say he was a mountain man, logger and jack of all trades.

In 1994 he met his soulmate, Joetta making her his wife on September 16, 2000 surrounded by family and friends. Now a husband and father to three he went on to help ranch for his new in-laws Ted and Judy Bacon at the Ray Bacon Ranch. Gordon taught his two sons and daughter how to hunt, fish, love the outdoors, love their country and instilled old-fashioned values.

Later in life he found one of the greatest joys in becoming a grandfather to Jonithan and Arthur.

He adored his wife, his three kids and was a very special grandpa that will be deeply missed. Sadly, he will not get to meet his newest grandson who is due in September.

Gordon was truly a special man who had unconditional love for his entire family. His memory will be cherished by all who loved him.

Gordon was proceeded in death by his parents and is survived by his beloved wife, Joetta Bacon Wetzsteon, his sons, Keith Meredith of Twin Bridges, Nicholas ( Brikayla Salerno) Wetzsteon of Twin Bridges and his daughter Danielle Meredith (Jason Redfield) of Melrose. Grandsons are Jonithan of Melrose and Arthur of Twin Bridges. He is also survived by his sisters Cheryl Wetzsteon of Dillon, Angie Coon (Ed) of Dillon Christy Keyes (Dow) of Wisdom and four nieces and one nephew as well as great nephews and a great niece.

Services will be held August 3rd at the Masonic Temple in Wisdom Montana at 10 AM followed by the interment of ashes at the Wisdom Cemetery then a luncheon is offered at the Wisdom Community Center.