Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

A. Lewis “Lew” Vadheim M.D., age 75, of Miles City, MT

December 31, 1945 – July 31, 2021

A. Lewis Vadheim, MD passed away at home on July 31st. Lew was a man of science with degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine. He was also a man with a creative and caring spirit.

Raised in Bozeman, he made Miles City his home for 45 years where he practiced internal and sports medicine. One of Lew’s joys was sharing his skills with others, and he spent countless hours volunteering as the “Team Doc” for Cowboy athletics, the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Taekwondo, and the U.S. Olympic Committee. His sports team travel took him to four continents culminating in serving as a team physician at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan.

He loved learning for himself and others, teaching taekwondo, stained glass, and gardening. Playing the piano, singing in choirs, or playing the bagpipes also made him smile. Lew’s family cherishes his legacy of creativity in music and art. The Miles City Economic Council was another of his passions where he could meet with the many people who used their talents to improve our corner of Montana. Always an active person, he could frequently be seen walking, biking, and skiing both in Miles City and his beloved Beartooth Mountains.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Liane, three children, Kari Kale (Eric Saberhagen), Colin (Morgan Vadheim), and Bryan (Corey Ruder), and four grandchildren: Marian and Torrin Kale and Ryan and CJ Vadheim. He valued his friendship with his two sisters (Jan Hintzpeter, Shelley Vallereux, and families) as well as his brothers-in-law (Richard and Jim Mountain and families), his “almost daughter” Camille Carey, and his career-long professional partner, Kay Gundlach.

A family service will be held at the cabin in the Beartooths. Visitation will be Friday, August 6 at Stevenson and Sons in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 pm. In Lew’s honor his family asks you to create a picture, poem, or grow a plant and share it with a friend or neighbor. Contributions may be made to Miles Public Library Foundation (Po Box 1525 Miles City, MT 59301) or the charity or your choice.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday August 6, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday August 6, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

No photos have been submitted yet.
Click here to share yours.

Reader Interactions

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. I got to know Lou thru my Brother Jim who was Lou’s big brother in the Sig Eps. Through the short time I knew Lou I went with him to area Car Shows. What a great positive person he was and I learned to appreciate him alot. I know that Lou will be missed greatly by his family and the medical community.

    I’m very sorry for your loss: Bob Joyce

  4. This was a stunning announcement to see. My most sincere condolences go out to the Vadheim family. Lou was such an engaged person in the community, in addition to his service in the medical community.

  5. My heart just dropped when I saw this notice. The Vadheim family is certainly in my thoughts and prayers. Lou will be missed tremendously in the community.
    Janet Klein

  6. Liane and family, so very sorry for your loss. So many fond memories of visiting with Lou over the years and seeing him at various events in the community. My sincere sympathy to you in the days to come.

  7. Oh my this was a shock !! He was our doctor for so long and missed him . Our Sympathy and Prayers to the the family . God bless and comfort you all.

  8. So sorry to hear about Lew. We had a lot of fun in our barbershop group I don’t know how much serious singing we did but we definitely enjoyed ourselves! Our thoughts and prayers to Lew‘s family and may God bless!

  9. Lianne and family Please accept my sincere sympathies over the loss of Dr Vadheim. I so enjoyed working with him.

  10. So sad to hear of Dr. V’s passing away. He was matter of fact, caring, and funny all rolled into one guy. Prayers for all of his family during this difficult time. He’ll be missed.

  11. Liane and family, my prayers for you and your family on Dr. Vadheim’s passing. He was my personal physician for years—always concerned and compassionate.

  12. This broke my heart to hear today. Lou was so much fun to sing with in the Barbershop group and was very supportive as a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

  13. Liane and family, So sorry to hear of Lew’s passing. He was my doctor for several years . Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all!

  14. I am saddened by this new of Doctor Vadheim passing. He was my doctor for many years and a wonderful, caring one always. I would cross his path after he retired and he would always ask me how I was doing, if my health was good or if I was doing ok. I can not put into words how much I appreciate and valued not only his medical professionalism, but his friendship
    I will miss seeing if around town.

  15. Shocked to hear that Lew has passed. He was a pure gentleman in every sense of the word. He and Liane were just perfect together. My love and prayers are with Liane and the family .

  16. Dear Liane and Family,
    I have so many fond memories of Lew and am sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you. Lew gave me tips on how to be a faster cross country skier, how to be a better nurse, how to play “Bush League Bridge” and so much more. He was professional and compassionate when providing care to my husband and children and I am grateful for his friendship over many years.

  17. Liane and family: I am so very sorry for your loss of Lew. I had great respect for Lew in the medical community. He gave so much to Miles City.

  18. I met Dr Vadheim at MSU ordering us freshman rotc cadets around! He was my father-in-law’s dr at the va hospital. Then he was my dr, my parent’s dr, my daughters sports medicine doctor. A life well lived and gone too soon. Prayers.

  19. Dear Liane and family
    We were saddened and shocked to learn of Lew’s passing. We have many good memories being close neighbors and friends when we resided on Spruce Lane. Lew was such a vivacious person and so much fun to be around as our doctor, neighbor, and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

  20. Dear liane.
    I am so saddened at Lews passing. My heart goes out for you and your family. I loved the times Lew and I spent working on his old corvettes. And the few times that we spent together at the Corvette rally’s. Those memories I will cherish even more. God bless.

  21. Dear Liane and Family. We are so sorry to learn I blew his passing. He was a great guy and we all had lots of fun times together, especially over at Splash. We are sending thoughts and prayers your way. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Arlene and Dennis

  23. Liane, I am so sorry to hear this news. Lew and I took a watercolor class together at WAM. His skills were much better than mine and I learned from him in addition to learning from the teacher. I also enjoyed our visits when I would put up the story book walk. He also commented about how much he enjoyed the books. Our community will miss him.

  24. Liane & family,
    I am so very sorry to hear of Lew’s passing. He really made his mark in this community and will be sorely missed. May your memories comfort you at this difficult time.

  25. What an incredible man! He meant so much to so many, and will be missed by everyone who ever met him. His contributions to the health and well-being or our families, to the entire hospital system, and to our community, were monumental, and are to be treasured. RIP Dr. Vadheim!

  26. So sorry to hear of Lew passing. He was so much fun when he helped us cook. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers to your family.

  27. Liane and Family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope the good memories will help in the days ahead. He was such an outgoing person that always had time to stop and talk or tell a story. He will be missed .

  28. I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. Lew was Scott & my Dr.,for years, he was always so positive, enlightening, & funny. Always a smile on his face & laughter in his voice when visiting with you, inquisitive about how everyone was & what they were doing. He was like this whether in the office, church, at a ball game or in town. Our condolences go out to Liane, children & grandchildren. You are in our thoughts & prayers.

  29. Dear Liane and family, Jim and I knew Lew to be such a special person, from the many times we saw him at the games taking care of our athletes to his beautiful roses in the summer and his cross country skiing. What a guy. One of the best.

  31. Upon the move to Miles City, Lew adopted the town as his home and dedicated himself to being an active and model citizen, provider and resident. We share the loss and will miss his friendship.

  32. To the Vadheim family, We are so saddened and sorry for your loss. Lew was a great friend.
    Gordon Jackson and Family

  33. Dear Liane and family, I was quite shocked to hear of Lew’s passing. I appreciated his medical skills, but as a musician and artist he had my admiration. His dry, straight-faced humor was perfectly timed in barbershop rehearsals. Lew’s obvious intelligence and curiosity contributed to many interesting conversations, and his obvious musical talent was nicely passed to Colin, Keri, & Brian. The world is sadder without Lew, but a better place because of him.

  35. We were saddened and shocked to hear about Lou. Our deepest condolences to the family. Our histories entwine over the period of many years. His presence will be missed.

  38. Dear Liane, Lew was such a lovely person; I remember when he helped my mom out after she’d fallen on her daily walk up Cemetery Road and when our family would repeat the story it was often met with similar stories about how Lew had stepped up in emergencies. He was such an asset to the community. Memories from your long marriage and the support of your beautiful children will help get you through the worst of the initial grief, one minute at a time, but I will be praying for you as will countless others. My sincere sympathy. Love, Mary Ann

  39. Lianne, I am saddened to hear of Dr. Vadheim’s death. Over the 21 years I have lived in this area, there are few weeks when I do not hear of his care for patients over his career, and yours in providing so much of your skill and energy to your caring for others as well. My heartfelt condolences to you, family and friends on his passing.
    Aliceann

  40. Wonderful man. I thoroughly enjoyed his amazing knowledge of every thing in Yellowstone Park. “Lots of fish in that there lake” will always make me smile. My heart breaks for the Vadheim family. Thoughts and prayers from Texas.

  41. I knew Lew as a Fraternity brother. So sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  42. Dr V will be missed by many! He selflessly gave to so many over the years! We send our thoughts and prayers to you all. We always enjoyed visiting with him in the neighborhood as he cared for the beautiful flowers and yard. Such a wonderful person and physician!

  44. My heart goes out to the Vadheim family – He was a wonderful colleague always so positive and encouraging- a man of many talents who gave generously of his time and energy – It was a privilege to know him 🙏🏼❤️

  45. I am very sorry to hear of Lew’s passing. He will be missed by many. He was a very gentle, caring, talented man. God Bless his family and prayers for you all to find peace during your times of grief.

  46. Dear Liane and family:
    We are sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I remember seeing the two of you dancing at the last All-60’s Class Reunion.
    Praying for your loss. No doubt it is hard to lose a husband and father.

    Teri and Doug Zook

  47. I always got a kick out of visiting with the good doctor, sharing gardening tricks to get what is needed. I’m so sorry for all your loss, he was such a good person & a talented doctor.
    Sincerely, Cathy Pyle

  48. Liane and family,
    So sorry to hear about Lew. He had such a knowledge of gardening, and was always so helpful. He will be missed by so many!
    Praying for you all. God bless.

  49. Liane and all family:

    We are stunned and so sorry to learn of Lew’s passing. Professionally skilled, artistically talented, community oriented, all around good guy. When I would get my annual inspection, he would frequently sum it up by saying “these are all good adjectives.” Back at you Lew. Everything about you were all good adjectives. We are richer for knowing you, and you will be missed. Best wishes to all family.

  51. To All of Lew’s family,
    I was so lucky to get to take one of Lew’s stained glass classes. I remember how kind and patient he was in teaching. I also took my dad to him when he was still a physician. Lew was so very understanding and kind to my dad. I am sorry for your loss, he was a master of knowledge and will truly be missed. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Author unknown

  52. Our family was shocked to hear of Lee’s passing. He was a remarkable man in many ways. Our prayers are with you all during this time.

  53. Our family was shocked to hear of Lew’s passing. He was a remarkable man in many ways. Our prayers are with you all during this time.

  54. Liane, Kari, Colin and Bryan: So very sorry and shocked to hear
    of Lew’s passing. Enjoyed and appreciated the many years I knew him through working at the hospital, visiting with him at my parents clinic appointments, and just seeing him everywhere around town. He always brought a smile to my face watching him running while pushing a very young Bryan in the stroller. Lew will be greatly missed by our community. Keeping his family in prayers to heal this great loss.

  55. We were so sorry to hear of Doc Lew’s passing. He gave so much to the Miles City community and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to all his family.

  58. I was blessed to work with Lew at Holy Rosary Healthcare, the Economic Developement Council, and he taught many stained glass classes at our museum. He will be missed by so many people. My heartfelt condolences to Liane and all of Lew’s family.

  59. Liane, I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed every encounter I had with Lew either on the Economic Council or in one of his stained glass classes. I will miss his knowledge on stained glass and I will think of him whenever I am working on a piece. I will also miss his sense of humor. My condolences to you and your family.

  60. I thought of Lew when USA won the women’s 800M at the Olympics today. He ran that race on our Bozeman HS track team. We the Bozeman High Class of 1964 are proud of the mark he made in life. Our thoughts and prayers to Liane and family.

  61. To the Vadheim family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of loss. Lew was a great physician and an awesome friend. Many happy memories through the 40+ years that I worked with and enjoyed Lew`s company both professionally and in our spare time having fun.
    RIP my friend, you will be sorely missed by manny but I know I will see you again!!!!!

  62. Vadheim family, so sorry to hear about Lew. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  63. To the Vadhiem family. Our prayers go out to you. So sorry to hear of your loss of Lew. May he rest in peace. He will be missed by the community as well. You are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.

  64. My prayers and condolences to the Vadheim family. Lew was passionate in everything he engaged and left an enormous impression in eastern Montana. He will be profoundly missed.

  65. Liane and family, My sincere sympathy for your tremendous loss of husband and father. He was do admired as a physician and community member and will be deeply missed.

  66. Dear Liane and family,
    We were so saddened to learn of Lew’s passing. He was an extraordinary person and we will miss him so. Words fail me to describe the loss that we are all feeling: both here in the Honors office and at our home. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family.
    With love,
    Ilse, the Honors Office, Denny and Elizabeth

  67. I am shocked to hear of Lew’s passing. He and I were both members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at Bozeman during undergraduate days. Lew served a term as Chapter President and I believe one of his sons was also president of the fraternity years later. Sad to see him pass on so early in life. He was a good guy. My condolences to his family and, as well, condolences on behalf of Lew’s Sig Ep fraternity brothers.

  68. Best doctor ever! Considered him a friend and mentor. Rest east Doc. Thank you for all you did medically and personally. You will be missed.

  69. Dr. V. Was one of my mentors as I grew up in the medical field. Doc would always take the time to answer questions. Of course all started with a joke. You will be missed ol friend. God love you all. Keep your memories close and think of them often. I surly will

  70. I am so sorry to hear that Lew is no longer with us. He was a very special man and will always have a special place in my heart. Wonderfl thoughts, memories and prayers to family and friends . RIP Lew!

  71. Lew and I were classmates at MSU in Bozeman. He never failed to amaze me with the diversity of his interests and his enthusiasm for learning. Lew seemed to find everything stimulating if he felt he could learn from it. Both Butch and I sincerely admired his enthusiasm and intelligence. Our sincere sympathy for your loss. Lew was pillar of the Miles City community and will truly be missed.

  72. So sorry to hear of Lew’s passing. A stalwart man and pillar of the community. Our love to the Vadheim family. May the Lord provide peace at this time. A life well lived!!

  73. Liane and Family,
    I was saddened and shocked to hear of Dr.’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are going up for you all during this difficult time. Dr. was one of the best men I have met. He was matter of fact, caring and selflessly gave to so many over the years. He was multitalented and knowledgeable in so many areas. It never ceased to amaze me how many hobbies and interests he had, in addition to his very busy medical practice – And he excelled in all of them! I have many fond memories working with him, Dr. Winter and Kay. In fact, those are some of my best memories during my working career. It was an honor to get to know and work with him. Dr. was a remarkable man, a good person, a principled individual and a man of integrity. What an amazing legacy. He will truly be missed.

  74. My prayers and condolences to each of you, Lew’s family. He was an exceptional man with so many gifts that he generously shared with family, friends & community. May you receive God’s blessings of peace & comfort with Lew’s life well lived. Shirley

  75. So very sorry for your loss. My years of working with Dr. Vadheim were great and enjoyed his story telling. Rest in Peace Doctor and thanks for all you have done on this earth. To the family, prayers for peace and my condolences.

  76. Liane,
    I was so shocked when Sue Gallo texted me that Lew had passed away. He retired from the Clinic before I really got to know him well. Such a talented man in so many areas. Such a kind and compassionate physician, as well. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May all your memories bring you joy and comfort.

  77. I knew Lew as my Friend, Doctor, and Champion of athletics at CCDHS. No doubt there were countless other talents and skills that he shared selflessly with many! Liane, Kari, Colin, Bryan and Families: MAY YOUR MEMORIES BECOME TREASURES. Blessings, Nancy

  78. I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Vadheim’s death. I worked many years with him at Garberson Clinic and Holy Rosary Hospital. His caring for his patients and kindness always shone. I enjoyed talking to him about his travels and Olympic experience. He will be missed in the community. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

  79. Liane, Kari, Colin & Bryan: We were very saddened to hear of Lew‘s passing. He was such a vital part of the Miles City community and always generous in sharing his talents. He was a kind, caring physician. Our boys and yours enjoyed many fun times, and we were so lucky to chaperone our wonderful Chorale trips with you. We have many great memories to keep. All our lives were richer to have known him. The VanFossens

  80. Liane, Children, Sisters, Brothers Grandchildren & all other Lew Vadheim Relatives.
    My time and prayers 🙏 are with the whole 🙏 Family of Lew Vadheim at this very much deeply hurt difficult time in their lives 🙏

  81. Dear Vadheim Family

    We are so sorry to hear of Lew’s passing. Rest in peace my Sig Ep Brother!! Our deepest condolences to the
    family. I am so honored to have known him since college and am regretful that I wasn’t able to see him more than
    a few times, being that we only live 100 miles away. Enjoyed our visit at the Glendive Car Show a couple years
    ago.

  82. We are sorry to hear of Dr. Vadheim passing.
    He was my Doctor for many years and love to hearing his story his time at Olympics when I was in for a check up.
    Our thought and prayers are with you all and will be greatly missed.
    Carol and Warren Schuetzle

  83. Liane and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Lew was our doctor for many years and a wonderful neighbor.
    May God bless you and keep you. We pray the good memories will comfort you.
    Kathy and Lonnie Leslie

  84. Liane and Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss of Lew. He certainly was a pillar of our Miles City community. I got to know Lew when we played “geezer” racquetball doubles on Wednesday nights. It was the doctor, (Lew), the dentist, (John Taylor), the professor, (Jim Joyce) and me. Man that guy had a long reach, and oh what fun we used to have. I can still picture his mischievous little smile.
    Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

  85. Liane, I am sorry to hear of Lew’s death. He was a good man. Miles city was fortunate to have his medical skills. I envied his broad knowledge in so many fields and the dedication he applied to excel at everything he did. I am sure that your long marriage is a testament to the good life you shared.

  86. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn’t know Lew very well, but did have the opportunity to take a basic stained glass class taught by him at the art museum. He taught me so much and I was able to take it and run from there. I’m so glad to have known him, even for such a short time.

  87. R I P Lew. You taught a lot of us what Tae Kwon Do was all about. Also got to know you as our medical doctor for the Pine Hills School. Prayers for you and your family. Thanks for all you have done for others.

  88. Liane,
    I’d be with you if I could, just as you and I have been together for the major celebrations of our lives for the past 70 years or so😘. In the meantime, I send my love and sympathy to you and your family. I’ve always wished we could have lived nearby, as you and Lee carried on such good lives in Miles City. I enjoyed him when I was around him socially and respected him when I watched him professionally. I’ve been unable to reach you by phone, but I’ll keep trying. In the meantime, I’ll keep sending my love.

  89. Dear Liane and family,
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Lew was my first husband Jerry’s big brother at Sig Ep at MSU. We enjoyed various frat events and just visiting during that time. Just heard of Lew’s passing from my sister and will let Jerry know. May your memories bring comfort during this difficult time.

  90. We are truly so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your continued comfort. Enjoyed visiting with Lew &admired all the help he offered in our community.

  91. SALUTE to my “Sabonim”! Sorry to hear Dr. Vadheim passed. I was in his Taekwondo class and admired him for his community involvement. Blessings and condolences to his family.

  92. With sympathy for your family. Dr will be missed by so many. I was fortunate to have been able to work with him.

  93. He was a great Dr.
    He helped me through a trying time with sharing a personal experience he had had. For that I will be forever grateful.
    Sending my deepest sympathies

  94. So many great memories with Doc over the years: fishing in the Beartooths, college football games at the Cotton Bowl and Ford Stadium in Dallas. On and on…
    He’s remembered as a spectacular granddad and father-in-law. So, Doc, as you would say to my children-
    “See ya later, hope your legs are straighter.” 😥😥

  95. Liane, I am so saddened to learn of Lew’s passing and my heart goes out to you all. I loved seeing him on the football field sidelines, at the Centra working out, on the soccer sidelines when Bryan played, in his Kilt at the parade and just around town. My two favorite memories are when he and I shoveled snow off the soccer sidelines in Billings before the kids could even play the game and when he let me watch him perform an upper GI on my husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  96. Dear Vadheim family
    We’ve known you for many I years and was privileged to teach Brian in school. Lew always asked about our son Edward and what he was up to. What a gentle and kind man. He will be so missed.
    Tom and Patty Mott

  97. Dear Liane, I was cleaning up my email when I just came across this news. I am so sorry for your loss and for my tardiness. Please know that you are in my heart and in my prayers. May you have peace.

  98. I am so sorry to hear of Lew’s passing. He was my Doctor and my friend for the better part of 30 years! He was there for my physical health and was always an emotional support through some tough times. Great man, who touched many lives! Will miss ya Doc!

  99. Sandy and I just found out about Lou’s passing. We are sure you miss him and even though we haven’t seen you since Temple days we think of you two. Good luck in the future. Our prayers will be with you.

Add your thoughts and memories. Upon approval they will be added.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *