Charles Wilhelm, age 84, of Forsyth was called home on September 11, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Chuck was born to Joseph Wilhelm and Mary Kaatz Wilhelm on February 20, 1933, in Bettendorf, Iowa. He attended school in Bettendorf. After school he helped take care of the family farm, bar, and store in Iowa. As a young man he learned to love working on cars and trucks.
In August of 1953, he was sitting in a bar and saw the love of his life walking home from school. Chuck whistled at Monna, ending the night by walking her home; and that is how their story began. Chuck and Monna married on February 26, 1954 in Davenport, Iowa and to this marriage of 61 years four children were born: DeWayne, Deanna, Debra, and Dolly (Dione).
In 1957 the family moved to California where he was head mechanic for the Freemont General Motors dealership and, in his spare time, he raced cars at Freemont Drag Strip for many years. His car was a 63 Oldsmobile (LS21). During this time he also owned Warm Springs Valley Auto in Freemont, California. Then in August of 1969, he moved his family to Montana.
From 1969 to 1988 he lived in Rosebud, Montana where he was a mechanic and ran a wrecking yard. In his spare time he did tractor pulling and demolition derbies until his son passed away in 2002. Then in 2014, his daughter Dolly ran the Rosebud Express truck, the final time in the Miles City Fair so Monna could see it one last time.
In 1988 they moved to their home in Forsyth. He continued enjoying tractor pulls and working with cars. He loved his family and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a very caring man that would help anyone and share whatever he had.
Chuck is survived by daughter, Debra Nesbitt and special friend Larry Severson of Miles City; daughter and son-in-law, Dolly and Troy Ferris of Miles City, daughter in law, Ronda Wilhelm of Casper, Wyoming; grandchildren: Brant (Rhonda) Gilbert, JoLynne Frie, Sean Wentz and friend Chelsea Cotton, Heather Wilhelm, Buck Wilhelm, Jr. Wilhelm, Macey (Gary) Loomis, and Shelby (Blake) Loomis; along with 7 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-granddaughters, all of whom he was very proud of.
Chuck is preceded in death by his wife, Monna; parents, Joseph and Mary Wilhelm; all of his siblings; and two of his children, DeWayne and DeAnna.</p>
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Tuesday September 19, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Tuesday September 19, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Tuesday September 19, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Tuesday September 19, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Deb Schmeling says
So Sorry to hear about your Dad. I loved to chat with him at TLC in Forsyth. May God wrap His loving arms around you with comfort and peace. Remember to cherish the memories that we carry with us.
Diana Robinette says
Sending prayers to all of Chucks family.
Patty VanAsh says
We’re so sorry. When Gordy and I would talk about your Dad, we’d both say, ” what a great guy!” Thinking of you.
Kemnth and Lori Ferguson Reierson says
Ken and I are sorry to hear about Chuck. His family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Eric & Lori Doeden says
Dolly & Family
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Chuck. He can now be reunited with his beautiful sidekick Mona.
Prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Lori & Family
Karen Fode says
Deb/Dolly and family..
We are so sorry for your loss. There was no one like Uncle Chuck. He will be greatly missed my many. He is now at peace. And with Mona so they are together again. Cherish the memories. From your Washington family..
Karen & Merv Fode
LaRea & George Gray
Gary Enright and girls : Pam/Rick Hedquist and Shari/Chris Johnson
Karen Fode says
Chuck & Mona are gone but their memories will live on forever.
Praying for peace and harmony.
Sending our love…
Candy and John Laney says
Dolly and Family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need anything.
Darla (Beyl) Paul says
Dolly and Family,
My thoughts are with all at this time.
Jim and Ann Willson says
Dolly & Troy we are so sorry for your loss. please know we are thinking of you at this time. It is always hard to lose a loved one like your Daddy.
Jim & Ann Willson
Tallent family says
We are sorry to hear of Chucks passing. He may not be here with us physically, but he will always be here with us in our thoughts. Our prayers are with his family at this time of loss. He is,and will always be truly missed.
Doug and Cherie Heser says
We’re sorry Chuck is gone, but he is at peace with Monna. We’ll never forget him and his know-how, and of course the fun of seeing the Rosebud Express roaring in Rosebud and competing! Our prayers are with your whole family. We love the idea of the scholarship and hope many kids excel in mechanics because of that opportunity.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Dolly and all of Chuck’s family, Very sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. You will all have your special memories of Chuck, hold them dear to your heart.
Mary and Larry Pattison says
So sorry to hear about Chuck. Thinking about you during this time and will keep you in my prayers.
Tom and Kathy Strub says
Dolly Troy and family very sorry for you loss. Sending love and prayers
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish you memories.
Loren Lancaster says
Dolly and Troy,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We remember when you drove the green pulling truck at the fair. What a tribute your mom and dad. Take care.
Loren and Amy Lancaster
Linda Niedge says
Dolly, Troy and family,
Our sympathy to you all. May your dad Rest In Peace.
Stein Ken says
Dear Dolly and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ken
Chris & Kayla Carpenter says
Deb,Dolly & family! I’m so very sorry about the passing of your daddy! From what i knew and heard he was a very special man! You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sincerly,
Chris,kayla & kids!