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

David E. Heuck, of Sheridan, WY.

February 22, 1950 – November 21, 2017

Beloved husband of Jenny, beloved father of Sam, Mathers, and Sarah Jo, David E. Heuck died on Tuesday, November 21 in Sheridan, WY.

Though he eventually found his way to home in the grasslands of Montana and Wyoming, Dave was born in Hollywood. He and his siblings, Susan (Zettle) and Bob grew up in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains in Claremont, California. They loved music and each other and church and Halloween. As a high school student, Dave wandered the Sierra Mountains with his best friend Tom and fished his way to Yellowstone Park by the time he was 18 years old.

In 1968, after a summer spent haying in Jackson, Wyoming, Dave went to study at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. He had a bit of a tough time deciding on a major moving from English to Art and finally settling on Religious Studies. Later, Dave also studied Ag Production at Montana State – in the end he used every bit of his education to love his children, his grandchildren, and the land. While studying at Lewis and Clark, Dave met his beloved Jenny Mathers. Together, Dave and Jenny shared 43 years of passion and family. They climbed mountains, grew cattle and communities, and managed to stay in love despite the ravages of disease and loss.

David joined the Mathers family ranching business in 1976, alongside Jenny, her father Frank, and her uncle Bill. Jenny and Dave lived on the family ranch north of Miles City until 1980. After Jenny’s parents died, Dave helped manage the daily operations of Mathers’ Land Company. He and Jenny grew the family business with all of their love and energy, eventually starting their own registered Angus breeding operation on the Yellowstone River just east of Miles City.

In 1996 Dave and Jenny moved their registered herd to Thermopolis, Wyoming. The beauty of the Red Canyon Ranch captured Dave’s imagination and his optimistic spirit. He and Jenny moved cattle across the high desert bluffs raising their youngest son Sam to be a devoted cattlemen and avid outdoorsman. Dave enjoyed every minute of his nearly thirty years of ranching – he had his dream job and often reminded his children to love their work.

Dave served his churches and his community with enthusiasm and heart. He often recounted fond memories of serving on the Miles City Art Center Board, the Montana Committee for the Humanities, and the Montana State University President’s Advisory Council. After leaving ranching in 2001, Dave created a second distinguished career in non-profit service serving as the first Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns. Dave worked with Habitat for almost a decade and counted it among his best contributions.

Dave was a devote believer and a natural skeptic. He was optimistic and funny and practical. He could fix anything and loved to solve a problem. He wanted his children to ask questions and his beloved Jennifer Jingels to be happy and challenged. He taught us all to climb mountains and be forever hopeful.

Dave is survived by his wife Jenny; his daughter Sarah Jo (Cody); his sons Mathers and Sam (Kristy); his grandchildren Frank, Luca, Miles, Brock, Violet, and William; and his sister-in-law Julie Brickman Hoyk. He adored his sisters-in-law, Jody and Susan, and their big, happy, families. Donations to Habitat for Humanity or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research in David’s name would be gratefully appreciated.

Tout passe. L’amour reste.

Services will be held on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

2:00 p.m.

Friday November 24, 2017

First Christian Church

102 S. Connor

Sheridan, WY 82801

View map

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

2:00 p.m.

Friday November 24, 2017

First Christian Church

102 S. Connor

Sheridan, WY 82801

View map

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Memories

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

  1. So sorry to hear this news of dear David; a true gentle giant and loving soul.

  7. I remember Dave from youth group at the First Presbyterian Church. He was a good man and a positive influence. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My sympathy to Jenny and all of the Heuck family.

  9. Dear Jenny and all of Dave’s family,
    Our sincere sympathy for your loss, Jenny; it was a privilege to know David. Jim will miss reaching for the phone to call David for his wise viewpoint on the problems of the world, (which the two of them would proceed to try and solve). You and your family will be in our prayers. God Bless.
    Jim & Mary Ann

  10. Dear Jenny and family,
    So very sorry to hear of your loss. Though I didn’t know him well, Dave’s obituary portrayed a man of great strength, love, and passion for life and his family. My heart and prayers go out to all those who loved him and may your memories and God’s love provide you comfort during this difficult time. Blessings to all and may you rest in peace Dave.

  11. We were sad to read of David’s passing. Thankfully we are left with many fond memories of our involvement with David at church, monthly bridge partys and other gatherings. David was one of the kindest, caring, Christian individuals one would ever know. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jenny and family

  12. Denise and I were extremely saddened on hearing the news of David’s passing. Our hearts go out to Jenny and the rest of the family.

  13. I offer my sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time. Continue to lean upon family and friends for support. God gives us comfort and hope at 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 and Revelation 21:4 when we mourn during occasions like these. May you find the peace and strength needed to endure the days ahead.

  14. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate his life with cherished memories! His live and legacy will live in in all of you.

  15. Jenny & Family

    I’m very to note Dave’s passing. He was a great guy
    and contributed tirelessly to his community, wherever it was. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

  16. Jenny and All,
    We are so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing, and feel so fortunate to have made his acquaintance when he landed in Miles City with you. Visits with him were always enjoyable as he was so knowledgeable about a lot of subjects. He was both passionate about what he was doing and compassionate about others. He will be missed. Best wishes to all of you.

  18. Oh my gosh, so many wonderful memories of Dave in Miles City. Jim cherishes all the canoe paddling days and the Peaks to Prairie races with his cowboy boots, blue jeans and wide brimmed hat racing his heart out! Also all the volleyball games and tournaments at MCC!
    Your family is special to us. What a long journey it has been for all of you. Our most heartfelt condolences
    Love you

    Suzy and Jim Albano

  19. Jenny,
    We are so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. What a great guy and friend. Mr. positive! We send you our love and prayers.

  20. Jenny and family we are so sorry to hear about Dave. I remember when I helped haul your cattle to Wyoming when I drove truck for Ray Jerrel.Dave was a nice guy to work with. He will be missed by so many friends.
    We are thinking of you at this time. Jim and Annalise Willson

  21. Sarah and family,
    So sorry to hear about you dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I pray you are comforted with many happy memories!!!

  22. SO sorry to hear of your loss. We remember David from his time at Kinsey Mt.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and Richard

  23. I’m so sorry for your loss. Dave taught me many things about ranching and I look back on my time with your family as some of the best in my life. He was an amazing man and father and he will be missed.

  24. Even though I did not know David, I heard many wonderful things about him. I am truly sorry for your great loss, Jenny & family, Jody & Susan

    Let your memories comfort & keep you in the days and years ahead.

  25. So sorry to read about Dave passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with you, I think of you often.

  26. Our condolences to you, Jenny, and all your family in the loss of Dave. You were all so good together, and you were a wonderful wife. May your many joyful memories surround you at this difficult time.

  27. Sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. Our thoughts go out to you, Jenny and you family. Such a wonderful man.

  28. Jenny and Family, we remember the early days raising kids and sharing times together. Dave was always fun, , intellectual and his experiences always provided stimulating conversation. God Bless.

  31. Oh Jenny……so sorry to hear the news. What a delightful man he was, so smart, he will be missed! Huge hugs to you and your family.

  32. Jenny, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our deepest sympathy.

  34. I woke up this morning and the curiosity got the best of me. I had to read about someone so young and with a great smile. Amazing life!! How inspiring. It is awesome to see how much he loved and how much he was love. I never knew this true Gentleman, but after reading this I have to say what a loss, but rejoice with the full life he got the chance to live. What a complete life! From his early youth, to the love story of him and Jenny, to the cattle adventures, to his voluntary work, to the birth of their children and grandchildren (all with cool names,btw) ,etc,etc.
    it sure makes years of fun stories and great memories to share. I said he left his mark and a legacy. Heck! I feel inspired by him and I never knew him.
    Never the less, I am sorry for your loss and I wish for comfort in your hearts.

  35. Oh, dear. I just heard the news that David had passed. I’ve known David since 3rd grade and lived on the same street in Claremont, CA. He was one wonderful man, our loss is heaven’s gain.

  36. I am so so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. In planning for our 50th High School reunion next month, we found this terrible news last week. Dave and I camped many times in the High Sierra, the Mojave Desert, Circle B Ranch and Dave thoroughly enjoyed the beauty he found in nature. More energy than any five of us, the head of the hike, the first guy in the lake.

    Always had a smile, never a negative guy, the epitome of a friend to trust in tough times.

    May he rest in peace, and his friends will never, ever forget him.

  37. David and I spent our teen years in homes separated only by the middle school grounds, shaped by the same church youth group and circle of friends. As an adult he lived the life he dreamed of as a child and lived it in a spectacularly successful and respectful manner.
    I am so sorry he is gone but so happy he truly had a life very well lived. We all should be so lucky.
    Vaya con dios my friend.

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