Gary Wayne Wirtanen passed away peacefully at his home the morning of August 31, 2021 with his wife, of 53 years, Ruby by his side. Gary suffered congestive heart failure but was the recipient of an LVAD heart device which added 8 years to his life. He had several health struggles but battled through them all with very little complaining.
Gary was born on April 14, 1947 in Billings, Montana to Charles and Elenora Wirtanen. At 17 he and his cousin David joined the Army. He was stationed in South Korea and following his honorable discharge, he returned to Billings. He worked for Ryan Grocery for a few years and with his first paycheck, he bought his sister a transistor radio and stuffed animal.
Gary and Ruby met when her current date brought him over to her house. It was love at first sight. They married October 3, 1968. Gary began his driving career making long hauls with his dad. After a couple years, he decided being away from home was not for him. He worked for Bill Carr hauling US mail to Gardiner, Montana five days a week and to Helena, Montana on weekends. Ruby often rode along. He was self employed after getting his own mail route out of Kalispell. When a route came up out of Miles City, he bid that run. He and Ruby loved coming back to Eastern Montana. Gary ran from Miles City to Billings for 8 years. He got a courier job and loved the shorter runs. He went to Sidney and Baker. He became ill and had to give up driving.
Gary is survived by his wife Ruby, a sister, Sandie Mangold, niece Darcy (Brian) Lagerquist, nephew Chad (Amanda) Mangold, great nieces Brooklyn and Lila all of Otis, Oregon; a sister-in-law Jean (Robert) Boshears, nieces Wendy, Lynette and Jennifer; a sister-in-law Carol (Michael) Rollon, niece Stacey, nephew Jason, four great nieces and one great nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elenora Wirtanen.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice or donate blood in Gary’s memory.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 6, 2021 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Graveside services will be held in the Pleasantview Cemetery in Ballantine. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday September 6, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday September 7, 2021
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Tuesday September 7, 2021
Pleasantville Cemetery
Ballantine, Montana 59006
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday September 6, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday September 7, 2021
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Tuesday September 7, 2021
Pleasantville Cemetery
Ballantine, Montana 59006
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Reaching out to Gary’s family with care and support during this time of grieving.
Kim Smarsh says
Ruby, my sympathy and prayers to you at this difficult time.
Pam Rogge says
Ruby, I am so sorry to hear about Gary. He fought hard for so long and you with him. You will be in my prayers in the days ahead. Please let me know if I can help with anything.
Margo Hellickson says
Ruby, I am so sorry to read of your loss. I have so many fond memories of Gary’s trips to the Villa to see Bert and our friendship. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He has fought the good fight for sure.
Donna, Teage, Ronna says
Gary was a friend from post office days. He was such a hard worker and totally hated incompetence and Stupid. I am so sad to read this, hadn’t known he was sick as I hadnt bumped into him for a long time. He always brought a smile to my face. Hugs and heart felt sadness to the family.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Ruby and family: So very sad for your loss!
Jim and Jane dighans says
We will miss Gary. I will think of him every time I make clove hard crack candy. How much he appreciated it. Such a will to live. Ruby we are thankful for both of you as friends. Jim and jane
Jim and Jane dighans says
We will miss Gary. I will think of him every time I make clove hard crack candy. How much he appreciated it. Such a will to live. Ruby we are thankful for both of you as friends.
Irene A Trogden says
I remember him well from the Post Office. Indeed a hard worker and a perfectionist. You had better not be standing at the other side of the dock door if you had made a mistake. That parcel would come flying back at you with a few words about your imcompetence. Was a wonderful guy and always had time to visit any time he seen you after he retired.
Jan Munroe says
Ruby, I am so sorry for your loss. You both fought a valiant battle.
Kathi Rooney Pfeifle says
Oh Ruby. I am so very sorry for your loss. Gary was such a nice man. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melva Curnan says
Ruby, I’m so sorry to see of Gary’s passing. My sympathy for you and prayers for both of you.
Donna Taylor says
Ruby so sorry for you loss.
Pam Hurr says
Ruby,
I am so very sorry to hear about Gary. Such a kind and gentle soul that always had a smile and a good word for all. Much love and big hugs to you.
Gary says
Judy Davidson
Ruby I’ll never forget how both you and Gary helped me when Dallas died. I’ll always miss
Gary, he was such a good friend. Take care, and if I can ever do anything for you let me know.
Sheila Schwartz says
Ruby, so very sorry for your loss. Gary and you were good friends and always so welcoming showing us many of the updates to your home. I will never forget when our son Brendan brought his fiancée to meet us in Miles City, and we drove down Main and your cat leisurely crossed the street and I called out the cat’s name, Keri was shocked that we were so familiar with people that we knew their pets name. Gary was one of a kind for sure.
Janis Ferrell says
Ruby I was so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss of Gary. He was indeed a kind and gentle fellow. My prayers go out for you and yours.
Kay Davis Berdahl and Rocky Berdahl says
Ruby, we are so very sorry for your loss! Gary was one of a kind!
We will miss our visits with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
during this difficult time.
Rick Newby says
Wow,great man.
Jane Viall says
I will be thinking of you, Ruby, and praying for God to comfort your heart and spirit as you walk through the shadow. You are such a sweet soul.
Katie Benoit says
Ruby offering my deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Margaret Hernandez says
Ruby,
I was so sad to hear of Gary passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him when we saw each other uptown. R.I.P Gary
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Meg
Vikki Bradley says
Ruby, I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing, he was a wonderful man and so enjoyed visiting with him. Mom also enjoyed visiting with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bernadette Miller says
Ruby, my heart just sunk when the prayer intention came through for Gary last night. He fought so hard. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will give you a call later to visit.
Maureen Larson says
Ruby, my heart and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
Jean Hickey says
Ruby. There are no words. Love and hugs!
Dawn Rhoads says
Ruby, thoughts and prayers for you. Gary fought a good fight especially with you by his side. If you need anything call even at 2am. Take care always Dawn
Joanne Richardson says
Ruby
Sending my sincere condolences with the passing of your beloved husband Gary! You were always at his side through all of these challenging years. May he Rest In Peace and may you be comforted during this difficult time.
Kevin & Susan Hom says
Ruby and family, Kevin and I are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We both enjoyed talking to him, he always had a smile. He was a good person and will be missed. Hugs
Barbara Hoover says
Ruby having worked with you it was so great getting to know Gary. And then when he was traveling mail on highway 12. We once had to help him. He was a kind person. Never said a bad thing. Many prayers on the days ahead. Keith and Barb Hoover
Arlene Corbin says
Ruby We are so sorry to learn of Garry’s passing. He was an awesome guy and always so friendly and caring. He will certainly be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
Diane M Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Holmlund says
Ruby, my heart go out to you at this time of loss. Remember all the good times you have had and may God hold you in his arms ! Rest in pease Gary!
Darlene Ballensky says
Ruby so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. You are in my thoughts.
Debbie White says
Ruby: I was shocked to hear of Gary’s passing. You will be in my thoughts & prayers as you walk through the days ahead. May God give you strength & courage.
May the good memories be of comfort to you,& bring condolence. Sympathies, Debbie White
Jan Dinardi says
So very sorry to hear of your lose. Holding to all the memories and stay strong in your faith. Prayers for you and your family
Rickey Kraft says
Ruby Gary was like a uncle to me I’ll miss him deeply I know he’s with dad his best friend God bless you Ruby love always Rickey Kraft
Diana Stieg says
Ruby, so sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace.
Sandi Kohones says
Ruby and family, I am so sorry for your loss! I hope you can find comfort in knowing that so many people care!
Doug and Kim Blunt says
Dear Ruby and Family, We are so sad to hear about Gary’s passing. He was one of the nicest guys in town, and will be missed by so many. He always had a kind word and a twinkly smile, and despite his long illness, he never complained. Ruby, we can understand why he fell instantly in love with you…you are also a jewel. May God hold you close at this tough time and give you comfort as you remember him.
Debbie GALAHAN says
Ruby and Sandi,
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
Linda Hodgson says
Ruby, so sorry to see Gary had passed. I enjoyed getting to know him when he was working for the bank. Always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him then an afterwards. Getting to know you later too was a nice one too. You two were a wonderful couple.
Linda Hodgson
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Ruby, I am so sorry about your loss of Gary. He seemed always so pleasant when I would run into him somewhere and have a visit. He was full of life and laughter. I worked with him at Stockman Bank and he was a faithful employee for them. My special hugs to you.
David B Smith says
I always enjoyed talking to Gary, We had a common friend Dallas Davidson. Dallas introduced Gary and I. We had more than that in common at the same time we were both being treated for cancer. The cancer and being diagnosed with it takes the wind out of you. We understood this and understood the trials. Gary was always positive and this reassured me that you couldn’t take things for granted. I will miss him and his positive attitude RIP Gary.
Diane Emeney says
Ruby, I am so very sorry for your loss. If you need anything at all, please reach out to me. I know what this time is like . Both Ilene and I were so sorry to hear of this. Prayers to you that Jesus walks this path with you and finds ways to comfort you during this time .