George W. Huss, a prominent attorney, former District Court Judge, loyal friend, loving grandfather, and tireless scholar, passed away May 11, 2017, after suffering a series of major myocardial infarctions. Mr. Huss was born July 6, 1949, in Miles City, Montana to the late Dewey M. Huss and Elizabeth A. Huss. He was an honors graduate of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota and the University of Montana School of Law.
After law school, Mr. Huss returned to Miles City to practice law alongside his father in 1976. He relished nearly thirty-six years providing legal counsel to countless Eastern Montanans, many of which rewarded him with their friendship. He continued to practice law until ascending to the bench as District Judge for the 16th Judicial District in January of 2013. Mr. Huss was an avid student of the law and was honored to be elected District Court Judge. During his time on the bench Mr. Huss worked tirelessly to upgrade the information and communications systems to insure that the 16th Judicial District was fully digital capable and also traveled throughout the state assisting other judicial districts. He retired from the bench in 2016 after suffering health problems.
Concurrent to his professional life as a local attorney, Mr. Huss devoted himself to the local community. He was elected and served in the Miles City Council and spent a number of years as the City Attorney providing legal counsel to the local government. One of his greatest joys in life was serving alongside the Miles City Fire Department as a part-paid fireman and EMT, a place where he established many lifelong friendships. He always said he got to experience every little boy’s dream of being a fireman. Mr. Huss was one of the people responsible for the revitalization of the historical Miles City Club where he served as a director, president, and historian. As a result he became a history buff and authored several monographs and lectured about the history of Eastern Montana and Wyoming.
While Mr. Huss achieved great heights in his professional pursuits and civic leadership, he was most gratified of his efforts at home. He was a gourmet cook that not only entertained family and friends, but often catered meals for local charities and other gatherings. Always reluctant to share a recipe, he would certainly exchange one if you made something he loved. “Jerry’s Cookbook” grew to several hundred pages over the years. He also loved gardening and spending time on the deck, smoking a cigar, enjoying Jana’s flowers and watching the vegetables flourish. Mr. Huss loved to travel with family and enjoyed new restaurants and conversations with a glass of red wine or scotch in his hand. Always the prankster, many stories can be told by those who fell victim to or participated alongside the often intricate and well-planned hijinks.
Above all, Mr. Huss was fiercely loyal to his friends and his love for his family was endless. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments and loved bragging about his grandsons.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jana Mueller; his son Trevor (Donna Mae) Huss and their sons, Paxton and Holden, of Minneapolis, MN; his stepson Matt (Elizabeth) Roberts and their sons, Lane and Liam, of La Porte, TX; and his stepdaughter Vanessa Malley of Bozeman, MT. He also leaves behind his sister Mary Walta of Denver CO, his brother Lawrence (Nancy) Huss of Phoenix, AZ and his sister Margaret (Bob) Sampsel of Kalispell, MT and his many nieces and nephews that he enjoyed and loved.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Custer County Art & Heritage Center or the charity of one’s choice.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of committal will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m. Noon
Thursday May 18, 2017
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Thursday May 18, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m. Noon
Thursday May 18, 2017
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Thursday May 18, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Doug and Lucy Benge says
Jana and all family,
Lucy and I are so saddened to learn of Jerry’s passing. So many good times together. He had a keen legal mind, and we were almost a duet of sorts when I think of all the common clients and projects with whom we worked. His sense of humor was equally keen, and always an enjoyable social friend. We will miss him.
Holly South says
Jana and family. I sincerely offer my condolences to you and the family.
Singers says
Jana,
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Robert and Janet Singer
Charlie and Marilyn Pratt says
Words can not express our sorrow at Jerry’s death, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. I am sure he is on the bench with our father in Heaven
Martha Crandall says
my sympathy
Darwin Fischer says
It saddened me to hear of Jerry’s passing. Although we had only a few passing meetings since high school, those meetings were special meetings between two friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jerry’s family.
Brenda Stoddard says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Russ and Brenda Stoddard
Tracey Walker says
Jana and family
I am in total shock and so very sorry for you. I had no idea. Please know how much we thought of him and trusted his unbelievable knowledge. I am just so very sorry.
Tracey & Rodney Walker
Tandi Jesperson says
I am so sorry for your loss. Judge Huss always took the time to visit with me and answer any and all questions I had when he had court in Ekalaka. As JP, your court room is often referred to as “the lower court.” Judge Huss made it very clear several times that that was not the case nor should I take any “flack like that.” Every hearing I observed him ruling in, he handled it with wisdom, dignity and grace. Those are qualities that can’t be taught. He always had a smile and a joke when he came to Carter County. He will be missed. Know that I am thinking and praying for you during this difficult time!
Nancy Foley says
to the family of George W. Jerry Huss. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. John 5:29.
Connie Watts says
Jana, I am so very sorry and shocked to hear of Jerry’s passing. Praying for God’s comfort for you and your family.
Connie Watts says
Trevor – my heart aches for you. God bless you and your family. Stay close to Him and He will help you through.
Carol Rath Raschkow says
TO ALL of Jerry’s family..my heartfelt condolences to you
Jan Munroe says
Trevor, please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. He was so supportive of your education and always found the time to work with you.
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Deepest sympathy and most heartfelt condolences to all of Jerry’s family. Praying for the comfort of our Lord to be with each of you.
Pam Rogge says
Jana and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Cherish the good memories.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
To Jerry’s family, We are so sorry to learn of this and are keeping you all in prayers. God bless you.
David Schott says
I am sad to hear of the passing of Judge Huss. I always felt that he presided over his courtroom with compassion and humility. Those are qualities that can’t be taught in law school. Miles City has lost a good man. My sincere condolences to Jerry’s family.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Sending our deepest sympathy to all of Jerry’s family. He was a remarkable man and an accomplished attourney. He will be missed.
Hassell Painter says
He is a great loss to Miles City. Rest easy, Jerry.
Susanne Galbraith says
Sending my sincere sympathies to Jerry’s family. May your memories bring you comfort.
Charlie & Kathy Beauchot says
Jana and Family,
We want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. Jerry was a great attorney and a good friend over the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rauh Family says
The Rauh family has lost one of our greatest friends and mentors. Jerry you touched each one of our lives. Jana and Trevor, peace be with you.
Larry and Madge Pilster says
Jana and all…We were shocked beyond words to read that Jerry had passed away..We are so sorry for your loss and cannot tell you how much knowledge he passed on to our family throughout the many years of him being our attorney..You have our sympathy and know we are praying for you at this time..Larry, Madge and Helen Pilster and family..
Dennis & Susan Bakken says
Our deepest sympathies on your loss.
B Dean says
Jerry served Miles City well on the city council and even served as its chair. I’ll never forget the hours spent watching Jerry cook and listening to the music of Willie Nelson. Jerry will “always be on my mind”. The former Mayor…. Dean Holmes. I,m sorry to have lost another great friend.
Kathi Rooney Pfeifle says
Oh Jana,
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was always funny and kind and an amazing cook! He was a very nice man and will be missed by so many. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy and Kathi Pfeifle
Anna Griffith says
Jana so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Carrie Andrews says
Jana,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carrie Beach
Carla Hecker says
Jana and family,
I am shocked to read that Jerry has passed. You are all in my prayers.
Carla Hecker
Mary Snell says
Jana & Family,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Walter/ArLynn Archer says
We were so sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. We were privileged to benefit from his vast legal knowledge. May happier times help in these sad times.
The Frerichs family says
Trevor and Family,
Sending thoughts and prayers from MN. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help out at home. Godspeed my friends.
Merry and Armando DeAnda says
Jana and family , We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our prayers. Jerry will be missed.
Terry W Bass. Helena says
Larry prayers for your family on the death of your brother. May he Rest In Peace.
Marcy Parks says
Jana, Trevor, Donna Mae, and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. My heart goes out to all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Jana and the entire family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Jerry. You are on my mind and in my heart today and in the coming days. Peace be with you all.
With sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Phyllis Anderson Stevens says
Jana,
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time in your life!
Lori Irion says
The world has lost a uniquely wonderful man. I had the privilege of being a client and later a friend. May you find comfort in memories and strength from the Lord.
Cherie LeBlanc-Dyba says
The loss of the former Judge Huss, “Jerry” will impact eastern Montana greatly, working with him he gave CASA great respect in the court room. Prayers and Hugs to all of his family and friends.
Lenore and Eloise Beach says
Our prayers and thought are with the families at this time of loss.
Ken and Kristi Stein says
Jana and family
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this of sorrow
With the loss of Jerry. We have some great memories of his many talents especially his cooking abilities. He was my first bridge partner so many years ago.
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
Jana, Trevor and all of Jerry’s family: We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. As the patriarch of your family, his presence will be hugely missed. Our prayers are with you all as you get comfort from each other.
Rich Batterman says
Jana – I am very sorry for your loss. I appeared regularly before Judge Huss, and I knew him as a friend and colleague for many years before that. I always learned something new in his office and his court. Please know that he will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Joe Whalen says
The Jerry I knew would choose creative mischief over saccharine sentiment. He smiled more with his eyes than his mouth and it was enough to check yourself or look over your shoulder. The humor he dished was as deep, dark, and dry as the wine he drank most. He made a mess in the kitchen, especially when friends were invited over to witness the carnage. He was a generous with good cigars and Peanut M&Ms.
He was a powerful legal mind but you could be forgiven for thinking his first love was history. He was more playful with the latter because the story was open to enrichment in the retelling. His own history in law enforcement, fire service, and local government uniquely qualified him as our city attorney. Local government experts across the state often sought his opinions. While much of the legal work at city hall was executed by triage, he and I made a concentrated effort to overhaul Miles City from the inside out by cleaning up our hopelessly archaic municipal code. He tackled the work with the zeal of a Paul Bunyan on speed, taking as much pleasure in the artful crafting of his opinions, resolutions, and ordinances as anyone who read them. I’ve never met a tougher, harder-working intellect. The women at city hall loved him and the men respected him.
Above all, in civic affairs, he valued due process and authentic public participation. He kept watch over those principles like a thirsty gargoyle. For him, the capacity for full expression in a public forum was the essence of good government. I have to think his preferred obituary would be an unbridled running thread of brutally honest criticism and observation from those whom he encountered, helped, or hindered. But there was no quicker way to earn his contempt than to open a can or cradle an insincere argument or to pigeonhole him as “the Jerry I knew” so I’ll stop, but not before acknowledging that I had no doubt he was destined to be the Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court. He kept most of the right vices and few of the wrong virtues you’d expect of an eminent man.
Connie Genger says
Jana , Trevor and family, I am sad beyond words. So many treasured memories of challenging and rewarding times and fun times. Am sorry I am unable to attend services, but my kind thoughts and prayers are with you. Connie (Clarke) Genger
John Halbert says
Sincere condolences to all of Jerry’s family and friends. I am saddened to learn of his passing; the world, and particularly eastern Montana will be a lesser place for a while. I still remember jokes from the first months of our acquaintance and throughout our shared experience, and some of the advice he offered still guides my life. Rest in peace.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Jana, Trevor and family,
We were saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
George's Godson says
George was my godfather, and I always enjoyed the times my father and I would visit him in Miles City. I remember 20+ years ago, playing Desert Commander on NES with Trevor and George in their basement, and my father, brother John, and I liked it so much that we bought our own copy of it later on. George was a great story teller and told me of many arson investigations in Eastern Montana. I still remember them in great detail, and I have vivid memories of him telling me the backstory of so and so and how they attempted to do this and that.
Even though we had limited time together, he made a genuine attempt to listen and understand me, and communicate back. He gave me personal advice and assessment in my teenage years, which I will take with me always. I will remember him as one of the few people that could make my father genuinely laugh outright. Even though I hadn’t seen him in probably 20 years, I will miss him, and I wish that I had reached out to him on one of my sporadic trips back to Montana.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
C.B. Heiser says
Prayers for Jana and the family, Jerry was always full of smiles and had a great story when he came in town to eat lunch, always had to go say hello, he laughed because I never wanted to be in court with him, what a great honor to have a friend to share, I will miss him and prayers for the family!
Sharon Kearnes says
So sorry for your loss. Jerry was an amazing City attorney. His knowledge/advice proved invaluable to this community.
Carole Carey, Ekalaka says
Jan and family, I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Jerry. I first knew him when he came to Ekalaka practicing law. He was great to work with and made the Clerks job easy. When I was President of the Montana Clerks of District Court he helped cook a gourmet dinnef for the Clerks. I also attended one of his dinners before the bucking horse sale, a great cook. I always enjoyed Jerry and feel so fortunate to have known him and counted him as a friend. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.1
Jim Hathaway says
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jerry. He was a gentleman and a pleasure to work with in the court system. May he rest in peace.
John Brown says
Our sincere sympathies to Jerry’s family.
We worked with Jerry in a lot of legal processes through the years.
What a loss to the community.
What a loss to his family.
Sincerely,
John and Nikki Brown
Wayne Yankoff says
Lucky is the man who knew another man as a boy. I was a boyhood friend of Jerry’s. I get to say good by to him with the innocence of childhood memories. They are solid memories of his friendship. I thought of him as an upstart who was destined to greatness no matter what he did, He did quite nicely by the readings of his friends from his working days. I never missed him but I will miss him most assuredly now. Too bad, this type of missing. He was smart. We needed that in Miles City. To me he represents the finest of life in Miles, a life of the scholar.
Dave Hopkins says
George and I were law school classmates. I remember George as a very fine and principled person and an excellent student. I sincerely extend my thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
Chuck Mahowald, Huron SD says
I was saddened to learn today of my college classmate, George, or as we called him, “Gee Dub” Huss. We both lived on 4th Boniface Hall our freshman year at St. John’s University. He was a man of infinite jest, and a straight A student. He always had time for you. Rest in peace, G-Dub.