George Robert Wheatcroft passed away peacefully surrounded by the family he cherished on November 6th, 2025. He bravely fought cancer for 18 months.
George was born to Robert and Edith (Jacobson) Wheatcroft and resided with his parents and brothers on the family ranch in Steve Fork, Montana. He was the oldest of four boys, often leading the brood in many rural adventures. The boys’ education began in a one room schoolhouse that sat on the corner of the ranch. He lived with his Grandma Mabel while attending Garfield County High School; during high school he was offered a scholarship to Montana State University to pursue electrical engineering, completing his bachelor’s and master’s degree. George married the love of his life, Celestine “Tina” Dutton, in 1974. Together they raised two boys, Justin and Eric, who grew up believing every problem had a schematic and every day required a newspaper and life lessons.
A lifelong electrical engineer, George spent 45 years solving complex problems across the country. He began his career at FMC in Idaho where he became certified as a Professional Engineer. Then he carried his expertise to DuPont facilities in Louisiana, West Virginia, and Texas, designing and maintaining instrumentation and control systems that kept massive industrial hearts beating safely and efficiently. Colleagues remember a man dedicated to his trade that never met a problem he could not solve. As President of the Southeast Texas chapter of the International Society of Automation, he mentored dozens of young engineers, always with a thermos of black coffee and his favorite refrain: “Have you read the manual yet?”.
Off the clock, George enjoyed the pageantry and camaraderie of the Krewe of Cesar, the Mardi Gras Krewe based in New Orleans, fly fishing, skiing, and camping. His garage smelled of solder flux, 10W-40, and his project car, a classic 1968 MGB, perpetually “one weekend away” from perfection. He taught his boys how to drive a stick shift in the “BEE”, and they learned fractions by helping him count degrees on a timing light as he dialed in 10° BTDC on the old Dodge van. Later in life, faith in Christ became very important and was a cornerstone for him in navigating through hardships. He would often remind those close to him, “In the end nothing really matters but your faith.”
George is preceded in death by his son Justin Robert, grandparents, parents, brothers Joseph Scott and Richard Brian. He is survived by his wife Celestine; son Eric and daughter in law Julie, and grandchildren Ian, Hazel, and Conor; brother John Bradley, mother-in-law Daisy, brother and sister-in-laws and generations of nieces, nephews, and their spouses.
A Celebration of George’s life will be held Friday, November 14th, 2025, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. & Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan, MT. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral service at the VFW Hall. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Steve Fork Cemetery in Sand Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Sand Springs Community Church or simply performing one small act of kindness. George Wheatcroft didn’t just keep the lights on; he made sure no one ever sat in the dark.
Service Schedule
Interment
2:00 p.m.
Friday November 14, 2025
Steve Fork Cemetery
Sand Springs, Montana 59077
Service Schedule
Interment
2:00 p.m.
Friday November 14, 2025
Steve Fork Cemetery
Sand Springs, Montana 59077
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Louise de Montigny says
Brad… My condolences for the loss of your brother. That’s a hard loss for sure.
melanie daspit says
Tina and family,
So very sorrow to hear about George. He was such a good man. Sending huge hugs and many prayers!!!
A Lots of love,
Melanie and Don Daspit
Lynn Anderson says
Tina,
My sincere condolences to you and your family with the passing of your beloved husband, George. May God cover you in peace and strength during this difficult time. You will be in my prayers.
Deb Currey Terrett says
Celeste and family,
I send warm thoughts and prayers for your heart. George was a very genuine person , even in High School! I remember his dry sense of humor and brilliant mind…teacher’s delight! Hold close to your love for each other and the memories made. May God Bless you with peace and comfort!
Patricia Washington says
Brad, what a wonderful brother you had in George.y condolences.
Tom Nelson says
Celeste and family we are sorry to hear about George our thoughts and prayers are with you Tom and Marie Nelson
Jerry Johnson says
I became friends with George at MSU in 1970. We took classes together and were roommates for more than a year. We fished, hiked, and camped then and many times since. George, Larry and I were sometimes accused of being brothers. My condolences to Tina and the family. I will always miss him. 😢
Tim & Cheri Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy to all of George’s family. May he rest in peace.
Tim & Cheri Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy to all of George’s family. May he rest in peace.
Brenda Bland says
Dearest Tina,
I remember George’s sly sense of humor. He enjoyed being a bit of a trickster. I know he loved his Tina. He is gone too soon for us, but the Lord’s plan says now. Love lives forever in our hearts. God’s blessings to you and family.
Lynda Johnston says
Dear Celeste,
I am heartbroken at your loss. I met George numerous times at the store and thought he was the best. My prayers are with you.
Love, Lynda Hill Johnston
Dana says
Tina my dear friend,
I am saddened to hear of Wheats passing. I reminisce of our almost daily walks at the park, his intellectual humor and his pride a joy yellow car I called it. I would always look for Wheats outside doing something as I would pass your old house even after you had moved. You both mean so much to me . Wheats will be solely missed. Praying for you and your family.
Your Texas friend Dana.
Sally Fitch Ness says
So very sorry for your loss. Many prayers to you in your time of loss.
Mary K Stimek says
Tina;
Our families have been intertwined since we all met in La Place. Both Chris & Kathy were deeply saddened and sent their love & condolences. The memories of Thanksgivings and Christmases spent together sharing good food and good times with ” Dr. Martini” taking care of drinks; of New Years Eve with the boys (and Kathy) blowing up fireworks while you and I and Rick and George sat on the back porch enjoying the show. (That was also in Pt. Neches). The Krewe of Caesar Balls and Parades…Rick and I are thankful to have known Wheatie ( who can forget when he stole the show at the Diamond Horseshoe Review in Disney World?) It’s hard to say “Bye Wheatie”, but we’ll always remember what a good freind and remarkable man he was. Eternal rest grant to him o Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Rick, Mary, Chris, Kathy and families.
Linda Wolff says
Celeste, I am so very sorry to hear of George’s passing. If you ever get through Miles City, please give me a call. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during g this very difficult time. It definitely is hard.
Brad sorry for your loss also.
Linda Wolff says
Celeste, so very sorry to hear of George’s passing. If you ever come through Miles City please give me a call. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is very hard to go through but just know you have many friends to help you through the journey.
Brad I am sorry for your loss also.
Jeff A Newton says
Celeste
I am so so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and Eric and the entire Wheatcroft family.