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

Gerome Wemmer, age 72, of Hillside, MT

October 26, 1948 – September 20, 2021

Gerome Henry Wemmer was born October 26, 1948, the first son of Gottlieb and Ruth (Volkert) Wemmer.  He joined three half siblings, Marty, Joan and Carol, and was followed shortly after by brothers, Dave and Robert, and sisters, Ruthann and Pearl.

As a youngster, as later in life, he was concerned with precision in all he did, even practicing his words and sentences silently to make sure he had them right before sharing them with the family.  Gerome attended grade school near the family homestead at Hillside, proud of walking up hill both ways.  The family later moved to Miles City, where he attended and graduated from Custer County High School.  He then graduated from Miles Community College, before going to Montana State University in Bozeman, working towards a degree in engineering.

In the early 1970s, Dad made the decision to leave school and return to the family homestead, to take up working the ranch.  In order to make some extra spending money, he started his own fencing company, building many miles of fence in the Pine Hills, south of Miles City, and at the ranch.  He was still proud of the fences that were still standing and tight after all these years.

In January of 1979, Gerome met his future bride, Rita Hansard, in Jordan, MT.  They started dancing that night and continued through the years, getting married on July 3, 1979.  To this union three children were born, Karen, Andy and Austen.

Dad was always proud of the accomplishments of his kids, holding them to the standards of education that he continued outside of the classroom.  Through the years, he shared that education with his kids, their friends, and all his nieces and nephews.  We all learned that if you’re going to do a job, do it right.  All those kids can tell stories of Dads outlook on life, his quick wit and dry sense of humor.  Over the years, the ones he loved sharing the jokes and stories with the most were his brother, Dave, and lifelong friend, Randy Bickel.  They never ran out of joy trying to upstage or outdo one another.  Dave managed to get the last word in last winter, and Dad got it this time, without saying a word.

A lifelong member of the Montana Woolgrowers Association, Gerome was proud of the Targhee cross sheep that he raised.  He worked hard to maintain a strong commercial flock of sheep.  In his later years, he also ran a few head of cows.  He was proud of his shiny Red Angus cows, and even prouder of the fact that he could re-register the brands of his parents and grandparents that were originally registered in the early 1920s.  Livestock and the ranch were his livelihood, and he celebrated his hard work keeping the homestead going for more than 100 years in 2015, celebrating with family and friends in the neighborhood.

Husband or Father, the title he was most proud of was Grampa.  Collin Henry first, and then Rylee Joanne, and the new baby Wemmer coming in October.  Over the last month, his happiest moments were getting to video chat with Rylee, and he looked forward to it every day.

Gerome is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rita, children Karen (Shane), Andy (Katie), and Austen (Katie), and grandchildren Collin and Rylee.  He is also survived by siblings, Joan Putnam, Robert Wemmer, Ruthann Higbee Stewart, and Pearl Billing, in-laws, Bonnie Wemmer, Bob (Linda) Bell, Connie (Ed) Kinsey, Dan (Deanna) Hansard, Shawn (Anne) Hansard, Shane (Kira) Hansard.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and adopted daughter, Christie (Kevin) Boschee.

Gerome was preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb and Ruth, in-laws, Homer and Mary Hansard, brothers, Marty and Dave, sister Carol, brothers-in-law, Randy Billing, Don Higbee, Ray Stewart, Gene Bell, and sister-in-law, Betty Jo DuBois.

A visitation with family receiving friends will be held on September 24, 2021 from 4-6 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, with a gathering to follow at the Bison Bar.  Cremation will take place following the services.  Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday September 24, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

1:00 p.m.

Saturday September 25, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday September 24, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

1:00 p.m.

Saturday September 25, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

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

  1. Rita and Family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Gerome. May God wrap his arms around each and everyone of you to help you thru the tough times. Remember all the good times and laughter, he was a wonderful man. Prayers and hugs to you all.

  3. Rita n family sending my condolences, prayers and love, remember all the great memories and fun together. Remember to take 1 day at a time and there is always tomorrow.

  5. Oh, no, Rita!!!! I am so, so sorry! May Jesus wrap his comforting arms around you!!!!!

  6. Rita and family, so very sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories. God Bless you all .

  10. Rita and all of Jerome’s family – my deepest condolences to all of you – he was such a nice guy and truly liked by so many who knew him. May all your good and special memories be a blessing to you at this difficult time.

  11. So sorry to hear of Geromes passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family. God Bless to all!

  12. Our most heartfelt condolences with all as we hold each of you in our hearts and prayers. May your many memories be a comfort to you and may our Lord walk with each of you.

  13. Oh my dear Rita,

    I’m so very sorry for the loss of Gerome. I hope you feel the arms of myself and my girls wrapped around you in this difficult time. We love you so much and thought the world of Gerome. 💔

  17. My deepest condolences to you Rita and your family. Know what a glorious place he is now in, and no longer suffering. DEATH leaves a heartache that no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal. Prayers for comfort for you all. You need someone to talk to, please reach out…. I do understand how you feel!!!!

  19. We are so very sorry for the loss Karen and Shane. Sending love ad prayers Julie and Lee

  20. God Bless you and your family, Rita. We are so sorry this has happened. May you be comforted by the memories over the years and hang on to each other for comfort.

  21. We are so sorry to hear of Gerome’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to your entire family. Cherish the precious memories. Prayers for you all at this very difficult time.

  24. Rita and family we are so sorry for your loss. All of our hugs and prayers are with you.

  26. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Gerome was a very special guy. We always got such a kick out of visiting with him. Can never be replaced but will always be remembered.

  27. Rita and family,

    I am so sorry for your loss! Prayers to you all! I haven’t seen Gerome for years, but coming to your home was always a wonderful experience.

  28. Rita, Karen, Andy and Austin and families. I am so sorry to hear of Gerome passing. What a shock. There is really nothing anyone can say to make the hurt go away. I just want you to know I am thinking of you all and my prayers go out to you all !

  30. Rita and family,, I am so very sorry for
    Your loss,,,May the Lord give you comfort during these difficult times!

  32. Rita, Karen, Andy & Austen & families,
    I wish there was something more I could say than I already have. I wish my words make things better for each one of you, but they won’t. My prayers for you to find comfort and peace now and in the sad times ahead.
    Gerome was such a great person. I always admired your marriage and the show of love and humor. Please reach out when you’re ready. You have so much great support. Hugs to you all.

  33. Rita and family…
    I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one, Gerome. May God Bless you with comfort and piece in the days ahead!

  36. Rita, Karen, Andy, & Austen,
    I am so sorry for the loss of Gerome. I always enjoyed running into him and his friendly hellos. My prayers to you all.

  37. Rita, Karen, Andy and Austen,

    We are so very sorry for your loss and are holding you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Trevor, Amber, Aubrey and Teddy Smith

  38. Sending Condolences and Prayers to Rita and Family Wre are so sorry for your Loss .May you find Comfort in all of your Memories and Gods Love May God Bless all of you

  39. Rita and Family- our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this time of loss! May God hold you all in his arms and remember the good times!

  40. RITA and family,
    Just a note to send our thoughts and condolences at this time. To remember the fond memories of your friendship those first years we were in Billings and the Miles City church area. Time goes by and memories become fonder and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. From Irene Knowlen and the family.

  41. I met him working on the Jordan highway. We were talking about family and all the people we knew in common, and he said Garfield county doesn’t have a tree, it has a wreath. Still makes me laugh 16 years later. Nice man.

  42. Rita, Karen, Andy and Austen, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time. He fought a good fight the last couple months but the good Lord needed a great sheep man to tend to his flock. Hold your memories close in your hearts, share your wonderful stories, and keep each other close, it will help you through the hard days ahead. Love and hugs – Muff

  43. Rita, and Family.
    Charlie and I are so sorry for your loss. We hope your memories of the wonderful stories will give you comfort in the coming days,
    and your friends will give you strength. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

  45. Rita and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear about Gerome. My sincerest sympathy as you mourn your loss.

    God Bless you all,
    Diane

  48. I was saddened, by the loss of your amazing husband, father and friend. I wish that I could have been there for you, but I was on covid preconceptions. When I found out I was so sad. My friend I pray that you find comfort In the loving family you and Gerome created.
    May Gerome eat all the cookies in heaven his heart desires. Love always Roberta Moser my favorite room to visit was your

  49. To the Gerome Wemmer family. Our condolences to you all. Gerome was a favorite friend during our time in Miles City, Montana. We enjoyed his wit, patience and he was a man never to judge his neighbor or friends harshly. We enjoyed the opportunities to share sheep shearing and lambing. Gerome truly lived out his faith in word and deed. We look forward to again see him in the future. May our Lord dry the tears of his loved ones, as they move on in their fond memories of Gerome. Thank you for allowing us to share in this time with your family. We will keep you in our prayers.

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