Heath’s Funeral Service may be watched below:
Heath Elmer Braunschweig, 48, left this world unexpectedly on Thursday, August 12, 2021, as the result of a devastating accident at work.
Heath was born in Cherokee, Iowa, to Paul and Jody (Selk) Braunschweig on October 6, 1972. Heath was the 13th grandchild in the Selk family and Grandpa Elmer’s namesake.
From the very beginning, Heath was a stubborn fella of few words, but he always had a smart-alack comment. On the first day of kindergarten, he came home from school and said, “Teacher said I don’t have to come back … because I already know everything!”
He spent his childhood years running around his parents’ farm, often with his cousin and partner-in-crime, Frank Heys. He had lots of wild stories from his youth — he had free rein of endless acres between his home and his grandparents,’ and he loved trapping, hunting, fishing, and riding three- and four-wheelers.
The CB radio was big on the farm in those days, and Heath’s handle was “King Kong.” If you can believe it, his mother used to call him “Shorty” — that is, until she had to crane her neck to look him in the eye. Then she just called him Heath.
He was very proud of his first truck, which he bought at 14 with the money he earned trapping raccoons and selling the hides. And yes, you better believe it was a Ford.
Heath graduated with the class of 1991 from Sioux Central in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, where he played football and baseball, sang in choir, and goofed around on stage with the drama club. He also played trumpet in the school band (Or was it trombone? We can’t remember — we’re just glad he gave it up!)
Heath refused to settle down and get married until he found the perfect woman. When he met Miss Kayla Parker, he knew she was the one. They married on August 14, 2010, at the Miles City Town and Country Club. Kayla, whom he teasingly referred to as “WOMAN!” was the love of Heath’s life, and he took great pleasure in giving her gifts — he always kept a running list of things he thought Kayla would like.
Heath and Kayla were blessed with 3 beautiful children: Hadley Louise, born April 24, 2010; Preston Paul, born August 19, 2011; and Chael Alan, born July 23, 2014.
For the past 18 years, Heath was dedicated to his work on the BNSF building and bridges crew; but when he wasn’t working, he loved golf, football, and working with his hands. He developed many hobbies and was good at whatever he picked up, whether it was woodworking or restoring old pedal tractors for his boys.
Of course, Heath’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his family. He shared so much with his sons — especially his love for the outdoors, his humor, and his enthusiasm for the Vikings and the Hawkeyes. His son Preston (9) loved to play and ride four-wheelers with his dad, and he was looking forward to his first hunting season with him this year. His son Chael (7) wants the world to know that his dad was a good man; he was big and strong, and he was Chael’s hero. Chael will miss wrestling with him and having his dad root for him at soccer games, but Kayla and the boys know Heath will be cheering himself hoarse from heaven.
Heath is survived by his wife Kayla; sons Preston and Chael; parents Paul and Jody Braunschweig of Miles City; sister Paula Braunschweig of Miles City; nieces Lynae and Ariella Reep; nephews Corbin, Keenan, and Weston Reep; in-laws Richard & DuAnn Parker, Tara Parker, and Amanda (Chinook) Reep. Heath leaves behind so many, many friends and family, and he had silly nicknames for every one of them. If you knew him, he probably had one for you, too.
Heath is preceded in death by his grandparents Smiley and Faye Braunschweig and Elmer and Mae Selk, as well as his baby daughter Hadley.
We will celebrate Heath’s life with a service at Grace Bible Church in Miles City on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City on Monday, August 16, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
For those wishing to honor Heath’s memory via a contribution, a memorials may be made to his family to be used for his children.
The family would like to thank everyone for surrounding them with the love of Jesus during this time. Heath is surely grinning ear-to-ear to see his family being so well-loved in his absence.
Scout out a good campsite for us up there, Heath — we can’t wait for our next adventure with you.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 16, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 17, 2021
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Amanda Gustad says
Kayla- love you and the boys so much. Thinking of you and Heath with Hadley. He was THE BEST DAD. Admired by all. Hugs, prayers, and more hugs.
Bernie and kay says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all love you.
Junior & Joni Fischer says
Kayla there are no words for this loss. We are praying for you and the boys daily. Heath was an amazing dad. Hadley and him will watch over us❤️
Linda and Bill Dolatta says
Kayla, and boys am very sorry , lots of love and prayers and hugs for you and Heath’s family
🙏🙏🙏💔
Birdie Selk says
To The Family
Ronnie and I was totally shocked on the death of Heath.
We send All family members our love, prayers, and may God give you Peace.
Ronnie and Birdie Selk
Art & Susan Tyler says
Kayla we was so sadden to here of Heaths passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you the family.
Larry Legerski says
Kayla
Larry Legerski here, just heard. No words are adequate, please accept my heartfelt thoughts of my friend your husband Heath.I ‘m the one that suffered a heart attack back in 2018 and Heath was there my wife told me and asked you to check on me THANK YOU and Thanks to Heath for his giving a care about me. I’m Sorry is not enough . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Ryan and Audra Sexton and family says
Kayla,
Our hearts and prayers are with Heath, you, and your handsome boys. There really are no words that can do justice for the wonderful man, father, and husband that Heath is. He will be greatly missed but will live on in you and the boys. The boys definitely carry his humor and spirit for life. He is up there snuggling Hadley now and will watch so closely over you. Our heart breaks for you three but will be here to help you whenever you need it. Love you guys so much!
Amanda R Malley says
Kayla…I am at a loss for words. I only met Heath a few times, and he was such a kind man. I am sending up prayers for you and the boys. I am always here for you, for anything.
Chuck & Mary Notbohm says
Jody, Paul, and family, we are sending our heartfelt prayers to all of you. May you know you have our deepest sympathy. If there is anything you need don’t hesitate to call.
Chuck & Mary
Levi Sutton says
Over the past few days I’ve been trying to process the phone call that I received about the news for my friend. I had the pleasure of working with Heath everyday for 4 years. I learned so much from him in our time together. Not just railroad but about life in general. How to be a good husband and a genuine human being. He was so unbelievably proud of the boys and the life that you and him had created. Words can’t even come close to how sorry I am for your loss Kayla. I now know I have someone up there looking out for me just like he did when he was here. My heart goes out to you and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing Heath
John Mueller says
Kayla and family, John Mueller here. You probably don’t know who I am but I worked with Heath for 4 years on the railroad. The news of Heath broke my heart, I cannot imagine what it feels like and words are not enough to say I am so so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. About the only thing I miss from the railroad is the people and Heath was one of them. We always got along great and I really enjoyed working with him and becoming friends with him, he was a great guy and will be missed.
Chris Birkle says
What can I say? What happened is beyond words. Heath was my Carpenter on the crew. I’ve worked with Heath off and on for several years. He was one of my favorite people on the railroad. I had the pleasure of being his Foreman for 2 months. I loved his dry wit and how he gave me grief in a funny way when I would suggest doing something stupid. He taught me so much with my short time with him. He was such an intelligent and talented railroader, a true mentor to me. I absolutely loved when he would talk about you and the children. If I were to ever start a family, I would think of him as my mentor of being a caring and loving father. I will miss him terribly and he will always be my mentor both on railroad and off. Kayla, I’m truly sorry beyond words. I was with Heath when the accident happened. My pain is but a drop in the ocean compared to yours, but please know I am available if details of what happened is ever something that would help you. I am here to help you and your family in whatever way I can. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Lori clark says
Sending you my love and condolences. Heath was a great man and father he will be greatly missed.
Angela Matthews says
Paul and Jodi. I was so sorry to hear of Heath”s passing. So many memories of when the boys were little and played together. My heart goes out to you and your family and am praying for you daily.
Kendra Wall says
Paul and Jody
We are so sorry for your loss! We wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers! Our hearts break for you all!
Derek and Kendra Wall
Loren Music says
One of the Greats
A family man, friend & great person!
A machine operator with no equal.
His children will be his sequel.
A born leader, funny character
& friend forever.
His spirit lives on,
So he will never be completely gone.
With deepest sympathy,
Loren Music
Shelley Hoschar says
Paul, Jody, Paula, Kayla and boys,
Wherever a beautiful soul has been…. there is always a trail of beautiful memories!!!!
Growing up with Paula and Heath, I have fond memories of him watching Viking football 🏈 , always helping his dad on the farm, fishing🎣 in South Dakota, us kids trying to drown gophers camping, swimming and walking beans…as adults we all went our separate ways, but technology did reconnected with glimpses of our adult lives and I truly loved seeing his posts on Facebook about the boys and his beautiful family!! My heart cannot even imagine the emotions y’all are going through, but I do believe in the power of prayer and God’s ability in time to heal….God Bless y’all and you ALL are in my prayers!! Love from Florida…Travis and Shelley Hoschar
Rick and Janet Meyer says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I am sending hugs and prayers. So sad for all of you. Wish we could be there but I have jury duty.Love and Prayers.
Tom & Kathy Strub says
Jody, Paul and family, our hearts ache for you. So sorry may God comfort you with your memories. Hug those cute grandsons tight. Please let me know if we can help in anyway.
Ralph & Marge Warkentin says
Jody, Paul, and family -❤ Kayla & boys –
We were so sorry to hear of Heath’s passing.
All of you are in our prayers and in our thoughts.
May the Lord bless you with His comfort, strength,
and peace. May His love surround you.
Tamara Hurd says
Dearest Kayla
Our Hearts are so broken for You and yours..You were so Blessed to have such a Wonderful Friend,Husband and Father for your boys..
We dont always know Gods plan but we do know Heath is in his arms and Hadley was there to greet him..
You are in Our Thoughts and Prayers and We Love you..
We are always here if you need us
Love Aunt Tammy,Jerad,Justin
And Shaylynn
Karissa Rea says
Kayla and family, I am incredibly sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of immense grief and heartache.
Lynn McDaniel Petersen says
Paul and Jodi, I was so sorry to hear about Hearth’s untimely death. May the good Lord comfort and give you peace. Lynn McDaniel Petersen
Lynn McDaniel Petersen says
Paul and Jodi, I was so sorry to hear about Heath’s untimely death. May the good Lord comfort and give you peace. Lynn McDaniel Petersen
Jesse Lee says
Kayla and family,
I had the honor to be on a crew with Heath for 4 years. He talked about you and the kids constantly and he was so proud to be a father and husband to you! He truly is the staple of what a husband and a father should be. I can only hope to take what I learned from him and associate that in my own life to be a better person moving forward. I’ll miss his laugh and his witty comments towards me, but I will never forget them. His stories were unmatched and I loved hearing all of them! Sorry isn’t enough and words won’t heal pain but just know that he loved you guys so much and we loved him! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I’m so sorry.
Lori Donnelly says
Kayla, Preston, and Chael,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. I am at a loss for words as to what to say, but know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories and the great times you had with him. May God be with you and help you through this most difficult time.
Brad Denney says
Dear Kayla, Preston, and Chael,
Working here in Fort Worth for BNSF, I never had the pleasure to actually meet Heath. Being from Montana, I’m sure he experienced God’s country in the way it should have been seen. It’s heaven up there… I think Montana must be a replica of the beauty we will one day get to see when we return to the Father. I am so, so sorry for the early tragic end to a wonderful husband, father, and friend’s earthly life. Nothing can be said to help ease your pain or make things better. Please be aware that as with me, there are many, many other folks in the world praying with and for your family. With all sincerity, I’m so sorry for y’all losing this wonderful husband, father, and friend.
M says
I work for BNSF, and while I didn’t personally know Heath, I am very sad to hear of his passing. Our company is morning his tragic loss. He sure seems like a wonderful man, husband and father. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, especially his wife and 3 children. Praying for peace that surpasses understanding
Marvin Sommerfeld says
Many prayers for your family.
Marcia Taylor says
Jody, Paul, and family, I am so very sad to hear of the news of Heath’s passing. Losing a son is one of the hardest things to bear on this earth, keep your faith and I pray God will surround your family in comfort and love!
Bill and Sue Mattson says
Jody. Paul, and family,
Our most sincere sympathy to you at this tragic time. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tayvee Steen says
Kayla, my heart goes out to you and your kids. Please let me know if I can do anything. God bless you all during this time and the weeks and years after, and may he wrap his arms around you and carry you through.
Jean Jones says
Kayla and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Reach out if I can ever do anything for you. Many prayers
May God Bless you with his love and grace and wrap you with his presence.
Jean Jones
RONNIE AND BIRDIE SELK says
Kayla,
We are awake here in Texas praying with our friends for you, boys, and the family.
We sung the song It Is Well With My Soul in our Sunday School class this past Sunday.
God has Heath now and we must know He is at peace and wrapped in His arms.
We will continue to pray for you and the boys.
Have the faith and He will restore your soul—our love to you and all the family.
Ronnie and Birdie Selk
Marcia Scheider Eisenbraun says
I remember the farm and the boy running full out all day every day. He was destined to be a man with many loves and passions with countless friends because of his peaceful presence in this world! I am grateful to have called him family and to have watched from a distance as he grew into a man any family would be happy to call theirs! My heart hurts for Kayla, Preston, Chael, Jody, Paul and Paula as I know they will miss the physical presence, but I praise God for giving them so many wonderful moments full of shared love and filled with precious memories. Heath will watch over you all as he and God help you through the soul-wrenching grief to finding peace in moments and days ahead. Love you all and pray with you today and always! Marci
Tristy Bond says
Thoughts and prayers out to you all!
Dustin Drzycimski says
So sorry to hear of your loss. You have been in our thoughts. My memories of him span from riding the bus with Heath and Jason as a kindergartener to him entrusting me with his very energetic German shorthair “Rambo”.
Angie & Al Wadsley says
Jodi and Paul, our hearts ache with the news of Heath’s death. Our thoughts & prayers are with you as you deal with this hard grief. God hold you up and guide you.
Vicki says
You will always be here with me.
Jessica Toft says
Paul, Jody, Paula, and Heath’s family,
We are so sorry to hear about Heath. Love the pictures of him as a boy when we knew him on the farm and the wonderful and touching ones of him as he grew up and as a loving father. Sending you our thoughts and support during this difficult time. Jessica, Eric, Evan, and Phillip Toft