On August 8, 2025, Jeffrey Earl Wallace (51 years old) passed away peacefully after 8 p.m., just 8 years and 8 days after surviving a farming accident against all odds on July 30, 2017. He was surrounded by family and caregivers on the family farm located 10 miles west of Terry, Montana.
All who are familiar with Jeff know how he triumphed through his last 8 years and 8 days. His tenacious spirit drove him to persevere through each day so that we would not have to say goodbye. Nothing in life is a coincidence. The number 8 gives us reassurance that he has a new beginning with eternal life.
Jeff was born in Miles City, Montana on February 15, 1974. He spent his formative years on the family farm and graduated from Terry High School with the class of 1992.
Jeff had a lifelong passion for farming. He started driving tractors at the age of ten and never stopped. He worked alongside his dad, Harold, for the rest of his life, cultivating common crops such as corn, alfalfa, and winter wheat. For 27 years, they also grew sugar beets. Jeff’s extensive knowledge of sugar beets inspired an interesting conversation that led to the song “Sugar Beets” by the band El Wencho.
In 2005, after a close family friend, Walter Jenny, passed away, Jeff began leasing the Jenny farm until 2018. In 2024, eager to expand his farming operations once again, Jeff partnered with his friend Craig Averett to purchase a neighboring farm.
In addition to farming, Jeff had a passion for motocross. He enjoyed riding on the motocross track he built on the family farm. His extensive knowledge and love for the sport inspired Jeff, along with a group of friends, to start Prairie County Motocross Association. Through the PCMA, they gave riders of all skill levels the opportunity to experience motocross competition in a safe environment. Jeff served as the key track coordinator ensuring that all track aspects were safe, yet challenging. He wanted everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of motocross.
In his last years, with the help of various caregivers, Jeff began to get his spark back. He enjoyed riding the side by side around the farm, spraying weeds, visiting the local legion, watching the seasonal river changes, and exploring neighboring farms and feedlots.
His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him for the way he lived his life and for the profound impact his life had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Jeff is survived by his parents, Harold and Janice Wallace, sister, Heather Bunkers (Matthew Bunkers) of Rapid City, South Dakota, three nieces and one great-niece that he thought the world of, Madalyn Matusiak (Ryan Matusiak) of Rapid City, South Dakota, Monique Berg (Matthew Berg) and great-niece Lena Berg of Volga, South Dakota, and Maria Bunkers of Rapid City, South Dakota. He also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him.
In addition, Jeff leaves behind his beloved caregivers Jaime Hall, Noell Martinson, Kaylee Coker, Pam Lassle, and several others who were so much more than caregivers. They are an extended part of our family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Bertha Pisk and Earl and Magdalena Wallace, his uncle Mike Pisk, godmother and aunt Judy Ulrich, and beloved cousin Taylor Pisk.
Family will receive friends on Monday, August 18, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. A reception will be held at the First Lutheran Church immediately following the funeral service. Interment will be held at a later date in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie County Rural Fire, Prairie County Hospital or Prairie County Ambulance.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 18, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 19, 2025
First Lutheral Church
512 Cale Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Tuesday August 19, 2025
First Lutheral Church
512 Cale Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 18, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 19, 2025
First Lutheral Church
512 Cale Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Tuesday August 19, 2025
First Lutheral Church
512 Cale Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Carolyn Kimball says
Harold and Janice, there are no words for this loss. Peace and comfort will flow your way from all who loved Jeff.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
We are saddened by the news of Jeff passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy sprandel says
Our thoughts and condolences to all of the family. We know how much he will be missed. May God bless all of you and may your Memories keep your love for him alive❤️
Ray and judy Sprandel and family
Ron and Connie Watts says
Our hearts are breaking for all of Jeff’s family and friends. God bless and keep you all
Michele Steyh says
Heather, Janice and Harold, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.🙏
Andrea Miller says
So sorry for your loss of Jeff. Your in my prayers.
Erika Marmon says
I’m so sorry to hear about Jeff passing. He was an amazing guy with a heart of gold and great sense of humor. I’m thankful to have known him. My heart goes out to all of his friends and family. 😔💔
Charlie Roos says
My condolences to the Wallace family. Jeff was a good friend when we were young and I wish we would have kept in touch – I wish nothing but the best for his family.
Andrea Miller says
So sorry for your loss of Jeffrey Wallace your and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jane Smith says
Condolences to Jeff’s family and friends. I never met Jeff in person, but knew him through my granddaughter, Jaime.
Jaime would tell me about her and Jeff’s day on the ranch, riding around and visiting the cows and just enjoying God’s beautiful landscape. When she called me to tell me of Jeff’s passing, I was outside mending fence. Her tears made my tears flow like falling rain. We cried together. In trying to ease her pain and sadness , I told her there was a rejoicing in heaven and that Jeff had a new body and that he was able to run and jump, and she said “no grandma, he’s driving a tractor and riding a dirt bike.” Jeff has left a loving impression on everyone that knew him. RIP Jeff.
Lloyd and Janeen Schmidt says
So sad about the passing of Jeff. We are thinking of you and your family.
Toni Kalfell says
Harold and Jan:
So very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. May the many beautiful memories help heal your broken heart. My sincere
condolences and thoughts to all of Jeff’s family and many friends. He was a great guy.
Jennifer Lesh says
Marvin Karen and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynn Anderson says
My heart breaks for the entire Wallace family. There are no perfect words for this kind of loss. I know how much Jeff meant to all of you and the deep bond you shared. I have so many wonderful childhood memories out at the farm with Heather, Jeff and Janice and Harold. Jeff had a kind, fun-loving spirit about him and I feel lucky to have known Jeff. It’s hard to know what to say in moments like this, but please know I am grieving with you. I’ll be keeping you all in my heart and prayers.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Harold, Janice and Families
I am so very sorry for your loss of your Jeff. He always had a smile on his face and quite a sensor of humor that made you laugh. God has gained an Amazing Young Man that not only had knowledge of planting and growing great crops and being a mechanic on the Farm to having fun on the side with family and friends. He will be truly missed by All who knew and loved him. Always remember “When A Loved Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasurer”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasurer your memories as they will help get you thru difficult days ahead. My Thoughts, Love, Hugs and Prayers to you all.
Tamara Choat says
Also, now I have the “Sugar Beet” song stuck in my head, lol!
Warren & Rashell Scheeler says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff’s family and friends.
Warren will miss the talks with Jeff after working on the fields. He enjoyed Jeff’s conversations.
Aletta Shannon says
Thinking of you and family and sending hugs and prayers!
Lucy Martin says
I am so sorry for your loss. During our childhood, Jeff’s kindness and reassurance were a source of comfort through the joys and trials of growing up. He had a rare gift for truly seeing people, and it was an honor to grow up alongside him.
Larry and Judy Jens says
Larry and I send our condolences to Jeff’s family and caregivers. We know it’s been a tough eight years, but what a blessing to everyone to see Jeff enjoying farm life again. Jeff was such a likable kid when I subbed at school. He was often dreaming of farming when he should have been doing his work, but I always knew he was going to be a great farmer; academia was not going to be his ticket. And he did become a great farmer. I’m glad he reached that goal and enjoyed his career like he did. Jeff will not soon be forgotten.
Sarah Pisk says
Older cousins are a special kind of magic. No one is cooler or more interesting when you’re young. I have many older cousins (and no offense to them) but Jeff was the coolest of them all. He rode dirt bikes over jumps so high I would swear he was flying, took us in the beet truck listening to music that immediately became cool by association, and could always be counted on to make a family gathering more fun. He took me for a ride on his bike one day when I was little, and went over what was a tiny jump for him, and I will never forget it. The feeling of flying through the air and knowing we’d land just fine. “Just don’t tell your mom for a few years” he said before we went back in the house. When I was small, I idolized him. As I grew up, I could always count on Jeff for a shared understanding in any situation. We’d lock eyes across the family dinner table, smirking at something we both thought was funny, but knew better than to say out loud. When I passed the bar exam, I came home to relax for a few days. We sat in our backyard, and Jeff pulled up on his bike in the alley to visit for a few hours. The next day, his accident changed the rest of his life. In the ICU at Swedish, I cried with relief when we could communicate again and I begged him not to give up. I told him that I had always thought he was invincible and no one was ready to lose him, so he had to fight. He mouthed that he wasn’t sure if he could. I told him he was a badass and I loved him so he didn’t have a choice. And my cousin was a badass, and he fought like hell. He overcame challenges and underwent procedures he hated. None of the last eight years of his was easy, but I know he did fight to stay with everyone who loved him. Now, I know he’s free. I will miss his sense of humor. We will all miss our family historian (because no one else can remember when anything with confidence or accuracy). Jeff could always be counted on to remember the specific date or year of just about anything. I am grateful for all my memories with Jeff, and even more grateful that he fought to stay with us long enough to meet my kids and share one last bunny cake with me.
I Farmed The Land
by Earl Smithson
I farmed the land,
I tramped the wood,
These are the things
I understood.
No grand schemes,
They passed me by.
I knew the brook,
The hills, the sky.
To hunt a bird,
To wet a line,
Gifts from God,
So good and fine.
Friend and kin,
I loved them so;
Although I’m gone,
I’m sure they know,
I’m now at peace,
Life battle’s done,
I’ve faced the foe
And I have won.
Sending all my love and remembering Jeff for everything he was to all of us.
Jason & Andrea says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Harold and Janice. Jeff will be dearly missed along with all our deer and turkey conversations.
Michele (Hess) Sanders says
I remember babysitting Jeff so many years ago!! He was a wonderful kid then, and I know he grew into a wonderful man. May God give you peace and comfort during the difficult time. Jeff is now watching over all of his family, care givers, and loved ones.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Dear Harold,Janice,and family. Our hearts break for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy at your loss. You were both wonderful parents and Jeff will some day meet with you again. RIP Jeff