Jerry L. Eve, 77, of Forsyth passed away on July 15, 2012 at Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, MT.
Jerry was born September 4, 1934 on the family farm at Big Sandy, MT, the son of Frank and Grace (Geyer) Eve. Jerry attended Grade School at Lonesome Lake School, and later graduated from Big Sandy High School. Following graduation he attended the College of Great Falls for two years studying business.
While attending college Jerry met the love of his life Patricia Light. They married on August 24, 1957 in Great Falls. Jerry and Patricia lived at Big Sandy for five years where they started their family. He worked on his uncle Ernie Geyer’s farm, honing his farming skills which was his real passion in life. They then moved to Havre to farm for Mrs. FJ Nichols for just two years. The family moved on to Buffalo, MT in 1964 to farm and ranch for Ralph Lee for six years. This was when his love of snowmobiles was born; his first snowmobile being a 1968 Scorpion.
They moved to the Hobson community in 1970 when Jerry went to work at the Yogo Sapphire Mine. This was a cherished time for Jerry as he was able to spend many weekends camping and snowmobiling with the family in the mountains of Central Montana. In 1973 he leased the Fred Brading cattle ranch west of Hobson at Philbrook. He saw this as an opportunity and put all of his energy into it, while still working at the mine. During these years the family was involved in many activities including square dancing, the fair, 4-H, FFA, camping, snowmobiling and school sports. A deep connection with the community was forged.
While at Hobson, Jerry was afforded the great opportunity to manage farms for DuBeau Nessan Farms of Billings. In 1980 a move to Forsyth was necessitated in order to oversee more than 30,000 acres of farm ground between Hobson, Forsyth, Angela and Livingston. He enjoyed the large-scale farming operation, the chase, the adrenaline rush of accomplishment and a job well done. DuBeau Nessan Farms ceased operations in 1984 succumbing to high interest rates, high gas prices and drought, forcing Jerry to buy his own business in 1985. He bought Big Sky Service from Warren Becker, going on to successfully operate a full-service gas station, car wash, automotive service and tire sales business for 25 years. During this time he also purchased the Kwiki Car Wash from Charlie Harris.
Jerry thoroughly enjoyed Forsyth and Southeastern Montana. Jerry and Pat enjoyed countless long drives discovering and admiring the diversity of the people and the region. Many friends were made.
In the early 90’s his love of snowmobiling became more pronounced through buying, selling and collecting vintage snowmobiles. He thoroughly enjoyed the hunt to find the next sled, and most of all, the lifelong friendships he made with other snowmobile enthusiasts throughout the country, especially Minnesota. He was proud to count among his friends Edgar Hetteen (founder of Polaris and Arctic Cat snowmobiles) and Richard Harrison (founder of Scorpion snowmobiles). He was a longtime member of the Vintage Snowmobile Club of America (VSCOA). He remained passionately involved in this hobby-turned-business up until the time of his passing.
Jerry was extremely proud of his entire family. He worked hard to support his family and instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Fond memories were made while working hard and playing hard.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Grace (Geyer), and brothers Nick and Dave.
Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Patricia, his siblings, Francis Hughes of Hamilton, MT and Alice Ennist of Tampa, FL. His children Joe Eve (Karen) of Idaho Falls, ID, Janet Ridgeway (Kent) of Stanford, MT, Darrell Eve (Char) of Bozeman, MT and Diane Eve (Michael Southworth) of Spokane, WA. Jerry’s Grandchildren, Melissa, Gary, Jennifer and Jeff and his Great-Grandchildren, Lyla, Brooklin, Gage and Addyson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:
The Rosebud Foundation, PO Box 500, Forsyth, MT 59327
Family will be receiving friends on Thursday July 19, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Stevenson’s and Son’s Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Friday July 20, 2012 at Stevenson’s and Son’s Funeral Home in Forsyth. Interment will take place at the Philbrook Cemetery at a later date.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Friday July 20, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Friday July 20, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Pat & Bob Corbin says
Pat and family, I was so sadened to see Jerry’s had passed away, I knew it wasn’t good with him. So sorry may he rest in peace now that he is not in pain or sick any longer. Bless all of you.
Marlen and Paula Eve says
Aunt Pat and family,
So sorry to hear of Uncle Jerry’s passing. I have so many memories of summer trips to visit you all, snowmobiling, county fair .. He will be missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers! Love, Marlen and Paula Eve and family.
Holly Negaard says
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am.
Brandi Linhart-Goodman says
I have wonderful and treasured childhood memories that include you family!! I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
mark cerovski says
A few years ago, I was thrilled to meet Jerry and bought a running sled to be a parts machine for the two Polaris 295 colts that I have, I enjoyed his conversation and his vast knowledge of the sport. I will remember jerry (King of the snowmobiles) and my thoughts are with the family.
Frank Sadlon says
I’m really glad I spent some quality time with Jerry a few weeks ago.
I will miss you my old sled friend ……
Sonja Crocker says
Pat and family…sorry for your loss. Prayers for each of you.
Gary Koska says
Not a nicer guy around, Jerry was. From buying / selling / or just getting some needed information on Antique Snowmobiles,Jerry was always a pleasure to talk to.
Gary Koska Cold Spring, Minn
Antique Snowmobile Club of America
dorinda bass says
Just wanted you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers during your loss.
Colie and Dorinda Bass
Vicky Couch
John and Ardys Couch
Mark & Doris Pinkerton says
Mark and I are very sorry for your loss. We feel very fortunate to have known Jerry, our thoughts are with you.
Cathy Byron says
Jerry’s smile and get ‘er done approach to life always impressed me. He was so kind to help our relatives who blew out a snowmobile trailer axle (or something kind of important) on a trip to Cooke City one winter. His presence will be missed in our community. My heart and prayers are with you.
Virgil & Waneeta Farris says
Pat & Family
We were saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Daniel L. Jensen says
My condolences to the Eve family. Even tho’ I only knew Jerry through our phone conversations,his knowledge of many subjects was quite extensive.We would talk about anything & everything,but my love like his,was vintage snowmobiles;especially Rupps.He had some very nice sleds.His smiling face & willingness to give out information was very much appreciated by everyone whom he came in contact with.RIP Jerry.
John Zeglin says
The Vintage Snowmobile Hobby lost one of its good guys with Jerry’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all of us. A trip out west will never be the same without our mandatory stop to see Jerry and our Waconia Ride-In just won’t seem right with out him.
John Zeglin, Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows
Lee Kasper says
Pat & Family:
So very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Having known Jerry for a number of years as a fellow antique & vintage snowmobile enthusiast and what a GREAT person he was, I know he was and meant double-that to his family! The snowmobiling world has lost a wonderful friend. Pat and family, you have our sincerest sympathy; our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Lee & Marlene Kasper, Minnesota
Jerome Rusdal says
He was truly a good guy I would love to be more like him!
Kevin Lehse says
My heart felt condolences go out to Jerry’s Family, I am so glad to have known him over the years, always looked forward to seeing him and his family, every year at the sled shows and Rollag, we shared many great stories together and time spent walking the swap meets trying to find the good stuff.I will miss him but will have lots of great memory’s to hold on too. Thanks Jerry.
Harlon says
I am sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing, I meet Jerry one afternoon in Forsyth we got snowed in on are way back from West Yellow Stone and ended up staying at the motel next door to Jerry’s shop as we went for a walk up town. accros the parking lot we saw some old sleds in the back, we went on over to check them out and before you know it we met Jerry. We stood around for a little while talking and Jerry had to go so we said good bye and went on about our walk up town . Having mothing better to do we walked into a saloon sat down had a beer or two and wouldent you know it Jerry come and found us sat down and we had a great talk about old snowmobiles and the area. From that time on I talked with Jerry off and on via telaphone with questions about old sleds and looking for a part or two from time to time. What a great man he will be truley missed RIP Jerry The Iron Hub Bog Busters, Iron Hub Minnesota
Jim and Sue Sailer says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know he is snowmobiling in heaven.
gord pare says
i will miss him ,he always had some new sled to show me every time i stopped in .
Cheryl Pewitt Roberts says
Pat, Joe, Janet, Darrell, & Diane,
sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was a neat guy. I remember learning to square dance with him and spending time at your home in Hobson doing 4-H projects. He will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathy to your families.
Jerry & Cheryl Roberts,
Jessica & Kassidy
Larajean, Chelsea & Justin Wiese
CentraSota says
Jerry was a great guy who helped our club so much he was always there when we needed him even though we weren’t in the same state. We loved to see him at so many different shows. He will always hold our a place in our hearts and memories
Wayne and Cindy Kuster says
We were deeply saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. God Bless his entire family. He was a great vintage snowmobile enthusiast and that is how we met him. We are proud to have purchased a vintage snowmobile from him and own an arctic cat 1000 that he and his son restored. His presence will be greatly missed at future snowmobile shows.
Glen Johnson says
I frequented conversations with Jerry once or twice a year for the past ten years. What a great guy he was. Never a bad word to say about anyone or anything. We all lost an awesome person & a great teammate on the sledding team. My condolences Glen Johnson Moorhead, Mn.
Dave and Loralee Emme says
Thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace
Robin McDevitt says
I just heard of Jerrys death today. Pat, I am so sorry for your loss along with the loss to the community of Forsyth. One of the people I looked forward to seeing on my return to Forsyth was Jerry. He always was a positive person in my life and always encouraged me to make the most of myself. I have told many of my new friends in MO of the great machines that Jerry collected and I have thought of both of you often. I hope that the community of Forsyth realizes what a fount of knoweledge they have lost. May your God be with you in all of your times of need.