Justin Daniel Rehard, 42, of Colstrip MT, passed away peacefully after his heart gave out Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, at home with his champion (his mom) and best friend (his dad). Life was not easy for Justin. Medical challenges reared their ugly heads before he was one year old and pursued him his entire life. Despite the unending difficulties he faced, he exhibited bravery and was never one to complain.
Justin was born June 3, 1981. Joining a family with a mom, a dad, and a big sister, he made that family complete. Family was always important to Justin, his parents loved and cared for him. His sister, Brandi, was his fierce protector, and his granny, LaVerna carried him particularly close to her heart. Additionally, he was part of a cadre of cousins where life was never boring. When the greater family got together, whether in Luther, Red Lodge, or Billings, special memories were created. A trip (And trust me, it was a trip.) to Disney World in 1996 with his Auntie Cheryl, Uncle Alan, his sister, and four cousins convinced him more than ever that there was no place like home.
In 1998, Justin and his dad won a Montana state bowling tournament. For the second time in his life, he found himself in Florida, this time competing, along with his dad, at the national level. Together, they loved to fish, play horseshoes, watch football, and root for the Forty Niners and Grizzles. Justin was less successful, however, in convincing his dad to play all the new video games he had mastered.
Justin graduated from Colstrip High School in 2000. After graduation, he earned a welding and metal fabrication degree at the College of Technology (now City College) of MSU Billings. He spent some time living in Bremerton, Washington with his sister, Brandi and her husband, Steve. It was nice, but it wasn’t long before he followed his heart back to Montana. He moved to Billings, and for a time, worked for Sodexo, the food service provider at Billings Clinic. While working there, he always had a smile or joke for his co-workers and the patients he served. Unfortunately, it was during this time that Justin developed additional health issues. He was blessed to have a mom who dropped everything and moved to the big city to support him in his recovery. In 2018, having gotten more or less back on his feet, they returned to Colstrip where he lived out the final years of his life. Back home, he spent his time among other things, refurbishing old Tonka Trucks and being the best Papa, he could for his beloved cat, Sammie (AKA Mo-me).
Justin is survived by his mom, Terri, his dad, Dan, both of Colstrip Montana, his sister, Brandi (Steve) Cowan, their son and Justin’s only nephew, Johnny, of Jacksonville, Florida, and his niece, Lydia, of Washington State. Additionally, he is survived by his grandmother, Patsy Rehard of Luther. MT, his aunts, uncles, cousins, and multiple friends. He was preceded in death by his Grandpa, Ralph Rehard of Luther, and his maternal grandparents, Richard and Laverna Pilati of Red Lodge.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and army of specialists at Billings Clinic who cared for him his entire life. A celebration of Justin’s life is planned for October 7, 2023, at the Pilati Ranch in Red Lodge.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 PM
Saturday October 7, 2023
Red Lodge Fairgrounds
96 Rodeo Road
Red Lodge, Montana 59068
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 PM
Saturday October 7, 2023
Red Lodge Fairgrounds
96 Rodeo Road
Red Lodge, Montana 59068
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Corrie Barrett says
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May family and friends comfort you, and loving memories to heal your heart.
Sue and and Duane Allred says
Thoughts and prayers for the Rehard family.
Justin is now at peace!
Tracy Spang says
Justin and I graduated together. He was a good friend of mine. I always had his back, until we went bowling. I remember the very first day of home ec class our senior year we made the teacher cry, laughing so hard. Justin, Josh and I couldn’t help it. Rest in peace Justin. Your at easy now. Prayers to the Rehard family.
Bob & Diane Henriksen says
Dan & Terri we are so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a child no matter the age or the reason. May pleasant memories comfort you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nikki BarrettMelin says
I was saddened to hear of Justin’s passing. I have many memories from childhood with him. I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with him at the library and grocery store. I was also always able to get updates on him from his uncle Alan as he was my college professor. He sure loved Justin. Praying for all of you. Nikki
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
To Terri, Dan and family, we send our condolences on the loss of your son. May God give you all comfort during this very difficult time💔
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Our prayers are with you all. Justin was blessed with a loving and caring family.
Tami Paul says
Dan and Terry so sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you
Irene Nelson says
I’m so sorry to read this. Justin was in my home room in middle school. He was a great young man, kind, determined and he had a great quiet sense of humor. I know he had a lot of challenges but he never complained. Justin blessed everyone he knew. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Judy Hayworth says
My love and prayers are with you at this difficult time and always.
Lu Shomate/Dave Hensel says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. Justin was a kind and happy young man, he truly was a blessing. Thinking of you and your loving family.
Bill and Leona Mayo says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss! Treasure all the special memories.
Lynn Rotenberry says
Dan & Terry I am so sorry for your loss! It breaks my heart knowing Justin won’t come into Lils & call me Old Lady! Lots of Love to you both
Louise and Dennis Davenport says
He had such a big heart it must have been so tired from keeping him going as a fine man. We loved him. We are so sorry to hear this. Justin was truly a special man.
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
Dan, Terri and Brandi, we are so sorry to hear of your loss of Justin. Justin was always a nice person with a sense of humor. Thinking of all of you. Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Mary siewert says
Dan Terri and Brandi ! Mike and i have so many fun memories of Justin! Trampoline jumping, soccer in the park across the street! We loved having him at our house He was always caring and his laugh was the best Keri and Shane send their hugs and sympathy hugs for all of you
WARD MARY says
Teri and Dan Iam so sorry to hear about Justin.Even thought we did not keep in touch,I thought about you often.Prayers to you all
Dinny and Cindy Bennett says
We were so sad to hear of Justin’s passing. That one of a kind smile he had will never be forgotten. Justin was one of our favorites. God Bless all of you.
mary lou pilati says
Justin was an Awesome Young Man! Loving Thoughts and Prayers for Dan, Terri, Brandy and the rest of his family. Godspeed Justin.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Justin was a wonderful young man. Enjoyed seeing when I subbed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Seth Jens says
This is sad to see. I grew up with Justin and we played as neighborhood kids. Graduated in the same class. Justin was a cool guy and I have many memories of him. Prayers to his family 🙏
Sylvia says
Dan, Terri and Brandi we are so sorry for your loss. We know how much you cared for Justin. We will be praying for your comfort. God bless you all.
Mary Holzwarth says
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
jennifer stokes baker says
so sorry to hear of justin’s passing. i always enjoyed seeing you 2 in walmart!
Bo Lyon says
Terri, Dan & family, I just saw this sad news of your loss. I had Justin in kids classes when he was a young child. It is truly heartbreaking to know he passed so young. Justin’s free of the pain he endured in his life but he knew how much he was loved. I could see that when I saw him with you Terri & Dan. He was blessed to have such loving parents. I’m so sorry for your loss and send prayers for comfort & peace. May the Lord hold you in His warm and gentle embrace. RIP: Justin
Sincerely, Bo & Gary Lyon~Colstrip