Philip (Phil) Leidholt, farmer, rancher, former sheep herder, and harmonica player passed away at age 99 on April 26, 2024.
Phil was born in 1925 in Roscoe, South Dakota the seventh of 13 children of Rose and Karl Leidholt. At six years of age the family traveled by train with their belongings, machinery, and livestock to a new life in Crow Rock, Montana with the hopes of a better future.
When the Great Depression or “dirty thirties” hit Phil worked at age 9 herding sheep out by himself with a dog and a sheep wagon. He completed the eighth grade at Tree Coulee, a Garfield County School and worked for various ranches in the Crow Rock area. He started delivering coal for his brothers in Miles City before he had a driver’s license until his brothers sold the truck and he lied about his age to work at the Milwaukee Railroad at age 17. After leaving the railroad he worked on Bill Nefsey’s ranch south of Miles City for several years before moving to South Dakota where he worked for various ranches. He was introduced to the love of his life Beverly when his bosses were on the same train and convinced her to write to him. Although she was convinced he was the town drunk (he wasn’t), they exchanged letters and ultimately ended up marrying in Bingham Lake, Minnesota on December 27th, 1957. After the wedding they resided in South Dakota where their three children were born. Wanting to return to Miles City, they bought a farm in the Yellowstone Valley in 1972 where he and his brothers built a house for his family. In 2001 they fulfilled their dream of owning a ranch and moved south of Miles City where he lived until his death.
He had a passion for driving his restored tractors in the Bucking Horse Parade along with a wealth of farming and ranching knowledge. What was right was always paramount. He was prompt about directing you if he thought you could do something better and gave you heck if you slacked off. He didn’t have to be loud, just shake his head a little bit and give you that look, then you knew you needed to get it together. He was determined not to end up in a nursing home and he got his wish, passing on the ranch, with a meadowlark beckoning out the window.
In addition to his wife of 66 years, Beverly, Phil is survived by his daughters; Debbie Fix (Mark) of Miles City, Della Connor of Lufkin, Texas, and son; Dave Leidholt (Mish) of Miles City; a brother, Jim Leidholt and sister Violet Howe of Miles City. He was especially proud of his grandchildren: Jeremy Fix, Justin Fix, Dillon Fix, Alanna Connor, Brooke Wright (Rylie), Damian Leidholt, and Robin Leidholt. A special joy in his life was the addition of a great grandson, Hagen Wright.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Rose Leidholt, brothers, Leonard, Robert, Julius, Edwin, Adolph, Eugene and sisters, Martha, Tillie, Peggy, and Alma, and son-in-law Scott Connor.
The family wishes to thank Holy Rosary Hospice for their loving care.
Visitation with family receiving friends will be Sunday May 5th from 3-5 pm at Stevenson and Sons. Funeral services will be at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City at 11:00 am May 6th, luncheon to immediately follow at The Parlor. Interment will follow at 2:00 in the Custer County Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson St, Miles City, MT 59301, or First United Methodist Church, 24 N 11th St, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday May 5, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday May 6, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Funeral Service
Monday May 6, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday May 5, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday May 6, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Funeral Service
Monday May 6, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Share
Jessie Leidholt says
Our family will miss Phil so much. He was such a nice fellow. And not a bad harmonica player. Love to you all.
Dan Herzog says
Prayers for your families
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
This is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you al
Walter & Shirley Rolf says
Sorry for your loss. Remy all the good times.
Vickie Davidson says
I will always have wonderful memories of all the times spent visiting with Phil. What a wonderful family Bev and Phil created. My prayers are with you all.
Shirley Karr (Poor Shirley) says
I will miss that cute little laugh of his as he got in some teasing remark. He leaves behind a beautiful, loving family and a lasting legacy.
Karen Morris says
May you find comfort in your memories.
Kimber Gebhardt says
Prayers of peace for you all. It’s so hard to lose a patriarch. 💕
Cindy and Dale Berg says
So very sorry about your loss! Prayers and sympathies to you all.
Jackie Lockwood says
I am sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him, but what a ride!
Keith Holmlund says
I will always remember the bad winters of 77&8 and 78&9 when Phil helped me haul feed, cattle and hay, after he had put in 8 hours at his night job. He knew where every body lived and you never had to wonder about him taking care of the trucks. He never got in a truck without checking the oil, radiator or looking for a low tire. Rest in peace my old friend. You will be missed. Keith Holmlund
Martha Burton says
My sympathy to the family.
Melanee (Barnes) Lewis says
So sorry to hear this Dave, Mish , Robin and the rest of your family! Wish I could’ve met Phil too! Sounds like a life well lived and lots of good memories to be had! You all are in my thoughts these coming days and weeks.
Ryan Barnes says
Looking back now that was the best employment I had as young kid. I owe a lot to Phil, Beverly, Dave, and Mish for where I’m at today. My heart goes out to the family, I love you guys.
Sandy Peaslee says
Debbie and Family you have our deepest sympahy for your loss, we will keep you in our thoughts.
Sandy and Art Peaslee
Richard Bonine says
This is sad new. My condolences to Debbie, Della, and Dave. I wish you all peace and comfort in this time of sadness.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Leidholt Family, So sorry to see this. He was always so nice, I got to visit with him and his family at the fair each year. He would always make an effort to come. He liked the machinery there on display. One year I got to take he and Beverly around in a golf cart so he could have a closer look at the machinery, he spoke the faming language. He always had a story to tell of my Dad and he working together. He will be missed.
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
Dear Leidholt Family. Sorry to see your loss. He worked a hard life and must have loved every minute of it.
Your in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and RIchard
mary lafayette says
sorry for your loss prayers
Stabler Hazel says
Vi and Jim. I am so sorry for your loss. What a long fruitful life he led. May God’s peace comfort you at this time.
jennifer g says
Sending love, prayers, and thoughts to you!
Mary Bloom says
Bev and family so sorry for your loss. Philip was such a kind and funny man and helped JL and me so much. My deepest condolences to you.