Louie Robert “Bob” Talcott, Jr. (84) passed away at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, on July 12, 2022. He was born on April 24, 1938, in Trinidad, CO, to Marjory (Jones) and Louie Robert Talcott, Sr. He joined his brother, Ronald Leroy Talcott, and later his younger brother, Kenneth Dewaine “Wayne” Talcott.
The family lived in the Trinidad, CO, and NM area until moving to Hammond, MT, in 1947. Growing up on Box Elder Creek, the family raised sheep, cattle and farmed. Bob’s school years were spent in country schools in the Boyes, MT area. He attended Powder River County High School, graduating in 1956. He met his wife Illa Dee (Edwards) Talcott during his high school years. They were married March 9, 1958.
Bob and Dee began ranching at the Talcott ranch, and later ran sheep on the Powder River at the Edwards ranch. During this time, daughter, Julie Colleen was born on April 2, 1959. Also during this time Bob worked in several occupations including: lambing, the MT state highway, and then established an insulation business. Their son, Brian Lyle was born on September 22, 1964. The family lived in Broadus until 1969 when they purchased 320 acres from Junior Bandy, which was part of the Jessie Bohls Wellman property, 3 miles west of Broadus. Their son, Curtis Eugene was born February 18, 1972.
Bob developed a continued interest in agriculture and worked with Charles Williams in his honeybee operation. Bob purchased the business in 1966 and continued to operate it for 27 years. He sold the operation to Simpson Honey and “retired” in 2003.
After selling the bee business, Bob started creating crafts from barbed wire, making baskets, wagons, candle holders etc., and yard flowers from horseshoes. Bob enjoyed gifting his crafts to community members: generosity with his time and skills was one of the things most important to him.
Bob and Dee celebrated their 50th Anniversary in July 2008, with all of their children, grandchildren, and many relatives and friends at the Powder River Congregational UCC where the couple was married.
Bob and Dee were founding members of the Powder River Historical Society, and spent many hours working in the museum as well as assuring its successful operation during the summer. Bob loved to entertain guests providing extensive tours of the museum, including many historical stories and knowledge of the many artifacts on display.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Marjory and Louie Talcott; his brother, Ronald Talcott; his in-laws, Glenn and Eugene Henke; sister-in-law, Anita (Robinson) Talcott and son-in-law, Marcel Nunez.
Bob is survived by his wife, Illa Dee; daughter, Julie Nunez, son, Brian, son, Curtis (Amy); grandchildren Brandi Nunez and Tyler Nunez, Damion (Amber) and Devon Talcott; great grandchild, Fitz Robert, born to Damion and Amber on July 3, 2021. Bob was privileged to meet his great grandchild just shortly before his death. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne (Louise); sister-in-law, Twila, sister-in-law, Verna Lee (Herb) Scheierman, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Should family and friends desire, memorials may be made to Powder River Historical Society or Powder River Congregational UCC.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 19th, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022, at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday July 19, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
101 Wilson Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday July 20, 2022
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday July 19, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
101 Wilson Street
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday July 20, 2022
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Share
Tom and Judy Collins says
We were so sorry to hear about Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Janet Rice says
So very sorry to hear about Bob. He will be missed.
Gwyn Caputo says
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Shawn and Shawna Wahl says
We are so very sad to hear about Bob’s passing. Thought and prayers are with you during this very sad time.
Kathy Biesheuvel says
Bob and Dee were some of the first people we met when we moved to Broadus. He will be missed by so many. My condolences to his family.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
Our community lost a great man in the passing of Bob Talcott. His dedication to the Powder River Historical Museum and his church as well as the whole community was inspiring. His knowledge of local history was a treasure to all who visited or worked at the museum. We will miss Bob Talcott and will lift up Ila Dee and Bryan, Julie and Curtis and their families in prayer as they celebrate his life.
Kenny n Donna Fagur says
We were so sorry to hear of Bob passing. My parents thought so much of Bob. He will be missed in the community. Our prayers go out to Curtis n his family.
Duck and Holly Rumph says
Bob was such a wonderful man. We will miss him. Sending love and prayers for Dee, Brian, Julie and Curtis and especially to our shared grand children and little Fitz!
SALLY ANN BORLA says
TO DEE AND FAMILY: WHAT A SHOCK–I DIDN’T KNOW BOB HAD NOT BEEN WELL BUT HOW HE WILL BE MISSED BY THIS ENTIRE COMMUNITY–I WORKED WITH BOB QUITE A FEW TIMES AT THE MUSEUM AND HE WAS SUCH A WEALTH OF INFORMATION–I WAS ALWAYS GRATEFUL I COULD BE THE GREETER AND HE TOOK VISITORS AROUND–MY PRAYERS AND LOVE TO ALL OF BOB’S FAMILY. RIP BOB
Karen gunther says
My prayers for Bobs family a man who helped me so many times after I lost Ken I thought so much for him as he was always happy me , I had Bob and Dee to eat with me many times.
Floyd Huckins says
Ila Dee, Julie, Brian, Curtis, and all of Bob’s loved ones;
My heart goes out to you. Bob was one of those people who, when you saw him coming, you knew your day was going to be better for having visited with him. So much wisdom in his words, and a saying for everything. I’ll miss him dearly.
Peggy & Tracy Fruit says
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. One of the kindest fella’s I’ve ever met.
Sylvia Zimmer says
Oh my gosh.. so sorry Dee and family.. Was such a gentleman! He surely will be missed.. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort.
Sherrie Bassett Fredrickson says
I’m so sorry! Bob was a wonderful man! He guided my students around the museum. He showed such enthusiasm and was bubbling with facts and information. He will truly be missed.
Vern and Andrea Rice says
Illa Dee., and family we are so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to all of Bob’s family.
Peggy Emmons says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Bob’s family. The community and our church lost a great man. Bob’s dedication and friendship will be greatly missed.
Carol Schneidt says
Hugs and prayers to all of Bob’s family! So many great memories of times spent with all of you at church and other occasions! Always enjoyed visiting with Bob!
Vanna Byrd says
The museum, Powder River County and the world won’t be the same without Bob. I was so sorry to hear this news. May your many memories wrap you in comfort at this very difficult time.
Thelma Taylor says
I am so very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing.
Thelma Taylor
Julie C Long says
Mark and I are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s death. He was such a kind soul that we always enjoyed talking with. We extend our sympathies to Dee and also to the Broadus community and specifically to the PR Congregational Church congregation.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Dee, Brian. Julie and Curtis and familes. Prayers and hugs go out to you on the loss of Bob. He was a gentle and kind man. He will be so missed by this community. Skin’s sister and cousin from Oklahoma when they came to visit us went down 4 times while here. They enjoyed him immensely. And what a world of information! Won’t be the same at church without him. Bertie referred to him and Dee as her guardian angels. Love to all of you at this difficult time.
Robbin Stoddard says
Ila Dee, Julie, Brian, and Curtis, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. May you all take comfort in your memories of Bob. He was a pillar in the community and will be missed so much.
Beccy Mader says
My deepest sympathies to all of you!! I have not been around Broadus much since high school, but have very fond memories and much respect for both Dee and Bob from those years. I will be praying for you during this very difficult time of huge loss. May our Lord and your wonderful memories help to sustain you.
Carolyn and Lonnie Johnson says
You are all in my thoughts as we celebrate knowing Bob! I am so saddened by this loss as he was a wonderful person- so kind and generous and a wealth of knowledge about the history of PR Co. He will be so missed by my family and all those who were lucky enough to have known him. Illa Dee, Bryan, Curtis, and Julie- may your grief be lessened with all your memories and in knowing so many loved him.
Marc Stewart says
Our prayers from the Montana – N.Wyoming Conference United Church of Christ:
Lord, so gentle in life did you hold this man in ways that his grace shone with your love. What care he gave to this world. What devotion he kept with Ila Dee. What steadiness of wisdom he reared his children. Hear our thanks for life as you graced Bob, and especially know our appeal for tender care being with Ila Dee in her loss. In Christ Jesus, Amen
Lance and Sue Ann Leininger says
It is always sad to lose someone who was quietly but consistently a part of one’s growing up years in Broadus and hearing the news of Bob’s passing is no exception. I always think of how hard he worked at everything he did, much like his brother, Ron. There isn’t a room at the UCC church or the museum that dont have his fingerprints all over them. We were lucky enough to acquire some of his barbed wire baskets at some point. In them I see his never allowing himself idle tme and using and reusing every resource available to create or make something better. You were important in this world, Bob, and you will be missed by many. My best to Dee and the kids in these coming months.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan says
My thoughts and prayers are with Dee and family. Bob was such a nice, kind, thoughtful, salt of the earth man. All the years he had his bee business, he brought mom a bees wax honey comb, he knew how much she loved it. I babysat Julie when she was a toddler. Bob & Dee were always so kind. I’ve known Bob all my life …… another wonderful guy gone ….. Rest Easy, Bob! 🙏🙏
Carol
Grant -Mary Olson says
So. Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, always enjoyed visiting with him. Prayers and hugs to all the family and his friends.🙏🙏🙏
Jennell (knippel) says
So sorry to hear of your loss Curtis and family sending prayers your way.. i remember the awesome honey .haven’t seen you and Amy for years or my God son. My prayers are with you all.
Jennell Eads says
Sending prayers to you Curtis and family. I remember the awesome honey. Haven’t seen you and Amy and my God son for ever..my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🙏🙏
Barbara Miner says
Illa Dee, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Bob. Please know that I hold you in my heart and send best wishes for peace and joy. Love, Barbara
Bill and Dina Gay says
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. We are so saddened. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Archer says
So many memories: of Bob shepherding groups of kids through his honey business, carefully explaining the developed of bees and honey, letting them taste, sometimes handing out little honey bears, late nights with MIA ( Montana institute of Arts) friends, gifts of wire art, always greeting and ushering at church, along with Ron, and his sometimes wry but always wise observations about life. A life well lived, very glad to have known him, hugs to Dee and family.
Sherman Oland says
To Illa Dee and Family,
I pray that God will strengthen you through this time of a major change in your life. May your best memories be there for you when your spirit needs a lift.
My connection to Bob and Illa Dee was through the MT. N. Wyo. Conference and the Powder River Congregational, UCC. Your faithful service to the Church could always be depended on.
Blessings to you all.
Campbell County Rockpile Museum says
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Dee and family as well as our friends at the Powder River Historical Museum. Thank you Bob for all your efforts collecting and preserving the history of our region.
Cira Mae Ofstie says
Ila Dee & family, my heart grieves with you. Bob was a special person to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. My last visit with you & Bob, Dee was on a ride in the Powder River Van from Billings to Broadus. Bob kept the whole group laughing & intertained. It was the shortest 3 hour trip ever. Everyone grieves with you.
Wayne Wetherelt Jr. and Serena Wetherelt says
Illa Dee, Julie, Brian, Curtis and Families
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you in the loss of a good man. He was always so kind to our family and others in the community. His presence will be missed. May each of you cherish the memories you have of Bob. He will leave a void in each of your lives but with prayer it does get easier. God Bless you all
Bill Burton says
Sincerest condolences to all the Talcott family members and friends. As the song goes time marches on. With it comes both sadness and beautiful memories. We grieve with you during this time sadness, and we will celebrate in the many memories the life of Bob blessed you with. May the grace and love of God be with you now and everyday in the in the future. The world and our little community of Broadus and surrounding area have truly been blessed by this man’s life. Praise be to our creator.
Mary Roig. Maggie Roig and Ellen Smith says
I am so sorry for the loss of Bob. He was a great friend and support to my parents and to all the community. My prayers are for the entire family. My mom wanted me to express her condolences to the entire family and community.
Dora Meidinger-Huckins says
What a wonderfully kind and spirited soul! Will remember Bob for always being helpful and full of humor! I hope he is served many Peanut Butter/Jelly bars in his new Home- his favorite treat that I served at UCC! Many blessings to Bob’s family and his dear friends… ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Heather Brownfield says
He will truly be missed. Several times last year he sent home from my volunteer position at the museum to make sure that I would have plenty of time to get home and cook dinner for Jay before itgot too late.. and I would chuckle a little and try to stay and out the door I would go after much convincing from Mr.Talcott that my drive time was cutting into my cooking time for getting dinner on the table.. funny thing was I think I only went straight home once and not entirely sure I made dinner right way when I did get home. I always looked forward to our conversations each week and have truly missed them this year. He lived an amazing life and was happy to share is knowledge of the area .
Janice says
I wish I could have been there. Bubbles search sorely be missed at the museum. You will be in my prayers. I know that you will lean on the God that you have served for these many years. He in Duane I Shirley fixing things in heaven.
Patricia J Worman says
Julie and family
I have memories of Bob when I would take my grandchildren to the museum when we were in town. He was so full of knowledge and wisdom. A very kind man. The museum will not be the same. My deepest sympathy to you all.