Raymond J. Widhalm

Raymond Joseph Widhalm, 64 passed away January 22, 2017 in presence of family in Great Falls, Montana after battling cancer.

Vigil services will be Thursday, January 26, at 7:00PM. Funeral Mass will be Friday, January 27, at 11:00 AM. Both services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church in Conrad. A reception will follow the mass.

Ray was born on July 31, 1952 to George and Cyrilla Widhalm in Conrad, MT.   He graduated from Valier High School in 1970 and attended Northern Montana College in Havre for a semester before returning home to help on the family farm in Valier.

He met the love of his life, Georgia Askling, and they married November 3, 1973 and farmed north of Valier for 45 years.  Ray, was one of a kind with his love for life, his many stories he told, his smile and jokester personality was often an unforgettable memory of Ray by many family and friends near and far.  He was a man who put others ahead of himself, he had a generous heart for others which was centered around family and community.    He loved sports and attended his children’s sporting events and continued that support for local and surrounding sports for many years known to many as the #1 Fan.  He enjoyed spending time with his family & friends, farming and ranching, volunteering as a volleyball line judge, serving in his church, helping friends and neighbors when needing an extra hand.  He enjoyed singing Karaoke, hunting, attending family gatherings, visiting with long time friends, always making new friends, and took pride in helping and teaching his son.  He was a proud supporter of the fight against breast cancer proudly wearing his tie dye and sharing his hand made blankets.  The Respect he had by many was Earned living by what he stood for, who he was, what he taught his children, and becoming a Legend often known as “Uncle Ray” & “Ray Ray”.

Survivors include his children Brandy(Brian)Hilton of Ennis, MT, Wendy (Dennis) of Benicia, CA, Kelly (Nichole) Widhalm of Valier, MT; 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; siblings Antoinette Dempsey, Claire Havens, Delores Knaff, Madeline Linnell, Bede Frye, Agnes Fowler and Joe Widhalm.

Raymond is preceded in death by his Wife, Georgia Widhalm, Mother, Cyrilla Widhalm, and Father, George Widhalm.