Wayne C. Dusterhoff

Wayne Carlyle Dusterhoff, 79, of East Glacier Park, MT, passed away at home in East Glacier on November 19th, 2024. 

Born on December 28, 1944, to Dusty (Frances) and Franny (Frances) Dusterhoff, Wayne was born and raised in Cut Bank, where he cultivated the values and spirit that defined his life.

Wayne attended Cut Bank High School and was on track to graduate in May 1962, but life took a different turn. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy, charting a new course for his future.

Shortly after completing boot camp, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Linda Dumontier on April 11th, 1962. The young couple moved to Bainbridge, Maryland, where they began their life together.

Wayne proudly served 4½ years aboard the USS Conyngham. As a member of the inaugural crew of the newly commissioned ship, he earned the distinguished title of plank owner. In a memorable moment during his service, Wayne became the first sailor to go overboard on the ship—an event that surely added to the many stories of his naval career.

After completing his active duty in the Navy, Wayne continued his dedication to service by joining the Navy Reserves for approximately two years. He later transitioned to the Army Reserves and the National Guard, where he served for an additional 24 years, retiring from the Army National Guard as an E8 Master Sergeant with numerous awards and medals. 

In total, Wayne devoted an impressive 30 years of his life to serving his country. Over the span of his career in the military, he undoubtedly influenced enlisted soldiers who worked with and under him. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War and a longtime member of the American Legion. He continued to support soldiers long after his retirement through organizations such as The Wounded Warrior Project. 

Wayne and Linda moved back to Montana following his service in the Navy. They eventually settled in Cut Bank after living in Billings for several years. Together they helped the community of Cut Bank grow through a variety of businesses including a western wear store called The Dude, a drive-in restaurant called The Sly Fox and a trapshooting supply corporation called D&A Corp. 

Wayne began his long and distinguished career in law enforcement as a part time jailer and then moving onto dispatch with the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office. He later attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, where he earned his law enforcement certificate. 

With this achievement, Wayne became a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office and steadily advanced through the ranks. He served as undersheriff before ultimately becoming the Sheriff, a role he held with dedication and commitment during the final six years of his career. Throughout his time in law enforcement, Wayne was dedicated to learning, taking many classes and earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, graduating Magna cum Laude. He also earned the distinguished Montana Medal of Valor from the State of Montana for his swift and selfless rescue of a youth wilderness group stranded at a remote campsite during a severe winter storm.

Wayne had a lifelong passion for hunting, trapshooting locally, nationally and internationally, and all things related to firearms. He particularly enjoyed reloading ammunition, a skill he learned from his father. Over the years, Wayne hunted a wide variety of game, including pheasant, duck, mule deer, antelope, and elk. He was also a proud and active member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, reflecting his deep appreciation for wildlife and conservation.

Although Wayne achieved many worthy professional accolades, his greatest achievement in his life was his steadfast devotion to his family. When he married his beloved wife, Linda, they embarked on a journey together that was marked by deep love spanning just short of 63 years–a life with shared purpose built on mutual dedication to one another and to their family.

In December 1965, Wayne and Linda welcomed their first child, Lynnette Marie. Their family grew in 1971 with the arrival of their son, Wayne Carlyle II, and was completed in 1974 with the birth of their youngest daughter, Justina Lee. 

If you ask his family, they would describe Wayne as the epitome of generosity and kindness, with a gentle spirit that touched everyone around him. He was selfless, always putting the needs and well-being of his loved ones before his own. Wayne’s greatest joy was seeing his wife, Linda, his children, and his grandchildren achieve their goals and dreams. He took pride in their successes and was their biggest cheerleader, offering unwavering support and encouragement.

He was the softest place to land, a constant source of comfort and stability. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, Wayne was there, ready to offer a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on. He was never hesitant to offer a warm embrace, holding his family tightly when they needed it most, making them feel safe and cherished.

Wayne loved unconditionally, with a heart that gave freely and without hesitation. His love was a steady, enduring presence that his family could always count on, no matter the circumstances. To them, he was not just a father, husband, and grandfather—he was their rock, the foundation on which they built their lives. He will be deeply missed.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother and father Franny and Dusty Dusterhoff. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Dusterhoff; children Lynnie Evans (Russell), Wayne Dusterhoff II (Mike) and Justina Pietruszewski (Donovan); grandchildren Joshua Dusterhoff (Kelsey), Kelsie Gripentrog (Evan), Jace Pietruszewski, Jerilyn Pietruszewski and great grandson, Kaeden Clark Manley Dusterhoff; brothers Mike Dusterhoff (Nancy) and Bill Dusterhoff (Steve); cousin Marjorie David and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please place a donation to the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Office Association