Jerry Collett Obituary

Jerry Collett, 70, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2005, at his home, with his family, after battling heart problems and stomach cancer.
Born March 5, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Gerald and Mary Collett. After graduating from St. John's Catholic High School in Independence, Iowa, with honors in basketball and baseball, he attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minn. He then went to Iowa State Teachers College, where he met, dated and married Jackie Patton on June 29, 1957. Jerry was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army at Ft. Benning, Ga., and was discharged after three years of active duty.
He was a department store manager (troubleshooter) for Brown/Wohl Shoe Company. Because of his easygoing way and his great people skills, he was the traveling support person for this company. The family moved several times from Des Moines to Missoula to Grand Forks, N.D. A friend Jerry met while in Missoula convinced him to pack up the family and move back to Montana to start a Billings-based RV Dealer and Repair Center.
He started another business, All Seasons Mobile Home Service. After many years in the Mobile Home Industry, he retired while being employed at Big Sky Homes. His passions included watching and helping his sons in circle track racing, camping, fishing, golfing and being with his friends and family. He always had something to tinker on, whether it be his boat, his motorhome or yard work. He always took great pride in all he did; if you needed help, there's DAD.
He was not only a father figure in our lives, but also in many of the kids' friends lives.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Jackie, of 48 years; his sister, Judy; sons, Terry, Michael and Bill (Stacey); grandchildren, Jennifer, Chelsie, Jeremy, Kayla, Lindsey, Anthony and Mary; great-grandchildren, Payton and Jadyn; and so many "adopted" grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Mary; a brother, David; and his only daughter, Patty Halligan.
Dad, you were such a positive person in so many lives, your heart will stay with all of us!
Funeral services will be held at St. Pius X Church at 717 18th St. West on Thursday, June 30, at 2 p.m., with the burial service held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on the northwest side by the flagpole. Reception following at 4151 Murphy St.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Billings Gazette from Jun. 29 to Jun. 30, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Collett

7 Entries

David Burris

June 30, 2005

Jerry was a good friend and an outstanding person. I'm sure everyone who came in contact with him was impacted by his kindness. If a friend ever had a need, Jerry did his utmost to assist in that need. He impacted my life greatly. I will miss him.

Bonnie Slough

June 30, 2005

Jacque

I was so sorry to hear about Jerry. I have emailed you several times but have not heard from you. My prayers are with you at this time. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Dan Stansbury

June 29, 2005

I met Jerry about 26 years ago while he was working on a stock car in my neighbor’s garage. I was a 14 year old kid with a curiosity of what they were doing. Jerry was a patient mentor who treated me as one of the guys and taught me a lot of what I know about cars today. A couple of years later when I was down and out, Jerry and Jackie took me into their home as one of their own and allowed me to stay with them until I graduated and joined the Air Force. I cannot even begin to say how grateful I am to have known a person as nice and charitable as Jerry was. His memory will remain with me forever. My deepest sympathies to Jackie, Terry, Michael, Billy and the rest of the Collett family.

Rich Herman II

June 29, 2005

Just a note to express my many thanks to Jerry for everything he did for me on helping with the race team in times of desperation. He was a wonderful person and a great friend of the family. He will be greatly missed.

Jeannie Frank

June 29, 2005

I am writing this for my parents Jerry and Lowanda Bruley.

They knew Jerry for many years prior to moving to Oregon. I know Jerry and my dad did a lot of fun things together. I remember once when my husband and I were heading back home to Helena from laurel and we hit a deer by Columbus, who did my dad know that had a trailer to haul our totaled car? Well, Jerry Collette of coarse. What a nice and generous man he was. He will be remembered in our hearts. Thank you jerry for helping us when we needed that darn trailer. May God Bless the Collette family.

TERRY KLINE

June 29, 2005

One of the nicest guys I ever knew. He will be sorely missed by all. May God rest his soul.

Lloyd (Tiny) Metcalf

June 28, 2005

I will miss having coffee at the cafe, I met Jerry when I Raced stock cars over 30 years ago. He was always there If you need help.

Jerry was a very kind and good humared person I am sure He will be missed by all,

I was a Great honor to say that Jerry was a Friend.

Lloyd Tiny Metcalf

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