Chuck Nerud

Charles (Chuck) Nerud, 72, died peacefully in his home on December 15, 2023 with his wife of 31 years by his side.
He was born on February 1, 1951 in Wolf Point, Montana to Clayton and Irma Nerud. He had two siblings, Mary Jo and Frank. They all grew up together outside of Circle, Montana on the family ranch. They spent much of their time in Brush Coulee playing with neighbors Wes and Helen Meissner (Murphy). As an adult, Chuck took over the family ranch and continued ranching for over forty years until the effects of Multiple Sclerosis forced him to retire.
Chuck attended elementary and high School in Circle, enjoying his years and activities, especially baseball, but he loved the times he was able get out of school to take part in a cattle drive for Elmer Buell, camping overnight on the way.
Chuck was happiest on the back of a horse. He broke his first horse at the age of eight and continued for many years, forever remembering each horse along the way. His second love was branding and dragging calves to the fire. As a child he learned to rope both left and right-handed so he could stay in the pen longer. The branding crew encompassed the vast majority of his best friends. He also had a slew of friends and memories from team roping. He was totally involved with all aspects of roping and rodeo. Chuck joined the local race and rodeo club when he was 18. From arena director, to flagger, to building a new arena and improving corrals, he did it all. The rodeo community showed their appreciation by dedicating the 2018 McCone County rodeo to him for fifty years of commitment. They also made Chuck a lifetime honorary member of the Circle Roping Club.
His service also included being on the elevator board and in his later years the McCone County stockyard board. In September 2018 he was recognized by Senator Daines for his years of community work and ranching by being awarded Montana citizen of the month.
Chuck was a walking encyclopedia when it came to rodeo facts. He knew everything! Be it contestants, horses, events, stock, or personnel – it didn't matter. He could recall full history, dates, and interesting trivia.
His only bucket list wish was to go to the Nationals Finals for all ten days. That happened in 2012. Rodeo became his main form of entertainment when he became bedridden in 2019. The last rodeo Chuck watched was the third round of the finals on December 9. The highlight for him that night was when the hometown favorite Lisa won first in barrel racing.
Chucks greatest achievement was raising his daughter Brett Marie. His love for her knew no bounds. His love was extended to include Heidi and Eric when he married their mother, Peggy, in 1992. There was nothing he wouldn't do for them.
He was preceded in death by his mother Irma Marie Nerud and and his father Clayton William Nerud.
He is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Brett Marie (Loren), daughter Heidi (Eric S.) and son Eric. He had seven grandchildren who lit up his life with their presence and happy voices – Quinn, Lark, Jax, and Cole (Brett), Miles and Cora (Heidi), and Kaie (Eric).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Multple Sclerosis foundation or an organization important to you.
A special thank you to the family and friends that took the time to help with our transitions and stopped by to see him. He enjoyed the visits more than you'll ever know.
Also, a thank you to the Missoula Partners in Home Care hospice team. They were there from the start to the end, and all that they did is very much appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Missoula, Montana at Bayern Brewing Company, 1507 Montana St. "Come in jeans ready to go to the rodeo"
A second Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Circle, Montana.
A luncheon will follow at the VFW in Circle. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com