Perry Russell Wilber

1950 - 2025

Perry Russell Wilber, age 74, entered into the presence of the Lord on March 6, 2025 in Lewistown, MT. He was at home surrounded by loved ones and is now at peace in the arms of Jesus.

Perry was born on November 24, 1950 in Lewistown, MT to Lloyd Spencer Wilber and Elsie Leown (Limbird) Wilber. He grew up in Buffalo, MT and was one of 18 children. He graduated from Hobson High School in 1969. He studied Diesel Mechanics in Havre, MT before settling down in Lewistown, MT.

Perry started working for ranchers in the Buffalo area at the age of 13. He later went on to work for McDonald Ready Mix in Lewistown driving cement truck and other heavy equipment. He worked there until he retired in 1989 due to health issues. He also worked as a diesel mechanic for a high school friend for one year.

On December 14, 1973, Perry married Susan Woodcock, and together they were blessed with four children: Rachel, Scott, Sarah, and Rodney.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lloyd and Leown Wilber; brothers: Lloyd (Butch), Donald, Art and Everett; sisters: Eileen Lonnevick, Carol Norman and Leowna King; and father-in-law, Jess Woodcock.

He is survived by his wife, Susie; sons, Scott (Lisa) and Rodney; daughters, Rachel (Jayson) Brand, Sarah (Bryan) Lucas; mother-in-law, Joan Woodcock; brothers: Cliff, Herb, Ed and Bill; sisters: Jean Waldron, Jane Gregory, Violet McElvain, Margaret Larsen, Bev Schwend, Charleen Jolliff and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also a loving grandpa and is survived by Austin (Mikayla) Brand, Courtney, Ashley and Chelsie Brand, Braxton and Macen Ferraguti, Ryder and Gage Wilber, Olivia, Rylie and Carter Lucas, and great-grandson, Kyler Brand.

He was a natural handyman, he could fix just about anything. If he didn't have the right parts to fix whatever he was working on, he would get out the duct tape, super glue and wire and "make it work."

Many family members and friends would bring cars to him to fix. He loved fixing cars until everything went computerized and it became more of a challenge.

Perry loved everyone he met and was always willing to help anyone in need. Over the years there were numerous widows, neighbors and others in need who relied upon him to help with everything from mowing lawns to fixing a leaking faucet and anything in between. He would often stop in and visit these folks even if they didn't have a current need to have a cup of coffee and cookies.

Many days were filled with time spent alongside his beloved grandchildren, assisting at Fry Plumbing and Heating, volunteering at church, attending Cardiac Rehab, helping at the Honey Bee Ranch, and, of course, tending to his ever-growing collection in his garage.

Perry's greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren. Perry will be remembered for his unwavering faith and love for his family and friends. All who knew him will miss his kindness, unwavering strength, and sense of humor.

Memorials can be made to Central Montana Medical Center Cardiac Rehab or Hospice or the charity of one's choice.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Central Baptist Church in Lewistown.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Perry's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com