Wesley Lee "Wes" Wagenaar

1936 - 2024

Wesley "Wes" Lee Wagenaar 87, of Big Timber passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024, surrounded by his family after a two-year battle with multiple chronic medical conditions.

He was born on June 29, 1936, in Hardin Montana to Grace (Helwich) and Lawrence Wagenaar.

Wes completed high school in Lodge Grass. Western Montana College, Dillon Montana, recruited him for his athletic talents. He attended Western on a track scholarship and successfully made it to the national track finals two years running the high hurdles. He graduated from college in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in education with his true love, Holly Rae Kreiger by his side. He went on to touch countless lives as a dedicated teacher, and athletic coach spanning over 30 years. His passion for teaching and sports, and his commitment to his students was evident in everything he did. He was recognized by his peers on many occasions for his coaching talents. He was named Coach of the Year by the Montana Coaches Association in 1981 after successfully leading Sweet Grass County's girls' basketball team to back to back state championships in 1980 and 1981. He was so proud of his teams.

Wes was also a talented carpenter who built several houses and who could fix about anything. He had a keen sense for practicality, fairness and keeping things simple. He was known for his humility and overwhelming kindness. He looked out for those in need and was always willing to help, never asking for anything in return. If it was helping his parents on the farm as a young adult while teaching and rearing a family, teaching many different subjects with industrial arts and automotive mechanics being his favorite, coaching basketball, and track, helping a neighbor, working at the local hardware store, or driving the Senior Community bus, his dedication to serving his family, community and friends was experienced by many.

Wes is survived by Holly his wife of 65 years, daughter Rae Walker (Ace), and son Robert Wagenaar (Vicki); Grandchildren Tim Walker, Lizz Walker, Chace Walker (Kayla, Boe), Kate Schenk (Connor, Scotland), Rachel Boender (Grant, Holt), Jacob Wagenaar, Luke Wagenaar (Jenna), Madeline Wagenaar, Arlo MaleBear Jr, and Wade Stone. Wes was preceded in death by his son Wade Wagenaar and his grandson Arlo MaleBear Stone.

Private family services were held Tuesday July 2 at Stenberg Funeral Home with interment following at Mountain View Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Intermountain Health (St Vincents) Billings MT, Compassus Hospice, Sweet Water Retirement community and Synergy Home Health for their compassionate care. Donations may be made to Hospice of your choice in Wesley's memory.

Wes appreciated his family, friends, and community. He will be missed greatly. We hope his legacy will live on in the hearts of all that were blessed to know him.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.stenbergfuneralhome.com