Leonard Dale Wettlin Sr., age 63, left this world June 21, 2010 in Billings, Montana after a long illness.
He was born in the family home on March 21, 1947, in Culbertson, MT, to Lillian Delorme and George Wettlin Sr., Leonard has lived in many places throughout his life but the place he talked about most was Alaska. He was stationed there while in the Army and said to us always that it was the most beautiful place he’d ever been. He lived his later life in Poplar and Wolf Point area.
Leonard served in the Army from February 20, 1966 to February 23, 1972 and was honorably discharged. He worked at A&S Tribal Industries for years and worked as a Tribal Police Officer (for which he was especially proud) for 25 years and retired. He held various jobs over his life but these two jobs gave him the most enjoyment.
He met the love of his life, Debora L. Brunelle, in 1969 in Wolf Point, while he was on leave from the army. They were married on November 3, 1973 in Spokane, Washington and attended college together in Cheney, Washington and even though they later divorced, they remained close friends until her death Sept. 28, 2007.
Leonard enjoyed spending time with his family cooking, sewing, walking, and hiking. He enjoyed crafts and arts to include drawing, which was his favorite pass time, but was best known for his storytelling and crazy jokes.
He is survived by his children: Melissa (Ronnie) Wettlin of Poplar, MT, Leonard (Stella) Wettlin Jr. of Wolf Point, MT, and Josh (Angela) Wettlin of San Antonio, TX; his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Ralynn, Alyssa, Tammi, Melda, Havanah, Quintana, Aiden, Victoria, Daniel, Kaytlin & Alex Nation, Holly Flaten, Linda Hopkins, and Delphine Ricker; great-grandchildren, Layla and Roper, Amya and Arianna Ricker; sisters, Jeri Wettlin of Ohio, Dureen Bertlsen of Spokane, WA, Irene Bertelsen of Spokane, WA., Delores Bertelsen of Great Falls, MT, Beverly Bertelsen of Ohio, Pricilla Bertelsen of Helena, MT, Debbie Bertlesen of Greatfalls, MT, and Marianne Bertlesen of Billings, MT; brothers, David Bertelsen of Spokane, WA, William Bertlesen of Hot Springs, MT; many nieces and nephews; adopted sisters Mary Ellen Frislie and Cheyenne Foote and adopted daughter Gloria (Jerry Seaman) Abbott.
Leonard, along with his wife Debbie took care of and raised many children; they never left someone without a place to go. There are too many adopted children and grandchildren to mention. He loved them all dearly. He had a very big heart.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; two sisters, Cora and Elsie Wettlin.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, MT. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, June 27, 2010 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, MT. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point, MT with full military honors.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.