Willis J. Wetstein

Willis J. Wetstein, age 90, of Belgrade, formerly of Helena and Clancy, passed peacefully on April 25, 2025, at Highgate Senior Living, in Bozeman.

Willis was born on April 12, 1935 on the family farm near Joliet, MT to John P. Wetstein and Katherine L. (née Messer) Wetstein. He married Nancy L. Mocabee on March 12, 1955 and, together, they celebrated 70 years of marriage in March 2025. Willis was the youngest of five siblings: Irene (Len) Vahey, Judy (Jim) Roberts, Lawrence (Martha) Wetstein, and Duane (Marlene) Wetstein.

Willis graduated from Montana State College (now University) in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. He immediately embarked upon a career, focused on water resources engineering, that took him to the far corners of Montana, many parts of the U.S. West, and to numerous locations around the world, including Lesotho Africa, Sudan, Philippines, and Central and South America. His career was marked by a commitment to innovative designs aimed at improving environmental outcomes and public health. He rose through the ranks at Morrison-Maierle, Inc., his employer from the time of his graduation, culminating in his role as CEO. He was a long-time leader in the water field professional organizations, being recognized for lifetime achievements by both the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation. For his professional and civic/philanthropic contributions, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Engineering from Montana State University in 2010. He was also an early member of the Montana Professional Engineers Hall of Fame.

Beyond his notable professional achievements and service record, Willis was first and foremost someone to always raise his hand, or more likely, recognize a need and just move forward. Starting with early days at Fromberg High School with FFA and an impressive sports profile, he always found a way to make a difference. When once asked, late in life, why he put so much time into so many service endeavors, he simply replied, “To keep it going …” and seemed surprised that a reason would even be necessary. His service list is long, in addition to his professional organizations … Jaycees as a young man, Knights of Columbus (3rd and 4th Degree, and Grand Knight), Jefferson County School Board, Lions Club, Board and Executive Committee for the Foundation of the Diocese of Helena, Carroll College Board of Trustees, Carroll College Engineering Advisory Board, and professional mentor for the Carroll College chapter of Engineers without Borders (serving with a student team in Mexico). Nancy and he were also very generous, establishing well-endowed scholarships for both engineering academics and sports at both Carroll College and Montana State University. He was and will always remain a Bobcat through and through!

But he never hesitated when asked what his legacy might be … he always and immediately pointed to his extended family. It was his pride and joy. Willis is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their four children: Daniel (Kathleen) of Bozeman, Steven of Billings, John (Loree) of Laramie, WY, and Patricia (Scott) Bell of Belgrade, as well as 10 grandchildren and their families, and 14 great grandchildren. The grandchildren network that Nancy and he established ranges from Germany (Lothar and Leonora) to Chicago (Melissa) to Colorado (J. Paul and Justin) to Wyoming (Jolie) to Idaho (Mark) and, finally, back home to Montana (Bill, Mike, and Meagan).

A vigil will be held at 7.00 pm on Wednesday, April 30th, at Dahl Funeral Services, Bozeman, with the funeral Mass celebrated at 11.00 am, Thursday, May 1, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Belgrade. Interment rites will take place at the Rockvale Cemetery 11.00 am on Friday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Willis’ name may be placed with the Diocese of Helena, Montana State University, Carroll College, or a charity of your choice. Willis’ family would like to especially acknowledge the special care that he received from the staffs of Highgate Senior Living and Stillwater Hospice. Dahl Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with services. To offer condolences to the family please visit dahlcares.com.