Robert F. Weasa, 90, of Glasgow, Montana, passed away of natural causes on November 8, 2023, at Valley View Nursing Home. Bob lived at his home in Glasgow until last winter when he suffered a stroke and fought with all the cowboy grit he could muster to regain most of the mobility he had lost. Though highly independent and previously preferring to live at home, Bob greatly enjoyed the last nine months of his life at Valley View with the other residents who became his great friends.
Bob was born to Henry and Mollie Weasa on September 16, 1933, in Hinsdale, Montana where he attended school. Bob did well enough in his courses, had a good sense of humor, and got along well with his classmates, but he always preferred to be working outside with the horses.
With his talent for breaking horses and managing the land, ranching was in Bob’s blood. No stranger to hard work, Bob would cut down the diamond willow trees to make fence posts, help out at brandings, and doctor a bad hoof on the bull, besides the daily ranch work. Bob appreciated dogs skilled at herding cattle; even at the end of his life, he could not have said enough kind words about his dog, Buddy.
Those of us who knew Bob could attest to the fact that he was born with fiery red hair and at times his stubborn opinions would match it, but he was compassionate and kind. He enjoyed the lighter conversations, too, and had a playful sense of humor. When asked how he was getting by, he’d answer, “Finer than a frog’s hair.” Bob valued hard work, being responsible, making reasonable decisions, and treating animals with care. When his work let up, he would drive his old yellow pick-up to call on his friends and family. Bob enjoyed sitting and visiting over a leisurely cup of coffee without being in a hurry to get back home.
In 2002, Bob retired from ranching, sold the place, and made his home in Glasgow. During these relaxed years, he enjoyed visiting with friends and former classmates during meals at the senior center and Flips, and sharing meals with staff and other patrons at the hospital cafeteria. Bob was a sociable person, and by the time he had his stroke, the doctor who entered the exam room was a friend. He hosted many checkers games in the nursing home and took several laps around the halls each evening to get his exercise in.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Arthur Weasa and Henry Weasa; sisters Lorraine (Earl) Hellstern and Esther (George) Zeiger; nephews Bill Zeiger and George Zeiger, Jr.; nephew by marriage Joe Kruger; nephew by marriage Bill Kuki; and great-nieces Lynn Kuki and Denise Kuki. He is survived by his nieces Shirley Hellstern, Connie (Charlie) Nowell, Louise Kuki, Mary (Frank) Wiers, Evelyn Cornett, and Carol (Pete) Forbes, along with many great-nephews and nieces and great-great-nephews and nieces. You are invited to a gathering of Bob’s friends and family at the Glasgow Senior Center at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, to remember and celebrate Bob’s one-of-a-kind life. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.