Jeffrey R.  Arntson, 67, peacefully passed away at his home on December 27, 2024, surrounded by his family. He has now joined his beloved wife, Terri, in heaven.

Born on March 31, 1957, to William and Mary Arntson, Jeff grew up in Butte, Montana, where he graduated from Butte High School. It was during these years that Jeff developed a passion for basketball, a love that carried him to Utah State University to play the sport. However, it was at this time he discovered that his greatest love was not basketball but Terri Wills. Jeff returned to Montana to complete his degree in education, and on August 26, 1978, he and Terri began their lifelong journey together.

Jeff and Terri built a beautiful family, raising three children: Brandon (born in 1980), Bryan (1983), and Courtney (1985). Throughout his career, Jeff taught and coached at various high schools across Montana. His professional career took off in 1981 with a teaching position in Outlook, MT.  He was able to move closer to home in 1989 and took a job in Hot Springs, MT. He eventually made it back to Butte in 1991 where he taught and coached until 2023. Over the course of 40 years in education, Jeff touched countless lives, forming lasting relationships with students and athletes that he cherished deeply. He was especially proud of the connections he maintained with his first students and athletes from Outlook.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Arntson, his loving wife, Terri, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law William and Vera Wills.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Brandon (Apryl), Bryan (Kristi), and Courtney (Josh). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren: Hazen, Ridge, Hadlee, Rigley, Brooks, Kendallyn, and Keelie, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. Jeff is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Arch and Laura Arntson.

Jeff had an enduring love for sports, particularly basketball, whether playing, coaching, or watching. He also cherished time with family at the family cabins, creating memories through 4-wheeling, boating, snowmobiling, or simply enjoying scenic rides in the mountains. His adventurous spirit lives on, and it's easy to imagine him and Terri now riding together to a serene mountain lake.

Jeff's warmth, kindness, and dedication to his family and community left a lasting legacy of love and inspiration. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who were fortunate to know him.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held at St. Ann's Church on Monday, January 6. Friends are invited to gather at 10:00 a.m., with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to charity of your choosing.

Jeff's memory will forever live in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.