Willis J. Wetstein, age 90, of Belgrade, formerly of Helena and Clancy, passed peacefully on Apr. 25, 2025, at Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman.
Willis was born on Apr. 12, 1935, on the family farm near Joliet, MT to John P. and Katherine L. (née Messer) Wetstein. He was the youngest of five siblings: Irene (Len) Vahey, Judy (Jim) Roberts, Lawrence (Martha) Wetstein, and Duane (Marlene) Wetstein. He married Nancy L. Mocabee on Mar. 12, 1955; they celebrated 70 years of marriage this March.
Willis graduated from Montana State College (now University) in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He then embarked upon a career in water resources engineering that took him to the far corners of Montana, many parts of the U.S. West and around the world, including Lesotho, Sudan, Philippines, and Central and South America. He rose through the ranks at Morrison-Maierle, Inc., his employer from the time of his graduation, eventually becoming CEO.
Willis’ career was marked by a commitment to innovative designs aimed at improving environmental outcomes and public health. He was a long-time leader of professional organizations in the water field, and was 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.
Willis was someone to always raise his hand, or more likely, recognize a need and just move forward. 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 list of service organizations is long: 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). He and Nancy also established well-endowed scholarships for engineering academics and sports at both Carroll College and Montana State University. He was and will remain a Bobcat through and through!
But Willis never hesitated when asked what his legacy might be: he always and immediately pointed to his extended family, 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 was held on Apr. 30, at Dahl Funeral Services, Bozeman, with the funeral Mass celebrated on May 1 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Belgrade. Interment rites took place at the Rockvale Cemetery. 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 staff of Highgate Senior Living and Stillwater Hospice. To offer condolences to the family please visit dahlcares.com.
