Dennis E. Dygert

Dennis Dygert, 68, passed away on March 1, 2022, in Billings.

Dennis was born June 17, 1953, in Garberville, Calif., to Claire and Ethel Dygert. As a child growing up in Fieldbrook, Calif., he spent his days fishing and exploring the redwoods of Northern California.

In 1973, he married Anna Deupree and they moved to Lewistown that same year. Together they had three children, Sarah (Tim) Browning, Terri (Coy) Loberg, and Michael (Brandie) Dygert.

In 2000, he married Jane (Zirscky) Mestes. Jane brought two children into his life, Greg (Liza) Mestes and Amanda (Mestes) Duncan. Together they had a son, Darek (Melissa) Dygert.

Dennis owned and operated Dygert Meats for over 31 years playing a major part in the Central Montana community. After selling the company in October 2012, Dennis and Jane moved to Christina, where they lived until his final day.

Dennis loved hunting, hunting, and hunting. When he wasn’t hunting he could be found on a riverbank fishing. Many special memories were made taking friends and family hunting and fishing. Mountain lion hunting was his favorite, whether it was early morning or dark of the night, he was always raring to go. He especially loved hunting with his sons Mike and Darek, but his daughters and stepchildren also joined in on the fun, and when his grandchildren were old enough, they too went along on many adventures. In his final days, Dennis was able to go on one final cat hunt along with his two youngest granddaughters, Elizabeth and Sadie, and they caught three mountain lions in two days. He truly lived life to the fullest and he would not have wanted it any other way.

Dennis was a humble man and was rarely seen without a smile. He sure knew how to tell a good story and he always had everyone guessing what was true and what was a “Dennis story.” He loved sharing those memories and would give a big belly laugh that would make everyone howl.

Along with his wife and children, Dennis is survived by 14 grandchildren, Shelby (Justin) Murnion; Toston, Sydney, and Shani Browning; Elizabeth Dygert; Cybil, Coltin, and Carlee Loberg; Isaac and Alicia Luna; Erin Mestes; Trinity (Tryg) Aamold; Aurora Duncan; Sadie Dygert; and one great-grandson, Anthony Aamold. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (Dygert) Ball.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Claire and Ethel Dygert, and his sister, Teresa (Dygert) Trask.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held on Monday, March 21 at 2 p.m. at the Trade Center in Lewistown.