Andrew James Bjelland

Andrew James Bjelland (aka Andy) passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Jan. 28, 2022, at The Billings Clinic. Andy was 60 years young, only five days shy from his birthday.

Andy was born to Richard and Janet (Colbrese) Bjelland in Billings, Montana, on Feb. 2, 1961. He was preceded in death by his father on Sept. 15, 2020. Andy was married to Nancy (Simon) Bjelland in 1985 and to this union, his only child, Jamie Lyn Bjelland, was born two years later in 1987. They later divorced.

Andy leaves behind many lifelong friends and surviving family members: his daughter, Jamie Lyn (Bjelland) Watkins, his son-in-law, Bryan Watkins; his grandchildren, Aubrie Watkins (6) and Sydney Watkins (2); and his mom, Janet Bjelland. Andy was the fourth born child of siblings Duane Bjelland, Renae Steinmetz (Jesse), Ron Bjelland, Julie Cruikshank (Joe), and Dave Bjelland (Toni). Andy is also survived by his special friend, Carmen Waters, her grandchildren Kiara and Amada, numerous nephews and nieces, and his black lab, Aldo.

Andy graduated from Billings West High School. He went into the family real estate appraisal profession, known as Bjelland Appraisals, with his dad and his brother-in-law, Joe Cruikshank.

Andy was known as “The Man, The Myth, and The Legend” to his family and the many lifelong friends he made in his life travels. Heaven gained a great guy for sure. Was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Andy’s personal life motto was, “It’s good enough for who it’s for.” He was a man of many gifted talents.

His construction skills helped build, repair, maintain and upgrade the Bjelland family cabin in Red Lodge over the years. Andy used the handyman skills his dad taught him in purchasing home fixer uppers. Andy enjoyed traveling in his RV and he tried his luck at fishing occasionally. Andy was a terrific cook, grilling for special events, birthdays, holidays and family get-togethers.

But Andy’s biggest enjoyment and excitement was rebuilding fast race cars to compete at the Yellowstone Drag Strip. His son-in-law Bryan Watkins was Andy’s pit crew and mechanic on and off the track keeping the silver mustang ready to roll.

Andy was immensely proud of his daughter Jamie, and his granddaughters, Aubs and Syd, were the joy of this life. He was affectionately known as PopPops. The last couple of years, Andy volunteered to help out as Santa in his daughter’s photography studio. He played the part so well not even the girls knew who he was. Between Andy and the girls’ dad, Bryan, Aubs and Syd could be found in the family garage learning how to air up a tire; use a wrench to loosen a lug nut on a tire wheel; uses for hoses, etc. in hopes he could have them both drag racing someday. He also supported his girls in Youth Rodeo riding events.

Viewing and visitation will be at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary at 1001 Alderson Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 3, from 4:00 p.m. concluding at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, Feb. 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 1108 24th St. West with a Celebration of Life to follow.

Additionally, if you have something special that you remember with Andy and would like to share it with the family, please write it down and leave it in a sealed envelope at the funeral home so these lasting memories can be enjoyed and not forgotten. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Landon’s Legacy, P.O. Box 80542, Billings, MT 59108.