Barry Dean Brekhus

After a courageous battle with cancer, Barry Dean Brekhus, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2024, with his loving wife, Bobbie, by his side.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses and caregivers at Billings Clinic who guided us through every difficult step of his treatment with so much care and kindness.

Barry was born in Mohall, North Dakota, on June 19, 1957, and grew up in Kenmare, North Dakota, with his parents, Harvey and Mildred Brekhus, and two younger siblings. He graduated high school in 1975 and from mortuary school at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, in 1980.

Barry moved to Billings shortly after earning his degree in funeral service, and went to work at Michelotti-Sawyers, providing funeral services to families in Billings and the surrounding area for 44 years. He was incredibly dedicated to each family he served and continued to do the work he loved until the end.

In 1994, Barry married the love of his life, Bobbie. They enjoyed their 30 years together, especially the time they shared with daughter Grace (Jason) Ruff, and three grandsons, Kai, Kamdon and Knox.

Barry’s grandsons were the light of his life. He shared a unique and special bond with each one of them. Barry encouraged Kai to join Cub Scouts as a first grader and took him to all his den meetings and events, as Kai worked up to the rank of Life Scout. Being part of Kai’s transition from little boy to young man gave Barry immense joy.

He looked forward to watching Kamdon play football and soccer and cherished having breakfast with him every morning before school this last year.

Grandson Knox read to Grandpa and played with his toys on the couch beside him. Barry got a kick out of every goodbye from Knox with his, “Gimme a kiss, Grandpa.”

A few days before he passed, Barry learned a fourth grandchild is on the way. He deeply loved and was so incredibly proud of his daughter and grandchildren. He lamented knowing he would not be here to meet the newest addition to their beautiful family.

Barry had a gentle, patient, and calming way about him and could always make you laugh with his quick, dry wit. He recently celebrated 39 years of sobriety and was a grateful and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Barry was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Brekhus.

Following a family graveside service, Barry’s urn will be placed in Bobbie’s family plot (Lambert) at the Shorthill Cemetery near Livingston.