Jerome Dukart

Missoula - We lost a giant among the Northside community. A true legend on the Mount Rushmore of old- school Northsiders. Jerome P. Dukart, 84 died at his long-time residence of 58 years.

Graveside service: August 29th, 2:00 at St Mary’s Cemetery. Reception to follow: 3:30 at Reno Café.

Born November 12th, 1940 to Joe and Regina Dukart in Dickinson, ND. Jerome married a bright- eyed ND gal, Marilyn Karsky in October 1962. They headed west in 1966 and settled in Missoula. He had a long and interesting work career. As a youngster he was a pin monkey at the local bowling alley in Dickinson. Alongside many other odd jobs, he worked at the wrecking yard and also learned upholstery; no one could stitch up diamond tuck like Jerome. Some of his Missoula employers along the way were: Van Evans, Ace Auto, Economy Autobody, Washington Corp., Montana Transmission, and the Rock Shop.

His all-time love was working out of his own fabulous shop (that he built, including an elevator!) on his own schedule – at the end of the day tipping back a nice cold Rainier/PBR. He was always working on something; projects in the garage, getting a load of firewood or out on a rescue mission. You always knew you could count on Jerome when you needed help.

He had a high level of skill and an uncanny understanding and vision of the mechanical world. There’s not a lot of craftsmen that could do custom upholstery in the morning and expert level welding in the afternoon — especially without any formal training!

Jerome P. Dukart was a mechanical superstar! When he needed a truck for a specific purpose and couldn’t find one, he just built his own. When he thought his car would look better cut in half, well… out came the torch.

A legendary example of JD’s mad skillz were on display one fateful night in 1978. Willie Nelson’s tour bus broke down; the hitch needed to be rewelded. Who did Willie’s crew end up calling in the middle of the night? When it was said and done, it was JD who got Willie “on the road again.”

He loved to laugh and keep things lighthearted; he loved the simple things in life. He lived a very rich and rewarding life; he was the star of his own movie. Pretty much making something out of nothing on a daily basis.

Jerome leaves behind his daughter Tina (Kelley) and four grandkids: Hannah, Janelle, Nate and Tommy. He lost his better half; Marilyn in 2016, a huge loss for us all.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Whitesitt Funeral Home, Stevensville. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Opportunity Resources. A huge thank you to Partner’s in Home Care Hospice nurses, who went above and beyond; absolute true angels! We’re deeply grateful for your compassionate care and loving support in Jerome’s last days of life.

Honorary Pallbearers: Todd Baker, Denny, Lonnie, Maedche bros, Tide, Bobby and Carol, Herman Henry, Old Dependable, The Buggy Truck, Neighbor Shayne, Mike Hamlin, Doug Roarke.

On a lighter note, to channel your inner Jerome, go get a load of firewood, go to the drag races, go for lunch at the Reno, go to a hunting camp with your best buds, watch a western in your recliner, go buy a $40 car, stop at a rummage sale, buy some candy, have a PBR!

I hope that when people read this it brings a smile to their faces and helps us all realize what a blessing it was to have this man in our lives for all these years. Dad, rest in peace; you and mom are finally reunited. Love you! OVER.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerome Dukart, please visit our floral store.