Wayne Leland Wardell

Wayne Leland Wardell, 74, of Chester, Montana passed away on February 22, 2020, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana. Wayne was born January 6, 1946, in Chester to Janell Wardell. He graduated from Chester High School and continued his education at the University of Montana and Montana State University Northern where he graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in History and Music Education. He began his teaching career in Rocky Boy, Montana and continued teaching at Froid, Montana where he met Juanita Westrum. Wayne and Juanita were married in 1974, and continued teaching in Froid until they moved to Chester, where Wayne worked for Tiber Tractor and Custom Woodcraft until opening a financial services office for Thrivent and American Express.Wayne and Juanita were blessed with two children, Tia and Morgan. Through the years, Wayne’s passion was following his kid’s music, swimming, and hockey activities. His music enthusiasm had him spending many hours playing and singing in local musical groups, directing choral and band groups at Chester High School, and directing the church choir for many years at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Wayne took pride in serving as the mayor of Chester for 41 years, and served on the board of Bear Paw Development Corporation. He is survived by his daughter, Tia Wardell-Monsen (Andrew) of Auburn, WA, and their two children Ryan and Max; his son, Morgan Wardell (Erin) of Sheridan, WY and their two children Grayden and Isla; his brothers, Jack Wardell (Mo) of Renton, WA and Phil Wardell (Ruth) of Great Falls, MT; his sisters, Janine Erickson (Rich) of Port Angeles, WA and Mary Wilson (Roger) of Circle Pines, MN; and several nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his father and mother, Sterling and Janell Wardell and his brother Victor. Arrangements are being handled by Schnider Funeral Home of Great Falls.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at the Chester United Methodist Church, in Chester, MT. Memorial gifts should be directed to the Liberty County Senior Center, PO Box 13, Chester, MT 59522.