Edward Weller

Surrounded by his family in laughter, story telling and song, at the age of 86, Ed Weller, our father, grandfather and great-grandfather died on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at Riverstone Hospice House. Ed was born August 9, 1927 in Spokane, WA the son of Peter and Agnes (McKenna) Weller. He graduated from Gonzaga Prep High School. He was in the active military both in the US Marines and the US Navy. In 1953, Ed moved to Billings. On June 6, 1953 Ed was united in marriage to LaDonna Freter. Together, they raised three children, Nancy, Carol, and David, who all still call Billings home. Ed was owner of Baumgartner - Weller Photography Studio from 1966 until retiring in 1995. In his professional life he was an active member of the Montana Professional Photographers Association, where he won several awards. He has been a member of the Breakfast Exchange Club since 1969 and served as President from 1979-1980. In 2011, he was awarded the Book of Golden Deeds award for his years of service to help disadvantaged youth and was honored as a Life Member of the National Exchange Club. Ed enjoyed pouring beer at the Metra with his Exchange Club friends at local events. Ed was also a charter member of St. Pius X Parish in Billings, occupying the same pew each week, surrounded by his family. Ed loved a good conversation over coffee, talking with his neighbors and gardening. Known as “Grandpa Mato”, he specialized in growing tomatoes, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his wife LaDonna, in 1999, his son in law, Charles Pfluge, grandson, Kyle Pfluge, as well as his two brothers, two sisters, and parents. Surviving Ed are his children: Nancy (Mike) Smith, Carol (Pete) Timm, David (Leisa) Weller; grandchildren: Greg (Erin) McCall, Brad (Kelsey) McCall, Carolee (John) Bonner, Matthew (Sonja) Pfluge, Caitlin Pfluge, Andrea (Cody) Reiger, Ryan Timm, Sarah Weller, Megan Weller; 10 great grandchildren and two more on the way. A Memorial Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Ed's ashes will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery with his wife LaDonna following the service. Memorials may be made in his name to St Pius X Catholic Church or Breakfast Exchange Club Foundation.