Dan Wertz

Daniel D. Wertz, 66, passed away peacefully at his home in Clyde Park, surrounded by his family on June 30, 2022. Dan was a loving husband, an amazing father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and mentor to many.

Dan was born on November 22, 1955 in Helena, MT and spent the first four years of his life in Ennis before Mary Jo and Jack moved the family to their ranch on Brackett Creek. Here they raised Dan and his four feisty, fun and loving siblings - Jolene, Dennis, Judy and Jan. Dan’s siblings were also his closest friends and most loyal supporters.

Dan attended high school in Clyde Park where he enjoyed school as well as competed in track and football, but first and foremost it was where he met the love of his life, Linda. After high school Dan attended Helena Vo-Tech where he earned an associates degree in welding technology. His early welding career brought him to many places across Montana and Wyoming before he and Linda moved back to Park County and he pursued the career that he was most passionate about: becoming a deputy. Dan began working for the Park County Sheriff's Office in 1985. Over the next 21 years Dan exemplified many of the characteristics that made him the man he was - compassion, honesty, integrity and openness to the job of protecting and serving the residents of Park County. He was always quick to listen and slow to judge. After retiring from the Sheriff's Office in 2006 Dan continued working as security at the Crazy Mountain Ranch and the Music Ranch where he had the pleasure of befriending many incredible colleagues.

Dan accomplished many things throughout his life, but his family was what made him most proud. Dan and Linda married in 1977, and many of Dan’s closest friends became his in-laws. Dan and Linda exemplified a loving, caring, supportive and fun-filled relationship which translated into the manner they raised their kids, Christina, Chad, and Cassie in Clyde Park. Dan was a wonderful father - always there to support, encourage, adventure, mentor, guide and love them. Dan also has three grandchildren - Laine, Zane, and Bristol - who he loved dearly.

Dan was a master of making all days “good days” and could often be found thoroughly enjoying life via his many pastimes: riding his motorcycle, traveling with family and friends (where he never met a stranger), hunting, hiking, walking and camping with his canine companions, and always treasuring the breathtaking scenery and wild creatures - particularly wolves - in the mountains he so loved calling home. Throughout the years Dan accumulated stories to share which proved that truth is often stranger than fiction.

Dan is survived by his children Christina Wertz, Cassie Wertz (Don Fraser), Chad Wertz (Erica) as well as his grandchildren Laine, Zane, and Bristol Wertz. Dan is also survived by his beloved siblings, nieces, and nephews who meant so much to him: Jolene Cyr (Charlie) and nieces Ashley Albrecht (Sam) and great niece Sadie, and Allison Cyr; Dennis Wertz (Nina Phillip), Judy Guenther (Craig) and nephew Cody; his sister Jan Wertz and nephews Jaden and Makal. Lastly, Dan is survived by his father-in-law and friend, Everrett Bailey, and the rest of the Bailey clan. Dan was preceded in death by his loving wife Linda, his parents Jack and Mary Jo Wertz, his mother-in-law Joyce Bailey, his niece Carly Guenther, and his friend and brother-in-law Jeff Butcher.

A graveside memorial will be held on honor of Dan on Monday, July 18, 11:00 A.M. at the Clyde Park Cemetery. Reception will follow the service at Shield's Valley Community Center, in Clyde Park. Rest easy good sir. A full obituary is forthcoming. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers please support the following causes that meant so much to Dan: Stafford Animal Shelter at 3 Business Park Loop, Livingston, MT 59047, Bike the US for MS at PO Box 10001 Blacksburg, VA 24062, and Livingston Home Health and Hospice at 320 Alpenglow Lane Livingston, MT 59018. Many thanks to the staff at Livingston Healthcare and Billings Clinic for the enduring care and support.