Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home It's all about saying goodbye. Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home
Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
It's all about saying goodbye.
Patricia "Patty" Ann Sundheim
August 16, 1943 - March 16, 2023

Place of Birth: Billings, Montana
Residence: Fairview, Montana
Age: 79

Patricia Ann Sundheim “Patty” was born on August 16th, 1943 to Edwin and Iola “Sis” Wheeler. Patty entered the world with an older sister, Annabelle and brother Neil, later followed by brothers Bobby , Gail, and Larry. Their first home was in Billings, MT followed by a short stay in Borger, TX, then Sidney, MT and finally to the family farm just north of Sidney.

Growing up with a sister and four brothers always provided endless adventures and stories. Between being convinced that angle worms tasted good and that you can sit on bumble bees without getting stung, there was never a dull moment at the Wheeler household.

Patty attended school at the Ridgelawn and Hardy country schools, followed by high school in Sidney and a year of college at Dickinson State.

She met her lifelong partner Judean Sundheim in the spring of 1963 while working at the Fairview bank. He stopped in to make a deposit and ended up asking her out on a date. Judean and Patty were married in Fairview on December 5, 1964. 19 months later, their first son Kevin was born followed by Shawn 3 years later.

Raising two boys and keeping the farmer in line were her super powers.

She was an avid reader and a student of history which helped land her dream job as a Park Ranger at Fort Union as a historical Interpreter.

Patty was a fierce defender of all animals and never turned away a stray. At one point, there were two doge, 2 cats, a dwarf calf named “Wart”, transient skunk “FeFe”, “Charlie” the Coyote, and a one-legged woodpecker named “Alfonso”.

Here love of the outdoors was infectious. She could be found most summer evenings hiking her hills looking for arrowheads and agates.

Patty and JuDean spent many hours supporting and watching every sporting event Kevin, Shawn, Brady, and Sheridan ever participated in.

She was a staunch Viking fan and on gameday there was always a hot homecooked meal with her famous buns which usually helped ease the pain from a Vikings loss.

Patty is survived by her husband JuDean, sons Kevin and Shawn, grandson Brady, granddaughter Sheridan, and the many animals she loved so much.

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Shane and cammi seader
Mar 18, 2023
So sorry for your loss
Mrs. Ann Meier
Mar 19, 2023
Blessed with many years, but even with all those years I know they were not enough for those who held Patty so dear to their hearts. To her loved ones I extend my deepest condolences. May God’s promises bring comfort and peace during this difficult time. Acts 24:15; Psalms 37:29
Janet Wheeler (Missoula , MT)
Mar 19, 2023
Sis (Iola Simard), Ed, Patty, Neil and Annabelle Wheeler
My heart is heavy today. I have always loved Patty and was so thankful for her continual support of Bob before, during and after his illness and passing. She was a wonderful sister to him and a wonderful sister in law to me as well as aunt to my children. Rest in heavenly peace. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
Wendy Johnson
Mar 20, 2023
Rest easy aunt Patty, keep looking for those agates and arrowheads! Those we find here on earth, we'll know were placed by you for us to find :)
Dale & Diane Danielson (Fairview, Mt)
Mar 20, 2023
Sorry for your loss, prayers for Judean and family.
Erin Wheeler (MISSOULA, MT)
Mar 20, 2023
I'm so sad to hear about Patty. She was always so good to my dad and we will miss her.
Staci Miller (Rapid City, SD)
Mar 21, 2023
Shawn, Kevin and family, my deepest condolences. Sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Erin Wheeler (MISSOULA, MT)
Mar 21, 2023
I'm so sad to hear about Patty. She was always so good to my dad and we will kiss her.
Pat Ashley (Dickinson, ND)
Mar 21, 2023
Sorry to hear about Patty. I have fond memories of our time together at Fort Union
Staci Miller (Rapid City, SD)
Mar 21, 2023
Shawn, Kevin and family, my deepest condolences. Sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Gerry Weaver Entzel Almond (Sidney , Montana )
Mar 21, 2023
I first became acquainted with Patty when she was still at home north of Sidney. I would sometimes stay with my sister, Louise Asbeck, who lived across the tracks and walk to Wheeler’s, where Patty would play the accordion and visit with me. Sweet lady.
Gerard Baker (Miles City, MT)
Mar 22, 2023
Mary Kay and I would like to express our sympathy to Judean and family. I was the Historian at Fort Union Trading Post NHS in the early days when Patty first came to the Park to Volunteer. I was so impressed by her energy, excitement, and knowledge that she brought with her. Patty, I swear could find a Arrowhead if it was in the cement in the middle of a BIG parking lot!! She was so exited at that time to be a volunteer for us and this was the time way before the reconstruction of Fort Union and our office was in a small trailer and simple gravel road straight into the Park Headquarters. Well one of the first mornings she came to work, I told her that us Park Rangers always hung the flag up first thing in the morning and we would then step back salute and sing the National Anthem. The Superintendent and I knew that we had a great employee when we saw Patty put the flag up, step back and sing the National Anthem. I was very proud of her when she got her NPS status!! She will be missed, and we are thankful for the friendship of her and Judean.

Gerard Baker
Assistant Director National Park Service, (retired)
Loren and Mandy Kutzler (Sidney, MT)
Mar 22, 2023
Kevin and Family - we are sorry for the loss of your Mom. May all your wonderful memories guide you through the tough days. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.
Cathy Linde Hancock (Neenach, California )
Mar 22, 2023
Many great memories of Patty and her family! RIP Sending prayers. Love from, Cathy and Tim Hancock
Becky (Ullman) Webster (Billings , MT)
Mar 23, 2023
To JuDean, Kevin, and Shawn. Patty was such a kind, loving and beautiful woman. I remember seeing her at Fort Union. She was very passionate about what she did there and it showed. Anyone who crossed paths with her was always better off than before. She was an excellent neighbor. She will be sadly missed. My sincere condolences.
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