Jeffrey Lynn Huls, 69, of Corvallis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, finally made it home to heaven on April 11, 2026.
Born on May 10, 1956, to Dave and Jennie Huls, he and twin sister Julie joined their brothers at the family dairy in Corvallis, MT. There he learned about love, hard work, and loyalty, and developed a deep appreciation for God’s creation in the great outdoors. His brothers called him Huck Finn because of his tendency to slip down to the river fishing at every opportunity.
Jeff graduated from Corvallis High School in 1974, having participated in and enjoyed football and wrestling. He would have done track and field also, if the lure of motocross racing hadn’t become a passion. Sponsored as a member of the Huls Brothers Racing Team, he enjoyed the competition and rigor of motocross from 1970 to 1980. The motocross track built on family property drew many people, and was where he first met his future wife, Julie.
Jeff married Julie (Mills) McLaughlin in 1977, and they recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. They raised four children together – Spencer, Sarah, Amos, and Shane. During those years Jeff co-purchased Huls Dairy, Inc., was the head ice cream maker at The Creamery in Hamilton, and then became a power lineman for Ravalli County Electric Co-Op, where he retired after 31 years of service. Already loving the Bitterroot, his job gave him the opportunity to discover more of it while inspecting lines and addressing power issues. He made many lifetime friends in the process.
Accepting Jesus Christ at a young age at Corvallis Community Church, Jeff’s love of and dependence on God grew as he did. He couldn’t understand how anyone could deny God’s existence and goodness while living in this beautiful Bitterroot Valley. Jeff became a deacon and then an elder at Hamilton Assembly of God church, continuing to learn how to love God and love people. He spent over 40 years as a Royal Ranger leader, endeavoring to reach and teach boys for Christ.
Jeff was an avid hunter, with elk his special passion, but also deer, bear, a couple of mountain goats, turkey, and the ever-elusive wolf. He made many friends through his interest in hunting. Fishing was another activity Jeff pursued, and he really enjoyed sharing his knowledge of cane pole fishing for whitefish, and later lake fishing with friends and family.
Jeff and Julie spent many years vacationing at Painted Rocks Lake. They learned how to waterski, bought a ski boat, and it became a yearly tradition that their children, grandchildren, and extended family still enjoy today. “Lake Week” became a sort of annual family holiday that few could resist.
Jeff was so proud of his children, giving God most of the credit for the amazing, productive, caring people they have grown into. Then, as each married (Jeremy, Katie, Rachael, Meredith) and had grandchildren, he counted it as a special privilege and blessing to be involved in their lives, passing down his heritage and skills, and mostly, his love.
To Jeff’s grandchildren – Taylor, Aric, Jillian, Ascha, Brighton, Audrey, Adam, Archer, Isaac, Jennie-Zora, Emerson, and Maggie – know that your “Grumpy” loved you and spent many hours praying blessings for your lives. He has had so much fun being your “Grumpy”, in so many ways, and he is so proud of each of you.
To brothers – Dan (Joan), Bruce (Pat), Tim (Trudy), Chris (Ginny), Kevin (Jana), and sisters – Julie (Kip) and Lynn, thank you for all the love and support through the years.
To those who called him Uncle Jeff, he treasured his relationships with each of you.
To those who called him Commander, you helped him fulfill his calling to share the gospel and have fun in the process.
To his fellow deacons and elders, pastors and friends, you have meant so much to us as we have walked life together.
Jeff lived a big life and left a large impact on this valley, and on the hearts of many.
Jeff was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer at age 50. During his cancer journey he met many fine people, and really learned to appreciate the knowledgeable and compassionate people in healthcare. Our love and appreciation to Dr. Eric Liu, who for 20 years made it his goal for Jeff to die of something other than cancer. His and others’ expertise, with God’s help and plan, extended Jeff’s life and his quality of life.
Our love and appreciation to our truly amazing and large family for their care during all of this journey, and especially these last months. Your prayers, love, support, and even professional help, has made this time not just bearable, but blessed beyond measure.
On April 19, interment will take place at Corvallis Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place at 3 p.m. at Hamilton Assembly of God, 601 West Main St., Hamilton, MT. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to ChildBridge Montana at childbridgemontana.org/donate, or to the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation at ncf.net/donate.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
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