Jeffery Neil Badeker, 44

Jeffery Neil Badeker, 44, departed from this world on Aug. 30, 2016, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Jeff was born March 17, 1972, to Sandra Burks and Rick Badeker in Roseville, California, growing up in Manteca and Stockton, California, where he finished high school at Edison High in Stockton, then moving to Boise, Idaho, and settling in Whitefish.

Jeff was a very hard worker and was called by many a workaholic. He started out at a young age dishwashing, then landscaping and building trusses. He had worked for a couple different companies before finally deciding to start his own drywall business that would have him doing drywall for over 20 years.

He married Danielle Huebner Oct. 31, 2005. They shared a thirst for adventure and spent many years together working side by side doing drywall.

Jeff helped raise his stepson Jayden whom he was very proud of and, together with Dani, had a son Malaki who was indeed the light of his life. He also had three other children living out of state, Breanna Malory, Leah Badeker and Kenny Badeker and two granddaughters. Jeff truly loved the outdoors, camping four-wheeling fishing, spending time with family and friends and also watching his younger sons’ sporting events. He had a great passion for rock music, having attended many concerts both locally and out of state. He never let his illness stop him from living life to the fullest. He knew his days were numbered but refused to count them!

He is survived by his parents Sandy Burks and Rick Badeker, his children Breanna, Leah, Jayden, Kenny and Malaki, and brothers Eric, Jeremy, Charlie and Andrew Badeker.

He was preceded in death by stepfathers Bruce Burke and Mike Thaute, and grandparents Lois and Richard Holsinger, and Helen and Jack French.

A donation collection has been created with GoFundMe.com under Jeff Badeker.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the VFW in Kalispell.

“It’s not the years in your life that matter; but the life in your years.” — Abe Lincoln