Jessie Nigg, 97

Jessie Jean Nigg, nee’ Wheeler, 97, departed this earthly existence finally going to the home God promised on the Aug. 3, 2025. Born in the relatively unknown prairie town of Mildred, Montana on Dec. 1, 1927, to Alvie Wheeler and Bertha Heinz (Hintz). When questioning her birth, Jessie’s father said she was found under a piece of coal on the Great Northern dock. Growing up in Mildred during the Great Depression created in her a strength and resolve that was evident in all she did. A testament to her German Russian heritage. Although hardships were plenty, she was the girl with the smile.

She left Mildred alone at the age of 16 for Billings to find better opportunities while staying with family friends RT & Leith Morrow. Soon her mother, and siblings would follow. Her first job was at the Billings Laundry as a sheet folder making 32 ½ cents an hour and as a side job she started baking homemade bread at 10 cents a loaf. Just a couple of ventures that she excelled at during her life. 

Moving to the Flathead in 1949, she spent the years raising her family and becoming part of the community. The years were hard and often she would go without to provide for her children. Always the giver, it was hard for her to take any charity. On the April 1, 1966, she married the love of her life, Leo Nigg in Bonners Ferry Idaho. Shortly after she found her calling when the opportunity arose to work at Hennessy’s Chicken and Steak House. From there she worked at several of Kalispell’s well known eating establishments including the Park Inn, Huskey’s Truck Stop, and finally, where she spent the majority of her working years, the B&B Restaurant. Jessie’s work ethic was second to none, a trait she would pass on to her children. "If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all," became her mantra.

Jessie’s love of cooking was a source of pride and honor that she shared not only with her immediate family but those who were blessed to be around her, truly a labor of love. After retiring in 1991 she started compiling all her recipes, handwriting them all out on notebook paper from memory to create what would become in 1994, "Cooking with Jessie," her very own cookbook. She loved to share her recipes with anyone she encountered.  

Retirement also meant raising their last child, their beloved dog, Lucky. A name she proudly gave to him because, as she would always remind him, "You’re just darn lucky you get to live with me." A story she would repeat even in her final days. 

Even though she attended church by herself at a very young age, it was at the age of 77 that both she and Leo publicly expressed their faith in Christ and were baptized, a testament that nobody is lost and at any age, He readily accepts you into His Kingdom.  

With Christ as her foundation, family was her cornerstone. She loved backyard barbeques, family reunions, and just the casual visitor who was always welcome in her home. Her home was meticulously kept and emitted a clean fresh smell that her children fondly remember. She was always the peacemaker and was the fabric that held everything and everyone together.  

After losing Leo in 2013 she kept busy by baking cookies and pies for family members sending her youngest off to the post office at least once a month to ensure they would arrive on time and fresh. As age took its toll she never wavered in her faith and was always happy to provide you with a smile. She relinquished many tasks to her youngest child, Ricky but never let him stray too far without ensuring he still "did it right."  

Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, parents, Alvie and Bertha, siblings, Elsie, Mildred "Millie," Lloyd, Margaret "Midge," Monte, Fay, Eva, Robert, Sharon, and the hardest of all, her children, Marilyn, Karen, Carson, and grandchildren, Tony, and Bobbie Jo.  

She is survived by her children, Carol Jessie Lynch (Pat), Lyle Newman (Rhonda), Katie Frady, Kevin Newman, Dawna Carlon (George), Daniel Newman, and Ricky Nigg (Christina). At the time of her death, she was a great-great-great grandmother three times over, and leaves many special grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to mourn. 

No services are planned, and a private internment, will be held at a later date.  

Mom, your hair will always be beautiful. We love you.