William 'Willi' Sterling Tustin, 65

William "Willi" Sterling Tustin, 65, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Willi was born Dec 16, 1960, in Carson City, Nevada, to his parents, Charles and Adele Tustin. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in Columbia Falls and he went on to graduate from Montana State University with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.

He married Shirley Jean Palmer in June 1984, and they had five children together. They lived in Seattle, where Willi worked for Boeing and they lived in San Diego, where Willi worked for General Dynamics. They eventually moved back to his hometown of Coram in 1991. He owned and operated Spruce Park Appliance, becoming a familiar and trusted face in the community. He was an active member of Hungry Horse Chapel, where he served faithfully.

Willi is survived by his wife, Jeannie Tustin; his two brothers, Warren and wife Carol, and Wyatt and wife Shannan; sister-in-law, Colleen Tustin; his five children, Ben and wife Michelle, Nikki and husband Brandon Bucher, Kerri and husband Bear Vasquez, Kay, and Dan; his stepchildren, Sean Shenefelt and wife Melissa, and Leah Shenefelt, as well as nieces, nephews and many grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers, Wayne and Whitney Tustin.

Willi enjoyed music, singing, fixing, building and creating things, as well as teaching Sunday School and being on the worship team at church.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at Hungry Horse Chapel with Pastor Brent Schmidt officiating. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.