Jeffrey Frank Kestle, 57, of Butte passed away on November 9, 2019 after a short illness. Jeff was born in Butte on August 31, 1962 to Charles and Janice Kestle and attended local schools. Jeff graduated from Butte High in 1980.
Jeff attended Montana State University where he received a master’s degree in Architecture in 1985. Later he attended the University of Washington where he received a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Design in 1992. While attending UW Jeff worked as a teaching assistant in the Architecture Department, and later was employed as an Architect for the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Jeff was a partner in Kestle Architects of Butte from 1992-2019. Jeff held professional license in Montana and Washington. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, the American Planning Association, and the Butte Society of Architects where he served as president.
Jeff was a music enthusiast. He had played trumpet in the Butte Symphony, The Butte Big Band, and various local groups.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by brother Charles Kestle and sister-in-law Vicki Kestle of Butte, and brother Scott Kestle and sister-in-law Helen Kestle of Port Orchard, Washington. Friends can call on November 21, 2019 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1621 Thornton Ave., at 1:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. A private interment will follow. Donations and memorials be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jeff. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jeff and his family.
Tom Alexander says
Kestle Family: Please accept my condolences on Jeff’s passing. I was fortunate to have had the privilege of playing in the Butte Big Band with him. Those will always be great memories.
Joy Gummer says
Chuck & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. I have fond memories of band. In fact they are some of my best school memories. Both Jeff and Yourself were great musicians. I hope all the happy memories soon replace your sorrow.
Marina Little says
Chuck and Family,
I share my thoughts and prayers with you during this sorrowful time. Jeff and I were classmates in architecture school at MSU. Our paths crossed occasionally over the past 34 years. It was always nice seeing him and catching up. I will cherish his memory.
Stephen Hinick says
Chuck & Family,
I was shocked when I read the news. An extreme loss for you and your brother and wives. Our Butte Society of architects send sincere condolence to you for the loss of your Brother and our Society President. Jeff was extremely talented as an architect and leader. It’s a loss for Butte. Know that my thoughts are with you .
Marc Donaldson says
Chuck and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m proud to say that I’ve known the Kestle brothers a very long time. Whenever I think of musicians in Butte, Chuck and Jeff were always two of the very best. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Willard says
Chuck I’m so sorry , I did try to help . Sincere Condolences.
Chuck O’Brien says
Chuck and family, sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. May God Bless and be with you all.
Chuck O’Brien
Sherri Bebo says
Rip Jeff, I will miss you very very much. Thank you for all the great memories I have of all of us playing our trumpets together. You were so wonderful and caring to me when I first started playing my trumpet. I always thought the world of you and my heart is very sad to have learned of your passing. I am so happy I had the great opportunity to have met you and knew you were always one of my great friends. I love you! God bless you!
John and Becky Lutz says
Chuck, Scott, and families
We were completely shocked to hear of Jeffs passing. He was a great guy. Our prayers and condolences are with you.
Dale and Trudi Olson says
We were shocked to hear of Jeffs
passing. Our condolences to chuck and vicki and family Jeff will be missed by all.may God comfort you in this difficult time.
Molly Ross says
I have heard with sorrow of Jeff’s passing. I very young and fine person. We will miss him and his lovely spirit. Love to his family, Molly and Bart Ross
Patty Larios says
To the Kestle Family,
Please accept my condolences. I am so sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. My memories of playing in high school band, and later in the swing band and symphony with Jeff are very dear to me. He was an amazing talent, as a musician and architect. I feel honored to have known him. We have lost a wonderful man.
May you be comforted during this time of loss. Patty Larios
Judy Staudinger says
Chuck and Scott, I’m do very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear brother Jeff. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Treasure the memories always. Judy Berry Staudinger
Nancy Oyer says
Oh my heart. I loved Jeff and will miss a true friend, dining partner, great conversationalist, road tripping pal, talented architect, musician and music aficionado (and one of the few people to whom I could confess my music snobbery). May all of you find strength and comfort in faith and family, and may his gentle soul be comforted by the grace of G-d. See you when we cross paths again, Jeff. Until then, I will miss you dearly.
John Raymond says
Chuck, I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of you and Jeff in the swing band. Living in Vegas I don’t get to see many people from Butte anymore. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for the services. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Bjerke says
Dear Chuck – I just learned of Jeff’s passing and I am so deeply sorry for you and your family. His quiet demeanor and incredible talent stand out in my memory. Our condolences.
Dean and Susan Bjerke