Jerry "Shu" Wayne Schuster

Jerry Wayne Schuster “Shu,” passed away in Great Falls, Montana on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and devoted family.

Jerry was born on December 2, 1951, in Billings, Montana to proud parents Frank and Ethel Schuster. He spent his joyful adolescence growing up in Billings and attended Billings West High School where he graduated in 1970. He was a star athlete who lettered in multiple sports, but baseball was his true calling and passion. Jerry was a left-handed pitcher who had a searing hot 95+ MPH fastball that “moved” alongside a wicked curveball. In 1970, he was drafted in the 41st round (843 overall) by the New York Yankees. Jerry traveled across the United States playing baseball competitively until an elbow injury forced a new direction and horizon.

He enrolled at the University of Montana where he studied History, Political Science, and Psephology. He graduated and achieved his B.A. in 1974. Continuing his higher education in Missoula, he enrolled at the University of Montana Law School and secured his J.D. in 1977. After graduating law school, Jerry practiced law as an attorney specializing in construction/commercial litigation, labor relations, and employment law, alongside insurance claims. During his legal career he established his own law firm practice and worked for other legal firms across Montana.

During his college years, he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. In summers when his academic studies paused, Jerry was a Glacier National Park Ranger and was stationed on the East Glacier side of the park working out of the Many Glacier region. Those were some of his fondest and most wistful memories as a young man. Likewise, Jerry never forgot his “Griz” roots either and was a loyal college football fan, attending autumn home games whenever he could.

Fascinated by history, Jerry was an assiduous reader, relishing books about Western Civilization which involved pivotal moments and turning point campaigns. Of particular interest to him was the American Civil War, WWI, and WWII. He had a keen understanding of those motivating events, crucial figures, and decisive dates in time, and was an avid conversationalist about those shifting paradigms.

Throughout his life in Montana, he was an avowed fly fisherman who always was on the prowl for the perfect trout from the perfect fly cast. He spent many delightful times fishing around the Missouri and Smith Rivers, and Rock Creek, alongside plenty of other shimmering mountain streams. Home cooking was another of Jerry’s outstanding traits. He always looked for the most succulent cut of meat to pair with made-from-scratch savory sauces and side dishes. He had stacks of Bon Appetit magazines that were ear marked and used with delicious dedication for family and friends alike. Jerry loved to try out a new recipe to see if it was a homerun and then improve upon it for an unquestionable grand slam. Sit down dinners were his pleasure with heaping portions of food insisted upon.

Jerry greatly admired German Shepherd and Rottweiler dog breeds. Over the years, he owned several of these exceptional purebred dogs and excelled at training them – learning obedience skills taught to him by legendary Great Falls dog trainer, Gene Hodges. He tirelessly harnessed and worked to accentuate their inner drives at local parks and confirmation dog shows.

In his later segment of life, Jerry always looked forward to traveling over to North Idaho to see his son, Ryan, and visiting his five grandchildren there. He especially appreciated the big waters and views of Lake Pend Oreille.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Candice Schuster; oldest son, Ryan Schuster (Aaryn Schuster), and their five children, Stella, Sven, Gretta, Thorin, and Saxon; youngest son, Collin Schuster (Anne Schuster), and their one child, Sydney; daughter, Laurel Gregier (Nathan Gregier), and their two children, Oliver and Everett; alongside his brother, Larry Schuster.

One of Jerry’s favorite poets was Rudyard Kipling. A beautiful poem from Kipling which Jerry revered is entitled “IF.” For insight into Jerry’s life which embrace his hopes, dreams, and triumphs - please read it and think of him.

Jerry’s ashes will be dispersed between Glacier Park and Lake Pend Oreille. In lieu of flowers, or other passing gift remembrances, please donate to the American Heart Association.