Leo “Buddy” Waldhausen entered into his Eternal home in Heaven on April 30, 2025.

Leo was born February 6, 1944, in Wolf Point, Montana to Leo and Ruth Waldhausen. He married LeEtta Gilbertson on June 27, 1966. They spent 58 wonderful years together in Culbertson, with the exception of five years spent in Billings, Montana. They enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s activities and sporting events, watching birds from the kitchen, and being involved in their church.

Leo graduated from Culbertson High School in 1962 and went into the National Guard. He attended one year of college in Havre, Montana at Northern. He was an avid hunter, liked to fish with his grandkids, and loved fast cars (he especially loved to watch NASCAR every chance he got). Leo played cards every day (except Sundays) with his pals and taught his daughters and grandkids the love of the card game Hearts. He also taught all three daughters basic mechanic knowledge, which we can still remember fondly (kind of).

Extremely proud of his 38 years in the Montana National Guard, Leo finished his career as a Sergeant Major. He was a Culbertson EMT for nearly 30 years, a volunteer fireman, and the Fire Chief for the Culbertson Fire Department.

He loved his family and spending time with all of us. He was the very best husband, dad, and grandpa anyone could ever ask for. He will be dearly missed.

Leo is survived by his beloved wife LeEtta; daughters LeRiesa (Larry) Zahn, Leona (Mark) Colvin, and Leslie (David) Bengochea; grandchildren Colton (Emily) Zahn, April Zahn, Eric Zahn, Henry Colvin, Ivy Colvin, Devan (Chad) Moore, Lance Bengochea (Katie), Anissa Bengochea, Justice Bengochea, Ashton Bengochea, and Hamini Bengochea; great-granchildren Gage (Megan) Zahn, Tuscan Zahn, Maya Zahn, Ava Snyder, Kayden Moore, Kohen Moore, and Roen Bengochea.

Memorial Contribution