Jacob ‘Dub’ Weidinger (USAF Retired) was born June 10, 1980, in Billings, Montana to Dennis Weidinger and Deb (Leone) Doak. He was the oldest of four siblings, and the best big brother.

Jacob grew up in Billings, graduating from Skyview High School in 1998. He was best known in town for his ‘82 (albeit, not all original) blue and white Ford Mustang 5.0 he affectionately licensed with ‘Tru Death’. Years later a tow truck driver enlisted to move the car to storage (yes, we still have it; no, it does not run) recalled memories of seeing the car cruising the main drags, and how cool it was to see it again. Growing up with Jacob consisted of a lot of body slams, good music, and bruised and sore arms (if you know, you know).

He had a dream of flying jets, inspired by watching the Blue Angels at the Billings Airshow. He enlisted with the Air Force in 2001 until his retirement in September 2017. Throughout his time he was stationed in California, Mississippi, Texas, New Jersey, Germany, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, Louisiana, and Florida. He was employed as an Intelligence Analyst, an Airfield Systems Tech, and retired as a Human Intelligence Specialist Apprentice after achieving the rank of E-6, Technical Sergeant. He would have stayed enlisted for life if given the chance, and in many ways he did. After being medically retired he took on various contract work positions in the intelligence field, most recently in Doha, Qatar.

Jacob suffered a major medical event while working overseas in February 2023, and spent the last two years fighting the hardest battle anyone can imagine. He fought with heart and hope every step of the way, managing to flash his trademark grin often and up to the end. Ultimately it was a battle his body could not win and he passed peacefully surrounded by family on May 13, 2026. While we mourn the loss of Jacob - son, nephew, brother, uncle, friend, soldier - we can count ourselves lucky for knowing him and take comfort that he is now free of pain. Our duty is to carry his memory forward with us and live in ways that would make him proud.

Jacob was a true friend to all who knew him, and to know him was to love him. Mom would say, whatever he had he should bottle and sell it. He had friends all over the world, but always maintained contact with those he knew growing up. Andy, Josh, Seth, Curtis - he would have given his left arm if you needed it.

We have had many people reach out who knew Jacob during his time in the service and it has been a joy to hear who he was out in the world: beautiful soul, kind, down to earth, fun spirit, selfless, big heart, a legend who would protect and love everyone. So many notes of his leadership and guidance, and how he impacted the world- near and far. It warms our hearts to see he had as much of an effect on all of you, as he did all of us.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dennis Weidinger. He is survived by his mother Deb (Jon) Doak, sisters Emily (Josh) Gullickson, Anna (Robert Olson) Weidinger, brothers Joseph (Mikala) Weidinger, Griffin (Natalie) Doak, Bryce (Kami) Doak, Chase (Alyssa Small) Doak. Nephews Mason, Riley, Tatem, Hawken, Phin, Maverick, and Kooper. Nieces Kaycen, Berit and Wendy. Aunts Theresa Leone, Sharon Erb, and Marcia Klein. Uncles Sam Leone, Gary Weidinger, John Weidinger, Bill Doak and Tom Doak. As well as many cousins and even more friends.

Our ask of you is please talk about him - to people who knew him, and those who didn’t. Share your stories and keep his memory alive. If you would like to memorialize him please consider donating to a Veteran’s organization close to your heart. We would like to thank Advanced Care Hospital of Montana, Mayo Clinic- Scottsdale and Rochester, and a special thank you to the Veterans Navigation Network of Billings, you were quick to respond and provided the most helpful guidance with grace and kindness.

The family will hold a private service and Jacob will be laid to rest at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, Montana. A Celebration of Life will be held at Noon on June 14, 2026 located at the Red Door Lounge, 3875 Grand Ave Billings, MT 59102.

“Yeah, I’m on my way,

Just set me free,

Home sweet home” - Motley Crue

Go shout at the Devil one last time brother, we’ve got it from here. We love you.