Timothy Rudolph Meurer, 73, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, March 6, 2026. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will be remembered for his kindness, curiosity, humility, and quiet generosity.
Born in Billings on May 27, 1952, Tim developed a strong work ethic at an early age before friends introduced him to the flooring trade, where he found both a career and a calling. Over the next four decades he earned the respect of customers and colleagues alike through exceptional craftsmanship, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others. To Tim, helping people was simply part of the job, and he freely shared his time and talents with anyone in need. Away from work, Tim found joy in life's simple things. He loved being outdoors, wandering the Montana wilderness in search of agates with family, tending his summer garden, or spending an afternoon target shooting—especially with his black-powder rifle. If he wasn't outside, he usually had a book and a cigar in his hands. His home housed a personal library of thousands of well-read books, reflecting a lifelong fascination with philosophy, American history, and World War II. And if he wasn't reading, he usually had a guitar in his hands or music playing in the background. For many years he sang and played guitar with Spur-of-the-Moment, not for the spotlight, but simply for the joy of making music and sharing it with others. In 1984, Tim chose a life of sobriety, a decision that transformed not only his own life but the lives of many others. Through recovery he discovered a lasting purpose in quietly helping those facing addiction, offering guidance, encouragement, and friendship with the same humility and compassion that defined every part of his life. His home was always open, his conversations thoughtful, and he had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, heard, and valued. Perhaps no tradition reflected his spirit more than his favorite holiday, the Fourth of July, when family and friends gathered each year for food, music, laughter, and fireworks—a celebration that brought together everything he loved most. Tim is survived by his daughter, Katheryn Meurer (Brad Welbes) of Billings, Montana, and grandson Griffin Lachenmaier; his son, Javan Chapple (Layne) of Lake Forest Park, Washington, and grandchildren Andre and Kallie Chapple; and his daughter, Jennah Meurer (Stephen Likewise) of Lolo, Montana. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, his lifelong bandmates, and countless close friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his nephew, Andrew Carver.

Tim's remains will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.

A gathering to celebrate Tim's life will begin at noon on Sunday, September 27 at Craft Local, Billings.