Christopher John Viets, Helena, MT, age 43, passed away unexpectedly from a medical event on April 22, 2026. Heaven is a brighter place now that Chris is there.
Chris was born October 5, 1982, in Fresno, California, the oldest son of John and Jennifer Viets. From the moment he was born, he brought love and joy to every life he touched. Somehow, he understood that the key to an amazing life was your relationships with others.
In 1988, Chris moved to Montana with his Mom and Dad, younger brother Tim, and baby sister Anna. Chris had a normal, happy childhood. He attended Bryant Elementary school and graduated from Helena High School in 2001.
When Chris was 5, he got the theater bug after his first role with the Missoula Children’s Theater Company’s production of “Cinderella” – he was the cutest little singing pumpkin. After that, he was in several plays, with his favorite role being Ben in Helena High’s presentation of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
Chris was smart, believed in working hard, and he accomplished every goal he set for his life. While still in high school, he decided he wanted to be a U.S. Marine, like his uncle Don Skidmore, so he pre-enlisted. He was in boot camp on 9/11. He enjoyed the opportunity to travel while in the service, visiting places like Singapore, Kenya, and his favorite Australia. He survived two tours of duty in Iraq, serving his country with bravery and honor.
Chris truly loved his family. He especially loved being a fun uncle, with piggyback rides and Nerf gun wars with Anna’s boys. Chris loved his friends, and enjoyed spending time with them, always up for a game of Magic or a night of karaoke. Chris loved his wife, even when she broke his heart.
Chris was a dedicated, hardworking part of the Helena Pepsi team for over 12 years.
Chris liked to keep things simple. He liked to wear funny black T-shirts and eat a good cheeseburger. He laughed easily and often – a genuinely happy, content person.
You could always count on Chris if you needed him. He demonstrated his strength and compassion as he quietly helped care for his Dad when his Dad was battling cancer.
Chris loved to read and always wanted to be a writer. In 2025, Chris accomplished his goal to be an author when he completed writing and publishing the five-book Privateer series (available on Amazon). It comes as no surprise the theme of these books was people working together to make the universe a better place.
Quoting from his last book “The Mother of Pixa,”…
Yvian said “You’re the best man I know. You were my best friend, and I love you so much. I don’t want you to go…
Mims replied, “I’ll miss you. My only regret is that we don’t have more time.”
Chris will be greatly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Viets, and his grandparents Donald Skidmore, Gerald Viets, and Anne Viets.
Chris is survived by his mother Jennifer Pliley (Gerry), sister Anna Hamel (Nick), nephews Jake, Sam and Max, grandmother Judy Skidmore, uncle Don Skidmore (Julie) and aunt Mary Baker (Josh).
Friends and family will gather to honor Chris’s life on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 a.m. at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home – 3750 North Montana Ave in Helena.
Joe Storseth says
Chris was one of my coworkers at pepsi he was a special person I looked forward to seeing him every day. All love and prayers sent to his family and friends during this very difficult time. All really miss saying good morning to him as he would walk through the door in the early mornings
Vince Justice says
Jenny, so sorry for your loss, thinking of you at this hard time.
Cory Lannan says
The world is a little darker without you Chris, I remember as boy seeing so many of my own nerdy interests in you when my own brother and sister were far more into sports and it made me more secure in myself knowing I wasn’t alone in my love of books and the strange. Rest in peace
Cassie Meixner says
I loved you once, I always will. Chris, you were my best friend, through some of the most eventful years of my life. I will always miss your sense of humor, your kind words, and your give no shit attitude. The amazing things you taught me. Your late night reading to me. Walking everywhere with me. I am so proud of the man you became. I wish we had more time. Until Valhalla.