In the early morning of June 1, 2013 our loving husband, father and grandfather passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family of an extended illness.
He was born to John T. and Orpha G. Smigaj on July 18th 1933 in Helena, Montana. He was raised and attended school in Marysville, Montana along with his seven siblings. He also attended Helena High school. After high school he went into the Air Force where he served in Korea and Japan during the Korean Conflict.
Upon his honorable discharge from the service he worked in the mining industry. He later met his loving wife and companion of 53 years, Connie Jean Bogard they were married at St. Mary’s Church and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary November 26, 2010. During their early years of marriage they were blessed with five daughters, Becky, Mary, Lisa, Gina and Martha. Although, he yearned for a son, Connie would no longer go to the huckleberry patch with him.
During his working years he was employed as a construction laborer, business agent for the union and the Helena School District, where he retired due to declining health. After retirement he became a Senior Companion with the Rocky Mountain Development Counsel. He loved his clients and was very proud of his service to the Senior Companion program.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Before marrying Connie he told her there are two things you need to know about me, “I hunt and I fish.” He loved Marysville and worked many late nights as a poker dealer to save money to buy a cabin there. This cabin was his pride and joy. There were many memorable times 4- wheeling in the mountains behind Marysville, picking mushrooms, huckleberries and camping trips. Family vacations were a week or two up Dog Creek at American Gulch. Making sure to have enough snow to keep the kegs cold, swimming in the beaver dam, fishing for the little brookie’s, whittling whistles, prospecting and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Connie; daughters, Becky Casteel (Ric), Mary Bisom (Steve Ringstad), Lisa Duncan (Marc), Gina Smigaj-Johansen (Sverre) and Martha Stewart (Jeff); his brothers, Frank Smigaj and Tom Smigaj; his grandchildren Even and Alyssa Johansen, Tom and Mike Bisom, Lili Casteel, Austin Duncan, Olivia Stewart, Max Casteel, Erica Duncan, Alex Stewart, Seth Ringstad and Eaden Stewart along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, John T. Smigaj and Orpha G. Smigaj; sisters, Margaret Cooper, Regina Smigaj, Luella Knowels; brothers, Jack Smigaj and Jim Smigaj; granddaughter Alicia Duncan.
Viewing will be held from 10-4p.m., Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Retz Funeral Home with a Vigil to take place at 6 p.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12 p.m., Friday, June 7 at Saint Mary Catholic Community with Military Honors to follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials to be sent in Allan’s name to the Senior Companion Program, PO Box 1717, Helena, MT 59624 or to the Marysville Pioneer Club, PO Box 16, Marysville, MT 59640. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Allan, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday June 6, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 6, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
.1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Friday June 7, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Military Honors will follow the service
Friday June 7, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Friday June 7, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community Fellowship Hall
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday June 6, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 6, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
.1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Friday June 7, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Military Honors will follow the service
Friday June 7, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Friday June 7, 2013
Saint Mary Catholic Community Fellowship Hall
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Jack & Merry Lou Casteel says
Sorry for the loss of your husband and father, we enjoyed Allan, he was a nice man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Love, Merry Lou and Jack
Daarlene O'Leary says
Connie so sorry about Alan. As you know I went to school in Marysville and spent a lot of time with all the Smigaj ‘s at their home in Marysville so have many good memories of his whole family. And if course i was at your house when you were young. my love goes out to you in this time of sadness. I am not capable to come to the funeral or veiwing. not too easy for me to get around any more.
Shauna Cottingham Hanson says
Dear Smigaj family~
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Alan. Your family was always good to me and I miss Jim everyday. He was a wonderful grandfather. My thoughts are with all of you this day and always. Blessings to each.
Shauna, James, Coty & Buddha Hanson
Fall Creek, WI.
Teddi Everett says
I’m truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you
John & Kathy Link says
My deepest sympathies to the remaining Smijag clan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Link and Kathy Foster (Link)
Celestine Duncan says
Dear Smigaj family,
We were very sorry to hear the news about Al, it is always difficult to lose someone you love. Our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Celestine and Cary Duncan
Pegge Zander says
Mary: I was very sorry to read of your father’s passing. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Pegge
JON & BECKY BASS says
Dear Smigaj Family, I was one of those lucky ones, who got to go camping with the Smigaj family, one of my best memories, and also just the laughter there was!!! Especially to one of my childhood/best friend Becky. Your whole family is in our prayers, even though I haven’t seen you all in years!!!!! Your in our prayers. The Bass’ Family
Sorry for your loss!!!!!
Clay Pipinich says
My deepest sympathies, I’m so sorry to here of Al passing. You are in my prayers.
Clay Pipinich