Known as “P.K.” to his wife Carol, and “The Deacon” to his friends, Pat was born to Con and Marie Kelleher in East Helena, MT on February 6, 1930. He passed away at home on November 22, 2014 at the age of 84.
Pat attended local Helena schools and in grade school served as an altar boy at St. Helena Cathedral. He and his friend, Bing Gleason, were the altar boys at Father Tougas’ 25th Anniversary and they each received a silver dollar for their service. Pat continued to be a faithful member of St. Helena his entire life, earning the nickname, “The Deacon”.
While a student at Helena High School he attended Boy’s State, was a star basketball player, track and field participant, and was a member of the High School Rotarians and National Honor Society. Upon graduation in 1949, he went to work for the State of Montana in the accounting department. He joined the Air Force in 1951 and during the Korean War was stationed at Haneda Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan. He was honorably discharged September 1952.
After returning to Helena from Japan, Pat resumed work at the State of Montana in a position at the Montana State Library. After leaving his state job, he worked at Blue Shield, from where he retired. To keep busy during his early retirement years, Pat was the Maintenance Engineer at the Arcade building in downtown Helena for 13 years.
In 1952 he met his future bride, Carol Janicke, after being introduced to her at the Marlow Theater by his buddy, Noral Johnson. They were married on September 4, 1954 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past September.
Pat loved to tinker and made beautiful birdhouses and model tin can airplanes which were given as gifts to friends and family. He loved fishing, and was an avid sports fan who rarely missed a Helena Brewers baseball game at Legion Field. He was fiercely loyal to the Notre Dame football team and his beloved Boston Red Sox.
Pat is survived by his wife, Carol and 3 of their 4 children, Colleen Collins (Ron) of Brier, WA; Karen Wiles of Helena; and Kevin (Caroline) of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Samuel, Anna, Brendan, Kiera; great-grandson, Parker; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by their son, Danny, and son-in-law, Charlie; his parents, Con and Marie Kelleher; his two sisters, Margaret and Ada, and his three brothers Hugh “Bud”, John “Jack”, and Vincent.
Pat was a man of quiet dignity, a devout Christian, a blessing to his family, and a loyal friend. He will be missed.
A family and friends gathering will take place at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT on Friday, December 26, 2014, 4:00-6:00 PM. A funeral mass in Pat’s honor will be held at St. Helena Cathedral, 530 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 9:00 AM. A reception follows at Jorgenson’s, 1714 11th Ave., immediately following the mass. Interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at Resurrection Cemetery Columbarium Niche.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or St. Helena Cathedral, 530 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Pat.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 26, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
9:00 a.m.
Saturday December 27, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Saturday December 27, 2014
Jorgenson's
1720 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 29, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery at the Columbarian Niche
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 26, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
9:00 a.m.
Saturday December 27, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Saturday December 27, 2014
Jorgenson's
1720 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 29, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery at the Columbarian Niche
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sharon Hubbell says
As a former neighbor, I remember Pat as a warm and friendly guy, always willing to lend a helping hand. Often when I would pull into the parking pad, Pat would be sitting outside in his back yard. Frequently he would have some kind words or a short conversation about the weather. He was a wonderful man and I am so sorry for your loss, Carol.
Sue Jackson says
Carol and family–I was shocked to read the notice in the IR this morning. I had no idea Pat was not well. My sympathy to all of you. Love, Sue
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Carol and family,
The Decon will be missed by all who crossed his path over the years, a great man and friend, Play thru Pat. God Bless
Greg Van Horssen says
A poem, for My Friend, Pat Kelleher – penned yesterday afternoon . . . . .
FAREWELL TO A FRIEND
Called up from the minors, to pitch in relief.
This dugout seems empty, but there will be no grief.
For you’ve been a Great Team Mate, a fine mentor and friend.
Your words will stay with us, long past season’s end.
The smiles, the laughs, the words of good cheer.
We cherish your friendship, as we hoist this cold beer.
It’s forever Sweet Summer in your new abode.
The smell of new pine tar, the grass freshly mowed.
So don that new jersey, break in that new glove.
Enjoy your rookie season, on the Big Field Above.
GOD BLESS YOU, PAT KELLEHER. . . . . . . .
Greg Van Horssen says
. . . . He was a fine man and a dear friend. We will miss him . . . .
Frank Rowan says
Dear Carol, Colleen, Karen, and Kevin,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your husband and dad. I will always remember Pat’s kindness in my early years, and later when I’d see him relaxing at Miller’s. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Love, Frank.
Dick & Mary Ann Duffy says
Dear Carol & family – We were not aware that Pat was not well. Just before we moved to Edmonds, Washington I had visited with Pat at Safeway market and as always Pat so calm, so patient with everything. A genuine and very friendly person to everyone he came in contact with. We miss Pat and our prayers are with your family. Love, Dick & Mary Ann.
Dolan O'Toole says
Dear Carol, Colleen, Karen ad Kevin,
It was always great seeing The Deacon any time we were in Helena. He was a true gentleman. I’m so sorry. I will miss him.
Sandra Kelleher says
Dear Carol and family,
Although we never met I am sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you Carol for letting me know. I will forward the message to Jim.
Love,
Sandra
Maureen (McHugh) Leo says
Dear Carol, Colleen, Karen, and Kevin,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your husband and dad. I always enjoyed visiting with Pat when I saw him at the Brewer’s games or around town. I am proud to call him my godfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God Bless you and comfort you.
Maureen (McHugh) Leo
Polly Brown Hess says
I remember working with Pat before my retirement when he worked at the Arcade building, he was always cheerful and full of fun. I also knew him because he knew my family and father Ray Hess. He will be greatly missed.
Bob Long says
Karen,
I know we havnt stayed in touch. But I will ge thinking if you and your family during this time of loss.
Bob Long
Bob Long says
Karen,
I know we have stayed in touch. Just want to let you know I’m thinking of you and your family during this time of loss.
Bob Long
Vic and Peggy Burt says
Carol, Colleen, Karen, & Kevin and families:
What a shock! I know we have lost a dear, dear friend. Such a quiet and gentle being. We always enjoyed his visits to the ranch to fish and mostly BS. and he always brought donuts. Made us cherished birdhouses, helped at woodcutting, did dishes, gave Vic a dog and so many more good memories. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Looking forward to seeing everyone at his services.
Corky Hull says
My deepest sympathies Carol. Pat was dear friend as was the whole Kelleher clan. Deacon will be missed by all who knew him ….rest in peace Deacon.