Dale William Creel, 77, passed away August 14, with his family by his side. Dale’s faith and contagious sense of humor carried him and his family through a short, gracious battle with cancer.
Dale was born in Havre, Montana on June 15, 1935, and moved to Helena in 1942 where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a Saint Helena High “Greenie” from 1949 through 1953, and after lettering in basketball, remained in contact with the “Greenies” throughout his life. He will be missed by the “Tuesday lunch gang.” He majored in business at Carroll College from 1954 through 1957 and married Lucile Ahern on August 16, 1955.
Dale spent his working career as a loan officer for Union Bank and Trust Company followed by the Federal Housing Administration (HUD) and retired from HUD in 1995. He also spent many years working two jobs to help support his large family, with 15 years spent working “the evening shift” at Buttery.
Dale was a devout member of the Saint Helena Cathedral for 70 years and made many contributions to the church and community (i.e. from serving communion and counting collections to donating time to Habitat for Humanity). Dale believed in family, and remained a strong figure throughout the lives of his 6 children who will be forever touched by his gentle demeanor, positive outlook on life, and sense of humor. He loved the outdoors and shaped countless memories making his family and friends laugh while fishing, hunting, camping, and floating throughout Montana’s mountains and rivers.
Dale is survived by his brother Donald Creel and wife Barbara of Helena; brother-in-law Brian Ahern and wife Donna Cook of Helena; 6 children and their spouses: Doug and Ali Creel of Spokane, WA, Lorraine and Dan Brewer of Florence, Dennis Creel and Kate Slack of Florence, Louise and Bill McChesney of Miles City, Dan Creel and Jeanette Nordberg of Belgrade, Loretta and Joe Hayes of Redmond, WA; 10 grandchildren, and 3 great grand children. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Arlette Egge who stood by his side for the past 10+ years.
He has been preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Lucile, and his parents Donald and Bertha Creel. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 4 years, Lois Robel Creel, whom he married after Lucile’s passing.
A viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 19 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Monday, August 20, at the Cathedral of St. Helena with a reception to follow the Mass in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Private family burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Saint Peter’s Hospital. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dale, please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com.
“Papa, we miss you.”
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Susan Deming says
Donald,
Your Mom gave piano lessons to six of the seven “Deming kids” and she was always very proud of her boys. I’m thinking of her and of you at this sad time. Your entire family is in my prayers.
Marie Davy says
Was so sorry to hear of your recent loss. Know that your family is in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Richard Harrell says
Dennis and family.I was deeply saddened to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael P. McVeigh says
To all the Creel family:
Your father was a very special person on this earth. He was a gentle man that had a distinct understanding of all aspects of human nature and he was always nice to me. I remember many times talking to him as I lived right across the street from your family home on 9th avenue. May he and all of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Michael McVeigh
Rich, Michelle & Colleen May says
Lorraine and family we are truly sorry for the passing of your father! We hope that all the wonderful memories of your father will help mend your hearts.
Mary McLeod Craigle says
My sympathies are with the entire Creel family as our my mother Alice McLeod. I am in NY so not able to attend to attend the service but my prayers are with you.
Glenda Ridgway Dupuis says
Lorraine, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. I remember how really cool your dad was and he was always so kind to me too. Even though we gigled a lot and were a bit crazy in those teen years, your parents always welcomed us into your home. God bless my friend. Glenda
Denise and Jay Harvey says
Dear Louise, Bill, Sean, and Ryan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your father and grandfather. May you find comfort in cherished memories.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Louise & family,
We were so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Jennifer Hirth (Elbrecht) says
I am so sorry to hear about Dale’s passing. He and Lucile are my godparents and I have fond memories of them from when I was little. I remember being in Spokane for the Bloomsday Race and my dad (Henry Elbrecht) was racing and Dale carried me on his shoulders down this very steep hill so I could cheer my dad on! I know he will always be in my heart just as Lucile is. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred and Judy Bakke says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dale’s family. Dale was a kind and gentle man. He was in our wedding party in 1961 and he was our oldest daughter’s Godfather. Dale will be remembered with a smile. God bless him.
Pam & Charlie Brown says
Dear Doug & Family
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family.
I remember meeting your dad at your Wedding here in Helena. He was such a nice man.
May time help heal his loss.
God Bless,
Pam, Charlie & John Brown
Helena, MT
Cindy Berg says
Louise & family,
So sorry about your dad. Keep your memories close and know that he is at peace now.
Hugs,
Cindy & Dale Berg
Kenley and Mary Beth Goodian says
Arlette,Doug, Loraine, Dennis, Louise, Danny and Loretta,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Dale will be so very, very missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His sense of humor and laughter won’t ever be matched. The entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Beth and Kenley
Michelle Harbosen says
Louise and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing he no longer suffers
Kristi Hinrichs says
Louise & family,
I am sorry for your loss but heaven gained another wonderful man!! Hugs!