Dean Darrel Mack, 90, beloved father and grandfather, began his eternal heavenly journey when he transitioned peacefully from his earthy life the evening of January 21, 2022, surrounded by his family.
Dean, the oldest of 3 sons, was born in Hazen, ND, on April 14, 1931, to John and Marie (Bubel) Mack. The family lived on the family farm in the neighboring community of Zap. Dean attended elementary school in Zap until the family moved to Lincoln, Montana. He attended junior and high school in Helena and was graduated from Helena High School in 1949.
Following high school, Dean’s first jobs were in communications. He helped install the microphones, speakers, and voting system in the House Chamber of the Montana State Capitol. He hosted a radio program called “Mack’s Ranch” on the KCAP country radio station. At the radio station, he met and interviewed many famous country singers of the time. He recalled hosting Hank Williams Sr.’s band after their performance and “showing them a good time” around Helena.
He started his career with Mountain Bell Telephone Company in the mid-1950s in Helena before being transferred to Rawlins, WY. In Rawlins, he met the love of his life, Evangeline Contos. They married on September 28, 1957. Dean and “Vangie” were blessed with four children—a daughter and three sons. In 1967, Dean accepted a job transfer to Denver, and the family moved to North Glenn, CO. In December 1968, Dean had the opportunity to move the family to Montana when he accepted a position with Mountain Bell in Helena. They built their family home—from framing to finish—in the Helena Valley, raised their family, and Dean resided there until he passed.
Dean was active in the Helena community. He participated in Toastmasters and was an active member of the AFL-CIO labor union. He was a charter member and trustee of the East Valley Volunteer Fire Department (EVVFD) for over 20 years. After retiring from EVVFD, he continued to fight wildfires for the DNRC. He passed the DNRC “pack test” annually until he decided to fully retire at age 78. He was a school board trustee for School District #3 and later for District #1. He was a parish council member when Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church (OLV) formed in 1977. He served as a lector and lector instructor for over 40 years. He was a long-standing member of the local chapter of the Telephone Pioneers and the Upper Blackfoot Valley Historical Society in Lincoln, MT.
He loved his family and friends and was especially proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family at the cabin on Flesher Pass, boating on Hauser Lake, and enjoying many family vacations and large holiday and birthday gatherings. Everyone who knew Dean Mack knew about his garden. Every summer, he spent hours each day tending to his garden and enjoyed sharing his produce.
Dean is survived by his children, Marina, Jim, Dean, and Spiro (Connie); his grandchildren Kimberly Little, Stephanie (Michael) Marsac, Anthony “A.J.” Little, Christopher and Caleb Murray; his great-grandchildren Kane and Gauge Murray; his dog Cricket and cat Jasper. He is also survived by his brother Brian (Jo Anne) Mack; family friends Aaron Grossman, Eric Wiley, and Mike Cuta; and the extended families of his wife’s and brothers’ spouses, children, and their families. He is preceded in death by his wife Vangie of 57 years; his parents John and Marie; his brother and sister-in-law Eugene and Lois Mack; and numerous family pets, especially fond to him were Suzi and Nala.
The family gratefully thanks the medical floor doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Peter’s Health who provided exceptional care, compassion, and medical assistance to Dean while he was in their care. You are all angels on earth!
The Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass is set for 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 4, 2022 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd., with a reception to follow the service at the church. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.
Friends who wish to contribute a memorial in Dean’s honor are invited to share with the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
We love you, Gpa, and will dearly miss you! We raise a toast of Mogen David Concord Grape wine in your memory. Quoting a dear friend: “Heaven doesn’t know what’s hit it!”
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday February 3, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 4, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday February 4, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
After the reception
Friday February 4, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday February 3, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 4, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday February 4, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
After the reception
Friday February 4, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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John Poppe says
Marina,James, Dean, Spiro And Families, My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You All, Your Dad Is In A More Glorious Place Now And Reunited With Your Mother And Other Loved Ones, Take Comfort In Knowing That Some Day We Will All Be With Them Again, Never To Lose Them Again!
Mark Reese says
Marina, Jim, Dean, Spiro and extended families… we are saddened to hear about your dad’s passing. Growing up, I spent a good portion of my days on the Mack compound. While I don’t recall most details of the stories Mr. Mack shared over the years, I do recall that he always seemed larger than life. Mr. Mack was Edward Bloom in Big Fish. I don’t know if it was the stories and home movies about Sturgis, or how he narrowly missed the Hebgen Lake earthquake when Vange and he were driving to Montana, the fact that he grew blue ribbon produce in his garden, his old Ford truck, or toasting a shot of Ouzo with him (Opa!), but the days I spent visiting with him will remain etched in my mind. I pray for comfort for the family. Mark, Jamie, and family
P.S. Maybe it’s sheer coincidence or maybe it’s a sign from above, but the robot verification screens prompted me to check all boxes that have a fire hydrant and motorcycles. RIP Mr. Mack
Allen Lanning says
Love and comfort to Dean’s children, grandchildren, and extended family members in your grief. Your dad was an icon. He was a big part of my childhood. I haven’t seen him for a number of years, but I have many memories of him and his community involvement in ways that benefitted his children, and me by osmosis. The funniest random memory I have of him is how much everyone else in his family was surprised by how much he liked the movie 9 to 5.
Tom Juhl says
I knew the Mack family when they lived in the 6th Ward, my condolences to the Family…….
Saundra Lowry says
Jim and family,
I am sorry to learn of your Dad’s death. I only met him a couple of times but I hear a lot of stories about him. You are truly an orphan when your parents are gone no matter your age!! I will be holding you close in my thoughts as you move through this time of loss.
Peace,
Saundra Lowry
Kay Johnson says
Dean —
So sorry about your dad’s passing. May many warm memories of your life together bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Kay Johnson (Brewhouse customer)
Leslie Heisey says
My heart hurts with this news. Heaven is richer with his presence, we all have been made richer from knowing him. Chuck has been waiting for him to join him in the next great adventure.
Lorrina (Rina) Heisey says
Growing up and having the honor of knowing and being loved by Dean, Vangie, and their kids meant so much to me. My parents would take us over to their house when we would come to Helena to visit our grandma. I have such fond memories of the Mack family. To Marina, Jim, Dean, and Spiro – I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad had the biggest heart and the kindest soul. I hope you all can take comfort in knowing he was loved by so many. My heart breaks for all of you and your families. Rest In Peace Dean.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Dean, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. We were friends of your parents in the 70’s at Our Lady of the Valley Church
DaleFleck says
What a lovely gentleman who loved all. I am so fortunate to have known Dean. The world was made better through his life well lived. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. May his soul now Rest In Peace
Ben Lesser says
I will miss Dean, but I reckon it’s time he moved on to his next adventure. I treasure our connection and send my love and solace to Marina, Dean, Jim and Spiro; Kim, Stephanie and AJ and their loved ones.