Dennis “Chooy” Purcell
Dennis Purcell, age 54, passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital on Monday, March 19, 2012, from a short battle of Esophagus cancer.
Dennis was born on August 6, 1957 to James and Florence (Grainey) Purcell in Helena, the second child of six.
He graduated in 1976 from Helena High School. In 1976, he began working in the family business, Helena Stamp Works; he worked there until 1991 when the business was sold. He then went to work with the Helena School District for many years at CRA School, and a year at Ray Bjork and Helena Lincoln School. Due to his health, he retired in June of 2011.
Chooy was our little Irish Leprechaun and was able to enjoy his last St. Patrick’s Day, which is his favorite holiday and his favorite color was green. He lived life to the fullest each and every day. Chooy made friends wherever he went, always brought a smile to your face and always made you laugh. When remembering Chooy, laugh.
Chooy enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with friends and family. He enjoyed spending time and playing with his dog, Rocky. Friends have many wonderful memories of their adventures with Chooy and his love of life and have many stories to share.
Chooy was a loving brother, uncle and friend. He was always willing to help others whenever asked, and he will be deeply missed by all.
Survivors include his sister, Ann Marie (Mark Hoy); brother, Emmett; very special nephew and niece, Mike (Rori) Miner and Ashleigh Heimbach; sisters-in-law, Janice (Chuck) Spencer and Donna Purcell; numerous cousins, and very dear friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Florence; brothers, John, Tim and Pat; his grandparents; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A special thanks to Bill Cramer and Fred Bakke for all the care and special attention they gave Chooy.
The family will receive friends and viewing hours will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A Catholic funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the funeral home with burial to immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Allen Stenhjem says
Our Lil Leperchaen has moved on to the other Greener Pastures God Bless Choo,,,,,,,,,
Arny Brown & Ethel Peterson says
We send our deepest sympathy to “Chooy’s” family and friends. we will remember his laughter and antics forever. Keep em laughing “Chooy”.
Audrey says
Emmett: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Chooy is now at peace. God bless.
Betsy Coffey says
Always loved, will be much missed – Until I see you again.
Bill Holmes says
Chooy my friend-and his family. I am sorry that I will miss your funeral as I am in San Francisco. You were well liked and will have many of your friends at the funeral.god bless Chooy
Brian Duffy says
I’ll always remember your infectious sense of humor and terrific laughter. You have made everyone that knew you a better person!
RIP Chooy
Cathy (Pullin) Kovich says
Ann Marie and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. May many happy memories carry you through your loss.
Clay Pipinich says
Sorry to here of your lost, Chooy sure will be missed.
Cyndi Stenhjem says
I could say rest in peace my friend but I truly believe you are giving them the delight you gave us here on earth!! Miss you so much already!!
Dan Purcell says
Chooy was the nicest, kindest and funniest Irish cousin a person could have. I am glad I got to see him three times this past spring and summer. There are a lot of young and old Purcell boys and girls hanging out together in heaven. I can only imagine how busy they are keeping St Peter. Chooy has set an example of the kind of person we should all be.
Love & Prayers
Dan, Pam and Amy Purcell
George Helmbrecht says
What can one say about choo,you might say he was a brother,a joker,a guy with a huge heart,always had a cold beer or a dew in the fridge.Most of all he was just choo.The little irishman.It was a honor to call you friend. See you again someday choo. R.I.P
Helen Richter says
To the Purcell family:
I was sorry to learn that Dennis passed away. He was a hard worker with a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Helen Richter
Jeff and Maria says
We will never forget the great times we had with you and how you consantly made us laugh! You may be gone but never forgotten <3
Karen Gross Keller says
While working at the Gold Bar in the early 90’s I met Chooy. He always had a cheerful word and a bright smile. Rest in peace.
Kevin Stenhjem says
Times we had in Lincoln will never be forgotten!! Miss you little buddy!! We will carry on until we meet again!
kindra stenhjem says
Choo’y you were an amazing man with a heart of gold! You may be gone but definitely never ever forgotten. Lincoln will never be the same without your stories an laughter! Love you tons!! 🙂
Laura Barr Sargent says
Choo Choo was one of the first people I met when I moved to Helena back in 1971. He was funny, friendly, and kind.We are all better people having known him. Your smile remains,Chooy!
Laura
Lynn & Rodger Lolley says
Dennis, you were so young at heart and loved by all. You did not have a bad bone in your body. The stories you told will live forever in our hearts. You were the gentlest of men. We will miss you, cousin.
Matt Horne says
Matt & I are very sorry to hear about Chooy passing he was a great friend and a fantastic guy our foundest memory is of him laughing and sharing great stories
Mike Blesinger says
Very sorry to hear about Tim. Was a friend for many years.
Mike Blessinger says
I am very sorry regarding the last one I sent. Dennis has been a friend for many years. He was always the person I enjoyed seeing. He will be missed by many people.
Mike Crocker says
Emmit and Ann Marie, I am very sorry for another loss to your family, my prayers are with you.
Mike Murphy says
Ride on my Irish friend, all your tenderfoot buddy’s will always remember you! You touched many people…..
Pam, Charlie & John says
Dearest Ann Marie & Emmett ~
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Choo was a great friend of the Crocker Family for many years. He was a very kind and amazing young man. We will all miss his smiling face.
God Bless You,
Pam (Crocker), Charlie
& John Brown
Patty Cartin says
Purcell Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with all of you, and know that chewie will be missed. May God be with you in and comfort you during this time.
Peggy Hollow-Phelps says
Please accept my sympathy at this sad time for your family. Chooy was such a great guy. I enjoyed seeing him at our school where he worked. He was always quiet, kind, hard working and friendly. That cancer didn’t ever seem to diminsh his smile and strength of character. What a wonderful person. In sympathy, Peggy Hollow-Phelps
Richard Seitz says
Dear Purcell Family,
Chooy was a great guy and always cheerful. We are sorry to see him go at such a young age.
Sincerely,
Richard and Mary Seitz
Shannon Bright-Meyer says
I was so sorry to hear that Chooy had left us. I know that he and my mom are having a great conversation right now. Please know that you are all in mine and my dads thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Until we met again Chooy. God Bless
Sherry Sidell says
Chooy will always be remembered. Yes he was my favorite Leprachan. RIP Chooy I’ll never forget you or your funny stories. You are a great friend, I will miss you & your cards.
Tracy Mabry says
I am so sorry about Chooy! My husband and I have known him for years and always enjoyed our visits. He was such a sweet guy! Our sympathies!
Wayne & JR Gurnsey says
We will miss seeing you when we head up Chokecherry Road to our cabin. Your joyful spirit will be remembered by all as well as the fun times we had the privilege of sharing with you.
Mindy Martin says
Chooy was a great friend in high school and years beyond. Just found this and so happy to see Bill Cramer took care of his friend. The last time I saw Chooy was in California, he was here for a wedding and we had a blast! Lost touch with so many people, but people like Chooy are always in your heart. So cute. So sweet. God Bless Chooy!