Donald “Don” Edward Kosena
Don Kosena passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 29, 2015 at the age of 79.
Don was born May 19, 1936 in Anaconda, Montana. Don graduated high school and continued his education at Carroll College. He left Carroll to pursue a job in Missoula, where he met and married his loving wife, Ardith. They moved to Helena where Don was employed by Mountain Bell Telephone Company. They raised three children Diane, Ron and Tim. Don was offered early retirement and retired at the age of 49. In retirement Don took up farming on the family farm in the Helena Valley.
He loved the outdoors, be it working on the farm or hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was at his best out under the open skies. Don was an outgoing individual; always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone he thought needed it. It could be said that he never met a stranger. He left an impression on everyone he met. Don was truly a great man.
He is survived by his daughter, Diane Reishus and her husband John, and sons Ron Kosena and his wife, Sherry, and Tim Kosena and his wife, Melissa. Don will be missed by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, relatives, and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Ardith; brother Bruce “Boots” Kosena and grandson-in-law Patrick Vanek.
A memorial service celebrating Don’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5th at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road. Burial will follow the memorial service at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will be in the social center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, immediately following the burial.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 5, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Memorial Service
Monday October 5, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday October 5, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 5, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Memorial Service
Monday October 5, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday October 5, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Clayton & Sheryl McElravy says
Ron, Diane and Tim,
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. So glad we were able to visit with him at the hospital a few times while he was taking treatments. I enjoyed working with him at the phone company and will always remember his laugh. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and give you strength in the days ahead.
Becky Kosena says
My Cousins & family,
I’m so very saddened to hear of Uncle Don’s passing. I was so hoping to visit with him sometime soon in the near future during one of my travels to Helena. I wanted very much for him to meet my son, who looks so much like his Grandpa Boots! I take solace in knowing that he is reunited with those he dearly loved…Aunt Ardie, Grandma Ann, his father Mike & his brother Boots…..I KNOW they welcomed him with open arms. Uncle Don’s laugh and his charisma when he spoke will be forever engraved in my memories… Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort as you remember your Dad, Grandpa & my Uncle…Don.
Sincerely,
Becky
Tom Lammle says
Don was my best friend. I have many memories of him and our families hunting, fishing, and camping together. I will truly miss him until I am gone and we are hunting and fishing together once again.
Kaysee Williams says
Diane, Tim, Ron, and family – I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. What a kind soul and sweetheart your dad was. I always enjoyed our visits when he would come into my place of work. He was truly one of my absolute favorites. I will miss our conversations, his smile, and his laugh. I sure wish I would have taken him up on his offer to go out dancing. I hope you will find some comfort knowing he is with our Lord and Savior in a better place, in a new body, dancing away with your mom. Please know that you all are in my thought and prayers. I’m blessed to have met your dad and you all, such a wonderful family. Love to you all, Kaysee ♡
Gerry and Theresa Fullerton says
Diane-Ron and Tim
We express our deepest sympathy to all of you. We have so many wonderful memories of your Dad and Mom during the time we lived in Helena. He was a wonderful person and would do anything he could to help a person. Know he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. We were blessed to have know both of your parents. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and prayers,
Gerry and Theresa Fullerton-Sun Lakes, Arizona
Carol Bridge says
I worked for Don for several years at Mountain Bell. He was always pleasant and fun to be around. I specifically remember the time I saved his bacon by remembering his and Ardies Anniversary so he could buy flowers or whatever he wanted to do. He always told me that year I saved his marriage. Blessings to you kids. God Bless.
Barb & Fred Shepherd says
To Ron, Tim and Diane: Our sympathy goes out to you and your families on the passing of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. Blessings and our love to all of you.
Barry J Hansen says
Dear Ron, Diane and Tim,
I am very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.
Don was one of the nicest and most capable people I have ever met. We were in the Class of 1954 at Anaconda High and shared many experiences. We hunted ducks and grouse together. We fished mountain lakes near Anaconda, using an old Model A to climb the mountains. When something broke, as it often did, Don would wire the parts together and we always goy home safely.
I bought a 1949 Buick Special that had been his grandmother’s. I dearly loved that car. I also remember a “41 Ford convertible that Don had. It was Baby-blue and just the thing to shoot golfers from in the spring. Don finally got tired of fixing the car when it broke down. No one would buy it so we took it to the Dump and rolled it off the edge. I’ll never forget that! I have all kinds of wackey memories of two young guys doing crazy things together.
Don and I were roommates at the School of Mines in Butte in1954-55. It was not a good fit for Don and he quit to do other things. I regret that we lost contact and never renewed it. It has been my great loss and regret we did not remain close. Don was one of those people that made the world a better place for all of us. I loved him!
God Bless you all.
Barry Hansen
Gregory Warhank says
Tim,
My sincerest condolences for your loss.
–Gregory
Dave & Thelma Howse says
Dear Tim & family,
Our deepest sympathies to you and all of your family. We have such fond memories of living down the road. We remember you & your dad stopping by not long after we purchased the property, offering to help in any way. What a blessing to have lived there. We will always cherish the wonderful memories of your folks. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless,
Thelma & Dave
Lisa DeGroat Goodrich says
Dear Diane and family,
Sorry to hear of your father’s death. Do you remember the time my brother and I came with your family to a cabin in the mountains. We hiked into a small lake and went fishing. Almost every time we cast in a line out came a fish. That was a special weekend. I will always hold a special place in my heart for you and your family. May many happy memories and faith help hold you up through this time of heartache and loss. Much love to you and yours, Lisa