Donald (Don) Millard Moe, 78, passed away Monday, May 26, 2014, at St. Peter’s Hospital after a short illness. Don was born on January 16, 1936, in Great Falls, Montana, the second child of Norman and Margaret (Millard) Moe.
Don spent his early childhood in Black Eagle. The family later moved to Great Falls, where he attended school. As a sophomore playing football for the Bison, Don was stricken with polio. After six months in the hospital, he was released and graduated from Great Falls High in 1955.
After high school, Don worked various jobs, eventually landing at KMON radio, beginning what would be a lifetime behind the microphone. His career spanned 50 years as a radio DJ, TV newsman, high school basketball/football announcer, ice show emcee, Electric City Speedway voice, co-anchor of the “Hutch, Crutch, and the Kid” morning show, and ended in a recording booth at North Country Media. Don finished his career among the top ten most recognized voices in the nation.
Don attended the University of Montana in 1959 and remained a lifelong Griz fan. He returned to Great Falls where he eventually met the love of his life, Judy Jacobs, at a neighborhood pool party. They were married in 1964 and blessed with three children. The two later divorced but remained close and united in the love of their children. Don remarried twice but found that bachelorhood was a much better fit.
Despite the hand dealt to him by polio, Don never let it slow him down. On crutches, he continued to participate in sports, playing & coaching softball, racing/pitting for stock cars, and shooting pool. “I can’t because” was never an option, and Don instilled that can-do attitude in his children, of whom he was infinitely proud.
After retirement, Don moved to Helena to be closer to his children and grandchildren, quickly forming a new circle of very close friends. He got a kick out of watching his grandsons play football, baseball, and basketball and seeing his lefty granddaughters on the basketball court and softball diamond.
Don was preceded in death by his grandparents, several aunts and uncles, father Norman, mother Margaret, sister Barbara Bierwagen, brothers Dennis and Daryl Moe, and special brother-in-law, Lu Bierwagen. He is survived by his brother Duane (Mary) Moe, ex-wife Judy Lowry, daughters Darcee (Troy Thompson) and Cyndee, son Brad (Larisa), grandsons Nick Moe, JD Mooney, and Mason Moe, and granddaughters Haylee Mooney and Madison Moe, and several nieces and nephews. Don also leaves behind countless good friends in both Great Falls and Helena.
The family would like to thank the medical floor staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for their respect and care in Dad’s final days, including an especially heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lee Harrison for her kindness and “straight shooting” manner.
A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena. Immediately following the memorial service will be a reception at the V.F.W. Post 10010, 117 West Main St., East Helena. Memorials in Don’s name may be sent to the organization of donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 31, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Saturday May 31, 2014
V.F.W. Post 10010
117 West Main St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 31, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Saturday May 31, 2014
V.F.W. Post 10010
117 West Main St
East Helena, Montana 59635
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DEBBIE MURGEL SCHRAMM says
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSSS. DON WAS A GOOD GUY, WE ENJOYED TAKING MEALS TO HIM. JUST REMEMBER HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEARTS. YOU CAN NEVER FORGET THE SMILE HE HAD ON HIS FACE. HE WAS A GOOD GUY. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. LOVE DEB AND DEE SCHRAMM
Terry W Bass says
Don was a fun person. His proud moment was begin recognized as a broadcast Legend . He was a member of the Montata Society of Broadcast Legends. Quick wit…good humor and a tremendous voice. May he rest in peace.
Terry W Bass
Dave Simkins says
Judy, Darcee, Cyndee,
My prayers are with you
Dave
Patty Kessner says
Darcee, Cyndee, and Brad.
I am very sad to hear of your dads passing. I will always have fond memories of him throughout the years. Hold your memories close to your heart to help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Brian Bierwagen says
Darcee, Cyndee, and Brad,
Sandi and I are so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. I will always remember the holiday get togethers and how fun it was to be around Don. He was very nice to me and very welcoming to Sandi. No matter where I was, I would hear his voice… Don was always there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
All our love, Brian and Sandi.
Julie Massaro says
Darcee, Cyndee and Brad (and families!)
We are sorry for the loss of your father. Keep his memory alive in your hearts. You have a wonderful guardian angel watching you now! Hugs and prayers to you all.
Rick and Julie Massaro
Luana Sturtz says
Sad to read of Dons passing …what fun memories we have of him ..from radio days to STANDING. At the bar in the Heideberg…watching Griz games. Every boby Luved him in their own way..I even had the duty of cutting his HAIR…under that Griz cap!! Sometimes we had a haircut out in his truck ….so he didn’t have to get out ..got some cute pics of that…we were happy ..and sad to have him leave GF..but knew he would be happy closer to the kids and their activities..thanks for the memories
Ken Dunham says
Don was one of the voices just made for radio! He was a neat guy to know and a true professional. After leaving Montana now many years ago, I’d hear some of those spots produced for North Country Media all over the country and it was always a nice connection to back home. Our prayers are with all of Don’s family and friends. Janelle and I remember him with a smile. – Ken Dunham (KFBB-TV in the 1970’s)
Sherri Staats says
Dacrcee (and Troy) I did not know your dad but I have had the pleasure of working with you for many years. I am very sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. I know all to well the sadness that fills your heart at this time. Please accept for deepest sympathy at this time. May the love and memories you have of your father give you comfort and strength in the days ahead. You have many people that love and care about you and are here for you. He is now resting in the loving arms of Jesus.
Nancy Burnham says
I wish I had know that your Dad lived in Helena. I met him in 1954 at a dance after a Helena/Great Falls game. We kept in contact for awhile, but then went our own way. I knew he worked at KMON, It would have been fun to remember those by-gone days!!
Robert Jewell says
Oh man, how I will miss this guy! Don Moe was one of the most lovable people I ever met and was more fun than a new monkey. I think that I smiled every minute that I was ever with him because I couldn’t help but be caught up in his abundant warmth, intelligence, and tremendous wit.
Don, you were one of those rare people possessed what we call charisma. It is what made you such a legendary announcer on the radio. That charisma and your love will make you dearly missed by all of us who were close to you. You greatly enriched our lives, my friend, and your spirit will continue to be a welcome presence always.
Love,
“Cousin” Bob
P.S. I’m in Boise, Idaho with my grandchildren as I write this using speak-to-text mode on my iPad. Hearing me speak, my 9-year old granddaughter asked who I’m talking about and I replied, a good friend. My 5-year-old grandson then asked, “Where is he?” My sweet granddaughter (assuming heaven) pointed up and told him, “He’s up there,” to which 5-year-old Ethan asked quizzically, “He’s on the roof?”
Yes, Don, on the roof …like a badly thrown frisbee.