On September 21, Ed Stipich, 61, of East Helena, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Ed was born on June 4, 1949 in Helena MT, the only child of Edward and Mary Stipich. In 1967 he graduated from Helena Catholic Central High School and enlisted in the Army shortly after. After basic training in Ft. Lewis, W A, and Signal School in Ft Manmouth, NJ, he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany, where he met and married his wife of 40 years, Birgit. After his honorable discharge from the Army they moved to East Helena and raised their family. For 30 years Ed worked for the Liquor Division of the Montana Department of Revenue, most recently as floor boss of the Liquor Warehouse. In 2002, after 30 years of service for the State, he retired hoping to pursue his favorite hobbies, fishing and hunting and to spend more time with his family.
Ed was a man of few words, quiet and unassuming he loved East Helena and its citizens. Community service was second nature to him. Throughout the years he has been known for his generosity and willingness to help anybody in need. For 20 years he was a member of the East Helena Volunteer Fire Department, he served on the Board of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society and was a frequent volunteer at the shelter. From 1990 – 1993, he was the mayor of East Helena, and for the past five years he has been a Councilman for Ward 1. He will be missed by his family his friends and all who knew him.
Ed was preceded in death by his father, Ed Stipich, he is survived by his mother Mary, now at Hunters Pointe, his wife Birgit, daughters Marianne and Christine, all of East Helena, and daughter Susi (Brad Liermann) of Missoula.
Visitation hours will be from 12p.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, September 24th. A Vigil service will be held 7:30 p.m., Friday, September 24, 2010 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. A funeral Mass is scheduled at noon, Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604-4455 and the Cancer Treatment Center of St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
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Esther Casey Schneiter-Fantry says
Dear Birgit, Mary, Marianne, Christine, and Susi, I can’t tell you how sad I felt when I heard Ed had passed away. We have been friends since we were all little and living and enjoying East Helena. With Mary being one of my mother’s best friend and one of the office staff at Casey Lumber Yard, Ed “got to” see us (my siblings and my cousins)quite often. He was always so kind and polite and a great one to tease because you could be guaranteed his face would turn red and the shyness come shining thru. I will miss seeing him “around” East Helena and at the L&C Humane Society fund raisers. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Take care.
Esther
Ed and Sue Standley says
We went to High School with Eddie, and although we went our own ways afterwards, we ended up in East Helena during the years that Ed was Mayor. He was always there for anyone, whether in an official or unofficial capacity. He will be missed by a great many people. Mary, Birgit and family – take care and keep Ed in your memories, then he’s not so far away.
Cari Louden says
Birgit,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I did not know him, but you are the epitome of strength and keeping your sense of humor in spite of your grim circumstances. It has been a pleasure to know you and experience your fun, humorous attitude first hand. Take care of yourself, my friend. Sincerely, Cari Louden
DEBBIE (MURGEL) SCHRAMM says
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. ED WAS A GREAT PERSON AND WOULD ALWAYS SAY HI. HE WILL BE MISSED. HE WAS A GOOD PERSON NO MATTER WHAT WAS GOING ON IN HIS LIFE. I SEND MY LOVE AND CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY. KEEP YOUR CHINS UP AND REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES YOU HAD WITH ED. PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL. HUGS TO YOU ALL.
Michaelanne Fagnan says
Birgit & family –
So sorry for your loss in Ed’s passing. I will remember him at your last get together, smiling & sharing his sense of humor in spite of his condition.
Please call if there is anything you need or I can help you with during this difficult time.
Memories are eternal.
In Christ – Michaelanne
rodney sabol says
eddy loved you as a friend and mentor as i think you did my pops heaven is a great place for you but east helena is gonna miss its best guy that ever lived there, love you ed see ya in 20 or 40 year peace p.s. go fisin with john n betty. you n pops have a beer cause betty will out fish ya.
Pat Cruse says
Sorry to see this about Eddy. For some reason he & his mom have chosen not to acknoledge me. You called me back. It is nice to see Mary is still with us. Bless all of you. I passed the information on to Uncle Fred Evans. From Ed’s distant cousin in Washington.
Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson says
From my time working with Ed on the humane society board and knowing him as Birgit’s husband, Ed was one of my very favorite people. He never failed to make me laugh. He was truly a good soul–one of the best. He had a heart of gold. I will miss you so, Ed.
gwen gibson myers says
So very sorry to read of Ed’s battle with cancer and his passing. I went to hi school with him.I have lost contact with nearly all classmates, but wanted to express my condolences. Ed was very kind to me back then. So very sorry for your loss.
CLANCIE says
Brigit and Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Ed. May God comfort you all during this time of sorrow. Remember always he was a great man. You will always have your memories of him nothing can take away.. God Bless you all..
Roger & Kathy Chovanak says
We send our thoughts and prayers to Ed’s Family. Kathy would especially like to send her heartfelt condolance to Eddie’s dear Mother “Mary”. May the Lord Bless and Keep all of you in his heart during this time of great sadness.
George & Christine Murgel says
Dear Birgit, Mary, Marianne, Christine, and Susi. We just heard that Eddie passed away. Our deepest condolences goes your way. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sadness. God bless one and all.
Roger & Kathy Chovanak says
Our heartfelt condolances to Ed’s family, especially his dear mother “Mary”. May God Bless you and Comfort you in this time of great sadness. We will keep you all in our prayers. God Bless
joan Collins says
Birgit , I am so sorry to hear of Ed.s death . I feel your loss ,for I lost my precious Norman 3 years ago . You are in my prayers and thoughts . God be with you and the girls . Love , Joan
Colleen Reardon Marks says
Mary and Ed’s family – all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such wonderful memories of growing up next door to the Stipich’s – I am glad Ed is no longer suffering.
Joni Pancoast says
Birgit and Family,
So Sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will see you Saturday at the service. I will visit when things settle down for you. Joni
Jackie Williams says
I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Ed was a wonderful man. I enjoyed working with him very much. I am very glad to have known him.
Bea Steen says
Birgit – I just got back from Oregon and read about Ed’s passing. Please know my prayers are with you and your family.
Bill Kemp says
Birgit,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Ed, a fine fellow, indeed!
Love,
Bill
Alicia McLean says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family…I love you guys!
Mary Marlene Coyle Longfellow says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary Brigit, Maryann, Christine, Susi,