Edward (Ed) McHugh, life-time resident of Helena and a true Irishman, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 24th, 2015 at the age of 88.
He was the first born of Peter and Lucy (Grady) McHugh on October 2nd, 1926. He was raised on the family dairy farm in the Helena valley.
Ed was in 4-H for 10 years while going to school in Helena. He served in the Army Air Corp and graduated from Montana State University in Dairy Manufacturing.
He married Jacquelin (Jackie) Bompart in Helena on January is”. 1950. They raised two daughters, Kathleen (Kathy) and Shelley. Together, Ed and Jackie were involved in multiple local businesses. Ed was most known for Cloverleaf Dairy, which he managed for over forty years, and the McHugh Mobile Home Park. He was also involved in the ownership and management of Dairyland Ice Cream Novelties, the Ice Cream Parlor, and land development of the Cloverview subdivision. Ed had a fondness for Shetland ponies that was passed onto him from his father. For many years Ed and Jackie treated the dairy customers to a picnic with pony rides, which was one of his favorite memories.
Not being content to just work and coast through life, Ed became very active in local organizations. He was an active participant in Helena Jaycees, United Way, Model City Board, VFW, Helena Kiwanis Club, Helena Property Owners Association, Florence Crittenton Home Board, and Shodair Hospital Board. Ed was instrumental in the development of the present day Shodair facilities. He was a member of the Helena Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, City water planning committee, Helena Wastewater Improvement Project Advisory Council, and the American Legion. He was proud of being a member of the Montana State Boxing Club, where he became the AAU Light-heavy Novice Boxing Champion.
Ed enjoyed jogging and golfing, as well as traveling. He loved attending and supporting local high school, Carroll College, and MSU-Bozeman sports and events.
Throughout all of this Ed never lost sight of what was most important to him, his family and his belief in God. This can be seen in the next generations. He loved and adored his wife, his girls, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He took a very strong personal interest in his employees, and they became like family to him. He was a lifetime member of the Cathedral of St. Helena and was active in serving.
Ed was preceded in death by: His parents, Peter and Lucy McHugh; and his brothers, Peter and Tom McHugh.
Ed is survived by: His loving wife of 65 years, Jackie, his daughters, Kathy (Rick) Kahla of Lacey, WA, and Shelley (Jim) Rodenberg of Wolf Point, MT, his brother John (Mary Ann) McHugh of Coeur d’Alene, ID, his grandchildren Craig (Kari) Rodenberg of Wolf Point, MT, Jess (Brooke) Mortensen of Helena, MT, Jeffrey (Kerry-Ann) Rodenberg of Parker, CO, Julie Rodenberg of Gig Harbor, WA, and Lena (Casey) Phelps of Helena, MT, and his great-granchildren Kylie, Lauren, and McKenzie Rodenberg; Fallon and Fox Mortensen; Danny and Hailee Rodenberg; and Campbell Phelps. Other surviving family members include his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bob and Lois Kahla, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials in Ed’s name are suggested to the Hunthausen Activity Center at Carroll College, 1601N. Benton Helena, MT 59601 or to the charity of your choice.
A Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. A Funeral Mass is set for 12:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St with a reception to be held in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral after the Mass. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison.
The family would like to thank the staffs of the VA Hospital, Aspen Gardens Assisted Living, and Frontier Hospice for all of their great care. They would also like to thank Shannel Pocha for all of her help.
A special thank you to Archbishop Hunthausen, Father Jack Hunthausen, and Sister Edna Hunthausen for their friendship and spiritual support.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Edward.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 29, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 29, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday April 30, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Thursday April 30, 2015
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Reception
Thursday April 30, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 29, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 29, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday April 30, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Thursday April 30, 2015
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Reception
Thursday April 30, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Diane Pedersen says
Jackie and family:
I was sorry to hear Ed passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy. Diane Pedersen and family
Pat DaSilva says
May you each find peace and comfort with the memories you hold in your heart.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
To the McHugh family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jackie and family.
God Bless.
Matt & Mary Kunnary
Sharon Nelson says
Jackie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of you. I will always remember the two of and how you treated Ray and I. We enjoyed 26 years living in the park. God bless you Jackie.
Sharon Nelson
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Jackie and Family
Our thoughts and Prayers are with You .God Bless
Evelyn Knowles says
My thoughts & prayers are with the McHugh family.I remember him having all the kids in Helena over to tour 1 of his dairy businesses & watching how ice cream was made & how his business was ran & started.He would give all of us a small cone when we went back to school. He always welcomed you with that bright Irsh smile where ever you seen him. Your bright smile will be missed a lot Mr McHugh,prayers are with you all.
Jeff and Joan Kahla says
Joan and I offer my deepest sympathies to the MuHugh family. He was truly a modern pioneer for Helena.
His forward thinking and rugged tenacity brought the city countless enhancements that will be always enjoyed and remembered. He cared for the city and was great ambassador for Helena and the state of Montana. He truly was a member of America’s greatest generation.