On the morning of May 31, 2020, Eugene “Gene” Marco Danicich joined his wife of 67 years and took his place in the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father.
Gene was born on June 8th 1931 in Anaconda, MT as the first generation of Danicich’s in America. Gene grew up and attended school in Anaconda and eventually graduated from Anaconda Senior High School in 1949. After graduation, Gene headed to Helena, MT to attend Carroll College where he attained a degree in Medical Technology. During his time at Carroll, while attending a basketball game, Gene met his future wife Joyce Mae Gustafson. Gene said he talked to her because she was quiet. He asked for her telephone number and called her every night for the next two weeks. The couple dated for nearly two years. Gene had meanwhile joined the Air Force and was informed that his platoon would be shipping out just after Christmas which prompted his marriage to Joyce on the 27th of December 1952 in the St. Helena Cathedral.
In the following years, Gene and his family lived on S. Raleigh St. until they built their forever home at 1511 Peosta Avenue where he and Joyce raised their four children, Mischelle, Jim, John and David.
Gene was always a hard worker. He always had something going on either remodeling the house or building toys for his grandchildren. After returning from the Air Force, Gene began his career at St. John’s Hospital in Helena where he worked in the medical laboratory. During winter quarter at Carroll College, Gene would teach a night class in Human Anatomy along with his friend Dr. Anderson, head of pathology. He worked at St. John’s for many years until it eventually closed, after which he accepted a position as head Lab Technician with St. Peter’s Hospital. Later in life, Gene went to work for the Montana Department of Highways Materials Testing Lab as the head technician. He worked with the state for many years until his retirement. Not one to sit around for too long, Gene decided to give back to his alma mater, Carroll College, by helping out in the Engineering Department Testing Lab. He spent many years at Carroll helping the students until he retired for a second time. Soon, however, friend and professor Dr. John Scharf convinced Gene to come back to the Engineering department. Thus, after a short second retirement, Gene went back to work for Carroll College until he retired at age 85 for a third and final time.
Gene was a great father, but even more so, an amazing grandfather. He loved spending time with his grandkids, teaching them how to build things, cook, read and of course, to work hard. He also enjoyed volunteering on Sundays at St. Helena’s Cathedral as a greeter for many years. Gene loved to travel and was fortunate to have many opportu- nities during his life to explore the United States and the world. Although we planned to visit Croatia as a family, health issues would ultimately not permit him to see his few remaining relatives in the “old country”.
Gene was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ljuba and Marco Danicich his sister Barbra Kovacich, and his wife Joyce.
Gene is survived by his daughter Mischelle Ann Jenkins (Bellevue, WA), sons James (Heidi) Danicich (Bellevue, WA), John (Michele) Danicich (Missoula, MT), David (Beth) Danicich (Helena, MT), grandchildren Nicholas Jenkins, Claire Danicich, Amelia Jenk- ins, and Cameron Danicich, sister in law JoAnn Notti (Stevensville, MT), nephews Mike, Joe and Andrew Kovacich, niece Maryann (Dean) Staten of (Anaconda, MT), and cousins Janko, Mikica, Josip Bubas of Zagreb, Croatia.
Viewing will be from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery.
Janet Riis says
My prayers go out to you all- Dave, Beth and the whole Danicich family. I will always picture Gene with that twinkle in his eye and the biggest grin you’ve ever seen. He was a happy man who gave great hugs! Loved him and I love you!
Carol Ogle says
I worked with Gene at St John’s Hospital 10 years and for him at Last Chance Medical Reference Laboratory until it closed. He was a caring person. It was a privilege to know him. Deepest sympathy. Carol Ogle
Rhonda Strainer Robertson says
Dear Mischelle and Family,
So sorry to hear about your dear Father, Gene. My heart is aching for you as I know you lost your sweet Mother a year ago in April. I lost my sweet Mother a year ago on May 31st. Remembering her is easy, but there’s an ache within my heart that never goes away. I pray that all the wonderful memories you hold within your hearts will sustain you in the days ahead. I worked with Gene at Department of Highways in the Materials Bureau over 30 years ago. He would often let me know what was going on with you, and always with a big smile. I also spoke with him several times when he would call Health Care & Benefits regarding their retirement benefits. He was still forthcoming in offering updates with the family. What a very nice tribute to a life well lived. My folks were married for 66 years, and my Dad is 87 now and still going strong. Please know that God gives us comfort in the form of family and friends. May His peace be with you, His love never ends. RIP Gene
Bruce and Rhonda (Strainer)Robertson / Capital High School classmates
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss. He worked with my dad for many years. He will be missed.
Nicole(touchmark care giver) says
He will be missed and thought of every time I go into work. He was always smiling, greeted each of us at his home in helena with enthusiasm and appreciation. The Lord has gained another wonderful embassirdor, and Angel. Rest in peace and my condolences to all his family. You had one amazing father, grandfather, and teacher in your lives.
Laurie and Anthony Rodriguez says
Dave and Beth,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are heartbroken by your loss. Gene always welcomed us (both) with a warm smile 🙂
May You find comfort and peace as you recall wonderful memories in the days, weeks and months to come. God bless you as you mourn. Eternal rest grant unto him or Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he be greeted by angels into Heaven.
Mary Thomas says
Larry and I had the pleasure of sitting by Gene at Nelson stadium and enjoying the Carroll football games with Gene and John Schaf! We loved Gene’s enthusiasm for life, Carroll and family ! We were so blessed to know him! We high fived at every good play and touchdown for years
The world has a new star in the heavens! We will miss him at Carroll functions
Rita Munson says
Rita Munson
Dave and Beth, I know you are probably having a tough time right now but I found that it does get better. You will be able to laugh at some of the good times that you had with him and JoAnn. They had a long time together and now they are happy together again
A
Noreen Raynor says
Gene was my first boss after graduating from Carroll College at St. John’s Hospital in 1968. We were the last two techs working along with Dr. Anderson until it closed. I also worked with him at Last Chance Medical Reference Lab. He was a great boss and a kick to be around.
He will be missed.
Bill Coddington says
Gene was such a great guy – with the patience of JOB! Always welcoming and open-hearted.
Rita Rickl Quinn says
The first job I had as a graduate Med Tech of Carroll College was at St. John’s Hospital working with Gene and Dr.Anderson. It was a wonderful experience. When our daughter was born Gene agreed to be her Godfather and we were delighted. He and Joyce were so kind to us as a young married couple and we always treasured the time spent with them.
My husband, Denny passed away April 29th of this year so our children are going through that time of loss as you children of Gene and Joyce are doing. It was wonderful to read of your families and I pray you will continue to enjoy the love and care of such a wonderful Dad and Grandfather.
Mary Kunnary says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Gene Danicich from this earth. He was a great person and very likeable. I worked with him for awhile at Carroll College. God Bless you Gene
Mary Kunnry