Father Robert C. Noonan, 79, died at his residence at Hidden Treasure Assisted Living, near East Helena, on Friday, August 10, 2018.
Bob was born in Butte, Montana, on September 13, 1938, the son of Thomas Harold Noonan and Marie Carey Noonan. He attended Catholic schools in Butte and graduated from Carroll College. He then attended Mount St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Helena on May 30, 1964.
He served at St. Joseph Parish in Butte, St. Joseph Parish in Anaconda, and St. Anthony Parish in Missoula. In October of 1971, he was named the founding Pastor of Pope John XXIII parish in Missoula. In July of 1977 he joined the Pastoral Team at the Cathedral of St. Helena and was named Pastor of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Helena, in July 1983.
While at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Father Bob suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, slowing returning to health through the skills of medical professionals and the love and concern of family and parishioners. Bob’s brother John, and sister-in-law Carol, became primary caregivers for him, taking him into their home in Great Falls and caring for him until he was able to return to his life as a priest.
Beginning in July of 1989, he served St. Matthew Parish in Kalispell. In July of 1996, he became Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Choteau and of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Fairfield with St. Matthias Mission in Augusta. He served St. Ann Parish in Bonner with Living Water Mission in Seeley Lake and Our Lady of the Swan Valley Mission in Condon from July of 2007 until he accepted Senior Status on July 1, 2009.
During his priestly career, he served as Judge and Defender of the Bond for the Tribunal, and as Judicial Vicar from 1981 through 1985. He was Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism from 1979 through 1989. He served at various times as Dean and as a member of the diocesan Foundation Board.
Father Bob was passionate about life and people. He loved family, history, reading, and travel. He had a fun loving spirit and a contagious laugh that filled a room. He often joined family on ski trips, lake outings and holidays. He was warm and welcoming when discussing his faith, with compassion, support and always available for those in need. He will be missed dearly.
His parents Thomas and Marie, and his brother John preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister-in-law Carol Noonan, four nieces, Elaine Kelly of Reno NV, Marilyn Noonan of Kalispell MT, Kathleen Putnam of Seattle WA, and Jennifer McKibbin of Seattle WA, and a nephew, David Noonan of Jeffersonville IN.
Visitation will be at Immaculate Conception Church, Western and Caledonia Streets in Butte, on Thursday, August 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. A Vigil Service will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 24th , with burial at the Priest Plot at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at St. Ann’s Parish, 2100 Farragut in Butte. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial contributions to the priest retirement fund: Clergy Senior Status and Security Trust, PO Box 1729, Helena, MT 59624.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 24, 2018
Immaculate Conception
Western and Caledonia Streets
Butte, Montana 59701
Rite of Committal
Follwing the Mass
Friday August 24, 2018
Holy Cross Cemetery
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Friday August 24, 2018
St. Ann's Parish
2100 Farragut Avenue
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 24, 2018
Immaculate Conception
Western and Caledonia Streets
Butte, Montana 59701
Rite of Committal
Follwing the Mass
Friday August 24, 2018
Holy Cross Cemetery
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Friday August 24, 2018
St. Ann's Parish
2100 Farragut Avenue
Butte, Montana 59701
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Lonnie & Sharon McCollom says
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Father Noonan. We so enjoyed him while he was our priest in Choteau and will never forget him and his great sense of humor. May he rest in peace with the Lord. May God bless all of his family.
john fabatz says
It is so sad to hear of Bob’s passing.Bob and i go way back to the Immaculate Conception where we were not only classmates but best friends.
So many memories are flooding in, fishing trips, serving 6:30 Mass when it was 25 degrees below, our Elks Boxing team membership , all cementing our friendship to this very day.
Fr. Bob was a good man and I feel privileged to call him my friend.
RIP Bob
My sympathy to the family.
George Rule says
RIP Father Bob. Enjoy the Heavenly Feast you so deserve.
Ora pro nobis!
Connie and Jim Erickson says
Fr. Bob married us at the Cathedral in 1981. We still have the tape of his homily on that occasion. We were very blessed to have him officiate. He was a spiritual, compassionate, and caring man. God bless you Fr. Bob. May flights of angels carry you home.
Connie and Jim Erickson
Mary Hensley Cutler, Portland Oregon says
I knew Fr. Noonan when he was a young priest at St. Joseph’s parish in Butte. He was full of life and humor. He was also determined to see the changes of Vatican II implemented in the parish worship. He was so appreciative of those of us who played the organ, sang and served the 8 o’clock mass during the summer and always treated us to a special dinner out at a quality restaurant. He once helped me break into my car when I locked the keys inside! I will always think fondly of him and I know that this good man is at peace.
Florence Anderson says
Father Bob was a wonderfully spiritual man and I enjoyed and benefitted from knowing him while he was in Choteau. I continued visiting with Father Bob when he lived in Missoula. We had quite the conversations and would exchange books we thought each other would enjoy. I’ll miss his humor, common sense approach to life and his spiritual guidance. God Bless and keep you Father Bob
Brian Lannan says
Father Bob was a remarkable individual in so many ways; warm, accommodating with an infectious laugh. The memories are numerous with New Year’s Day football gatherings being the most prominent. Father Bob Noonan, Father Bob O’Donnell, the chili, company and fellowship always made it a Great occasion.
Dominus vobiscum Father Bob, you are missed.
Noreen and Joe Anderson says
Father “Bob” Noonan was an amazing individual. He was a wonderful priest, friend and confidant that my Husband and I both cherished during his years at Choteau. His smile and laughter always filled the room. My favorite memory of Father was how much he enjoyed the annual Pancake Supper, visiting with all types of people from all walks of life in the community who came as well as filling up on as many pancakes as he could :). His strength and counsel helped both of us immensely during a very difficult and dark time of our lives. We saw him again when we moved here to Missoula, and although he didn’t quite remember us each time, he was always happy to see us. I know he will be welcomed with open arms into our heavenly kingdom.
Gary V. Hughes says
To Father Bob’s Families: Knew Father Bob through association with Father Jim Hogan and John the XXIII. Loved him dearly! He added humor and deep faith to our lives. Great peace of mind and heart to each.
Gary and Judy Hughes
Rebecca Vedovatti says
My father, Phil Vedovatti, (who just passed last month),was childhood and adult friends with Father Bob. I met him several times and was always impressed by his humor and kindness. Butte was a town of characters and stories and he was a featured character in many of my Dad’s best stories. On behalf of my family, I wish you peace, Father Bob, the world is a much better and more blessed place because of your presence. Say “Hi” to our Dad!
Sharon wittenberg says
So sorry to hear about Father Bobs passing. What a WONDERFUL person
I so enjoyed working with him at Lighthouse. He has been missed daily since his move to Helena. What a kind individual he was.My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thank you for sharing him with us. Rest in peace Father Bob.
Terri and Alan Reavley says
Fr. Bob Noonan was our Retrouvaille of Montana Chaplain for sixteen years beginning with the very first Weekend we held. His humble honesty in sharing his life experiences and down to earth humor impacted the many teams he presented with and the couples whose marriages thrived because of his selfless devotion to the Retrouvaille Ministry. We miss him and wish a well deserved rest in eternity for him.
Lynn and Ralph Guay says
Lynn and I had the pleasure of meeting “Noons” in the Cursillo Movement. As pastor at Our Lady of the Valley, our friendship blossomed. He was a cool guy and enhanced our spiritual growth in many ways. In the words of our daughter, Lisa, “He will be missed.”
David Gaines says
We last visited Fr. Bob when he was stationed in Choteau. I have such fond memories of him as a classmate at Carroll College (class of ’60). During my first two years there I ran with the Butte crowd and got to know him quite well. I have thought of him often over the years.
My deepest sympathy to the family,
David Gaines
Zane and Ginny Rodriguez says
We are very sorry for your lost wish we would have been told a lot sooner we will miss you father Bob it was awesome to see you smile and work with you as caregivers you will always be in are Hart’s rest in peace and spread your wings wide