Friends and family are saddened by the news of the passing of lifetime Helena resident, businessman, and cherished patriarch of our family, Jack C. Naegele. Dad took God’s hand for a peaceful walk into heaven in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015; just two weeks shy of his 91st birthday.
Jack Calvin Naegele was born Dec 17, 1924, at home on the corner of Harrison & Stuart in Helena, to Eugene F. Naegele and Lola V. McLeland Naegele, following his brother Fred to mark the 4th generation of Naegele’s in Helena and Montana. He attended Central School and started working early delivering newspapers on south main, his most “infamous” customer being none other than Big Dorothy herself. Winters were spent skiing with his brother Fred and friends on Mount Helena or MacDonald Pass. Anxious to serve his country after Pearl Harbor, received his diploma early from Helena High School and entered the Navy in May of 1942, at the ripe young age of 17. As a ship fitter aboard the U.S.S. Tryon, a troop transport, he was dubbed “Junior” by his shipmates, while they served in the South Pacific for 23 months and received an honorable discharge in October 1945. While on Christmas leave in December 1944, it was love at first site, when he spotted Lorena Jean Macmillan standing under the arches at The Montana Club, and they were married on Valentine’s Day 1945 in San Diego, CA. Jack and Rena welcomed their first son John in February 1946 another son Tom in 1951, and daughter Jean in 1962.
Upon returning to Helena after WWII, Jack joined his father at the Naegele Printing Company, later known as Naegele’s Office Supply, becoming the fourth generation in the family business. In the years to come, along with selling office products and furniture his ship fitter experience would come in handy as office technology progressed. Dad sold and serviced Offset presses, Mimeograph and Ditto machines supplied by the A B Dick Company. Naegele’s, in the early years, was the only A B Dick dealer in central Montana covering Helena, Butte, Bozeman and Great Falls. Working on machines at Mountain Bell, the School Districts, and numerous associations as well as for many state offices and he even had a few midnight emergency calls when a machine would go down during a State legislative session.
Jack, along with his wife Rena, spent their 30 years together providing a wonderful example of service to our community being fixtures at public events, fund raising activities, service clubs, and masonic organizations, making many beloved friends. It was during this time that Jack earned his “Big Drum” nickname marching down the main streets of many Montana towns, in parades for all occasions, beating his bass drum with the Algeria Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps. Jack was an active member of the 3669th Ordinance Company in the Montana National Guard for several years following WWII, President of the Helena Lions Club 1965-66, Worthy Patron 1974-75 of Josephine Hepner Chapter No.89 Order of the Eastern Star, a Master Mason of King Solomon’s Lodge No.9, Scottish Rite, Algeria Shrine Temple Uniformed Bodies Patrol/Drum Corps, a member of the American Legion, VFW, Helena Elks Lodge No.193, and served as President of the C R Anderson School PTA and on the board of directors for the Helena Chamber of Commerce. Jack and Rena loved Helena & Montana. Both truly believed that it was a God given responsibility to build and nurture a strong and thriving community though thoughtful efforts and service and they were proud to pass that legacy onto their 3 children.
Rena passed away in July 1975 leaving Jack with a teenage girl to finish raising, which he did admirably with the help of her brother’s, sister’s in-law and several friends so dear to our hearts. Their middle son Tom had joined the family business, by this time; Jack continued an active life at the store, the golf course, and welcoming new grandchildren for several years. While attending his 40th Helena High School reunion, he reconnected with childhood friend and high school sweetheart, Phyllis Roberts Tingley. They were married in December 1984, and Jack retired after 43 years when the 100 year old family business was sold in 1989.
Always happiest when he was busy, Jack took a position at Supreme Lighting and, in 1991, went to work for the Montana Dept. of Transportation for yet another 12 years, again making many lasting friendships along the way. Phyllis passed away in September 2003 and Jack then moved to Eagles Manor for 8 years where he lived comfortably in the company of his cat Tabby. Opting for a more assisted living environment, he spent his last couple of years at the Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Fred, infant sister Alice, wife Lorena, and second wife Phyllis. Survivors include sons; John Naegele and wife Ruthie of Graham, WA, Tom Naegele of Helena, daughter Jeanne Kohal and husband Mike of Helena, grandchildren; Kirstin (Dan) Menefee WA, Jennifer (Tory) Iyall WA, Joel (Shiela) Naegele WA, Melissa (Harold) Chapple AZ, and Andrew Kohal Helena, 11 great grandchildren, one beautiful great great granddaughter, brother-in-law Jim Macmillan (Laura) NJ,sister-in-law Catherine Macmillan, IN, and many nieces, nephews and cousins scattered around the United States and even Canada.
Our family wishes to express our deepest thanks to the wonderful staff at Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation Center for their sincere compassion in making our Dad feel at home and helping him live out his last days with dignity.
Cremation has taken place and The Naegele Family is planning a celebration of Dad’s life at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan St., with a social gathering to follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial with Military Honor’s will follow the gathering at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N. Montana Ave. Memorials, in Jack’s memory, may be sent to: Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Spokane, the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation PO Box 1266 Forsyth, MT 59327, or the Helena Cancer Treatment Center or those of the Donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jack.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:30 p.m.
Thursday June 2, 2016
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Social Gathering
After the service
Thursday June 2, 2016
Fellowship Hall of St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the social gathering
Thursday June 2, 2016
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:30 p.m.
Thursday June 2, 2016
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Social Gathering
After the service
Thursday June 2, 2016
Fellowship Hall of St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the social gathering
Thursday June 2, 2016
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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John and Betty Brewer says
Tom we are so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Please accept our sincere sympathies to you and your family. We always loved that Jack and my Mom shared the same birthday. Now they both are in heaven and will celebrate this years birthday together. May God bless you all and grant you peace and comfort in the days to come. We pray for you to remember all the beautiful moments you and your Dad shared. I will never forget his smiling face and kindness. Prayers for peace and comfort he was a wonderful man who was loved by so many. His kindness will live on forever in you and your family
Darlene Landry says
My heartfelt sympathy to the Naegele families over the loss of your Dad, Grandfather . May God bless you all through this time of grief. Love your cousin Darlene, Larry and family
Tex Jawort says
Tom I an so sorry for the loss of your dad <he was very instumental in my life ,from getting rocks in the mountains to taking us to Alhambra for swimming , my life was blessed from knowing him..
Pat and Fred Verzani says
Tom and family,
We were saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. We will always remember your Dad as a very respected business man in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May he rest in peace.
Tom Erving says
Tom,
My prayers are with you and your family. I got to really know your dad when he worked out at the Highway Department, what a great person and a character too. Just like his son!
Your old friend,
Tom Erving
Mimi says
Naegele family,
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. I have many fond childhood memories of him and your family. I will remember his great kindness and light a candle in his honor.
May your memories give your comfort now and always……..Mimi
Carol Hanson says
Tom,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and best wishes are with you.
Carol Hanson
mike naegele says
Tom, John, and Jeanie…Great picture of uncle Jack, a happier time and a reminder of the good times. The last of the Great Generation of Naegele’s. Not a easy time, but knowing there was caring and a quality of life to the end is a great relief. Love you all
Jackie Siberling Higgins says
Jeannie, Tom and John, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have so many great memories growing up with Jeannie and you family. Many dinners at the Montana Club feeling so grown up. The wonderful trip your dad took Jeannie and on to the East Coast and Texas. Know we will have you in our prayers. Your dad will truly be missed. Jackie
Julie DeMars says
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, Tom. Sending prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
kelly schroeder rhimer says
To The Naegele Family,
When I first saw Mr. Naegeles name, my first thoughts were, we have lost another part of Helenas history and a grand gentleman. I met Mr. Naegele many years ago when my grandfather, John Schroeder, was running Home Federal Savings, Many times since, Mr Naegele always seemed to have a smile on his face. And of course everyone at the store was alwats friendly and happy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will always be part of Helena.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all off you God Bless…………
Randy & Lisa routzahn says
Tom we are sorry about your loss of Jack. He was a fun person and made a huge impact on Helena. He was proud of you and watching you two interact was always fun at bowling many years ago. He will always be a part of your life. It was nice knowing him, thanks for him. Randy and Lisa
MIKE LIGHTBODY says
Tom and Family, so sorry to here of your Dads passing. Thoughts and Prayers to the whole family. Still have memories of you and your Dad, when I started working at the Phone co. back in the 70s. As the phone co. mail man got to make lots of trips to the family store for pickups and deliveries. My thoughts and prayers to all.
Allen Stockdale says
Tom,
Sunday Dec 13
Just read HelenaIR.com funeral notices, will concur with many who sent appropriate condolences. Want you to know would have responded sooner if I would have known.
Al
Connie Ward Beatty says
Dear John and Tom, so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Anne Lenik, RN says
Tom and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of Jack. It was my privilege to help take care of him these last couple of years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a deep pride and love for his family. I am proud to say I knew him.
Diane Tordale says
Tom and family,
My prayers are with you all. Jack was a great guy. I had the privilege of working with him when he had the office supply store…AND then when he came to work at the Dept of Transportation. He was always a ray of sunshine and would make you smile.
Kally Porrini says
My thoughts are with you, Tom, as you celebrate you dad’s life!
http://www./ says
It’s wonderful to have you on our side, haha!