Late in the afternoon of July 31, 2015, Joe passed away peacefully following a brief illness. Joe was being visited and comforted by family members at VA Medical Center at Fort Harrison, MT at the time of his passing. Joe was 85 years old.
Joe was born at the family home in East Helena, MT on February 26, 1930. He was the youngest of seven children born to Victor John and Katie Brydich Stipcich.
Joe attended schools in East Helena and Helena, MT, graduating from Helena High School in 1948. Following graduation Joe worked for a short time at the Anaconda Company and L. P. Barney Company in Helena. In February, 1951 Joe enlisted in the U. S. Army.
Joe proudly served his country, fighting in the Korean War until November, 1952. He achieved the ranking of Staff Sergeant (T3) and earned the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars. Upon discharge in November, 1952, Joe returned to his beloved East Helena where he would reside until the time of his death.
Upon returning from the Army, Joe began a 40-year career at ASARCO in East Helena. He performed a variety of jobs for ASARCO starting as a manual laborer before eventually settling as a fully certified diesel locomotive crane operator. Joe retired from ASARCO in 1990.
On October 1, 1955, Joe married Roberta (Mitchell) Stipcich in a small ceremony in Helena. Joe and Roberta lived in several homes around East Helena before building their own home. They raised their 4 children in that house and were still living there at the time of Joe’s passing.
Joe was a lifetime member of the Cory Dullum Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10010. Joe was an active member of the East Helena Volunteer Fire Department, serving for 25 years. He acted as Fire Chief for three years. Joe was also a member of the ASARCO 25-year Club.
Dad’s greatest love was the outdoors. He thoroughly enjoyed getting out in the fresh air and mountains, away from the confines of home and town. He spent many hours hunting and fishing with his friends and family near Lincoln or in the Elkhorn’s. In the mid 1960’s, Dad realized a dream come true by finishing a family cabin on his beloved Moose Creek. Nothing thrilled him more than reading notes from strangers in the cabin diary expressing their thanks for finding comfort in the sharing of his abode in their times of need. While on a family vacation to British Columbia, he once commented that there was no reason to drive that far when he could see views just as beautiful from his own front door. Dad was able to visit his beloved Elkhorn’s for the final time in June, 2015.
After retirement, Dad’s love for fishing was highlighted by two memorable deep sea fishing trips in Alaska. His smile was as big as the Alaskan mountains as he battled a 323 pound halibut.
Many a weekend was spent with other family members and close friends at campgrounds around Helena and Lincoln. Initially, camping trips involved loading the kids into the back of station wagon and sleeping in a tent. But after a time, camping was elevated to more comfortable accommodations inside a trailer with all the amenities of home.
Joe was preceded in death by: his parents, Victor and Katie Stipcich, and sisters Kate (Joe) Evansich, Mary (Harold) Kehr, Ann (Andy) Wingerter, and Margaret (Stanley) Hoffman.
Joe is survived by: his wife of 60 years, Roberta; sons, Jim (Peggy) Stipcich, Ron (Deb) Stipcich and Doug (Debbie Jenkins) Stipcich; daughter, Leslie (Jim) Darfler; and grandchildren, Josh (Tami) Stipcich, Kate (Mike) Votaw, Spencer Jenkins, and Matt, Talor and Brooke Darfler. Also surviving are Joe’s brother, Johnny (Donna) Stipcich and sister, Rose (Bob) Rice; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday August 5, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A celebration of Joe’ life will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception with then be held at the V.F.W. Post 10010 in East Helena. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe’s name are suggested to Montana Wounded Warriors 100 Cooperative Way, Suite 100 Kalispell, MT 59901-2386, Liberty House Foundation P.O. Box 81 Fort Harrison, Montana 59636 or to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice.
To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Joe please visit below.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 5, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday August 6, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the Celebration of Joe's Life
Thursday August 6, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Burial Service
Thursday August 6, 2015
V.F.W. Post 10010
113 W. Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 5, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday August 6, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the Celebration of Joe's Life
Thursday August 6, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Burial Service
Thursday August 6, 2015
V.F.W. Post 10010
113 W. Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Janet Tursich says
I am so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. With deepest sympathy, Janet
Terri and Ray Schmidt says
We are so sorry for your loss of Uncle Joe. I have so many great memories of Uncle Joe from my childhood. I can remember that twinkle in his eye and smile on his face when we visited when we were kids. And I remember his chuckle! We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
JASON -KATHY KELLER says
WE HAVE KNOWN BANANNA JOE SINCE 1972.I AM PROUD TO BE HIS FRIEND.MANY NIGHTS ARROUND THE CAMPFIRE AT HUNTING CAMP WITH THE EAGLE ED FINSTAD GEORGE FROM WIS.FRIENDS AND FAMILY I HAVE WAY TO MANY STORIES TO TELL ABOUT JOE …SO I WILL SAY THIS…WHEN JOE LEFT HUNTING CAMP FOR THE LAST TIME HE TOOK HIS TRUSTY RIFLE AND HEADED UP THAT MOUNTAIN ONE MORE TIME…AS HE CLIMBED THAT MOUNTAIN HE GOT SMALLER AND SMALLER …AND WE ALL SAID THERE HE GOES.WHEN HE REACHED THE TOP HE WAS A SMALL DOT ON THE HORIZON….AND WE ALL SAID HES GONE HOWEVER THOSE PEOPLE ON THE OTHER SIDE SAW A SMALL DOT WAY UP ON THAT MOUNTAIN….AND AS JOE WALKED DOWN THE OTHER SIDE…HE GOT BIGGER AND BIGGER AND THOSE PEOPLE SAID HERE HE COMES…WHEN HE REACHED THOSE PEOPLE HE WAS AS TALL AND STRONG AS WHEN HE LEFT US AT CAMP THANKS JOE FOR BEING A GREAT PERSON.I’LL SEE YOU IN ABOUT 20 YEADS AS RON SAYS …..JOE IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW….YOUR FRIEND JASON
buzz helfert says
Joe was a good friend,fishing partner, and mentor.When I joined the fire department in 1971,Joe took me under his wing and taught me to be a pumper operator- this was in the day when a ‘rookie’ was anyone with less than 10 years experience and was relegated to riding on the tail board and ‘catching’ the fire plug. Godspeed my friend,you are missed.
Tony Pistelak says
Roberta- I cannot feel what you and all of the family are feeling at this moment of time, but please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I have many fond memories growing up next door that I will always cherish. Joe (Wyatt) will be certainly missed.
Glen Cuchine says
Roberta and family: Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May the happy memories of Joe be comforting to you all. Truly a guy with “all the right stuff”. Happy Trails, Joe.
Marilyn Olson says
Leslie and family,
May God hold you close and comfort you during this time.
Marilyn Yetter Olson
Norm & Darlene Scott says
Our sincere sympathy to the Stipcich family. May your many wonderful memories of a caring husband, father and grandfather help to ease your pain at this most difficult time. Joe was a good man. May he rest peacefully in arms of our Lord.
Steve Caruso says
Leslie,
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jim and the kids.
Londa burns says
Jim and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
flossie shaw says
Stipcich Family
I am sorry for you loss. Joe has left you with some beautiful memories that should bring you great comfort at such a sad time. Prayers and thoughts be with you.
Mary Brydich says
Roberta and Family – I am so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Although I did not see him often, I enjoyed our conversations when I did. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace.
Beth Tjaden Williams says
I am so sorry for your loss. I get a grin everytime I think of the three hunter’s in Lincoln. What a wonderful life he had. God Bless
Sandra Stanghill Nachtsheim says
So sorry to hear of Joe’s death. So glad to have spent some time visiting at Bob Russ’s wedding reception. Margaret and Stan, and Dick Dogget bring back fond memories. My best to John and Donna. You are all in my thoughts.