Joseph John Raunig (74) passed away at home with family members present on the morning of March, 26th after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born July 29th, 1938 in Great Falls, MT and was raised in Chester, MT by his mother Ann, and step-father Joe Burrows. He attended school there graduating in 1957 and in 1960 married Marilyn Schroer. They later divorced but remained friends.
He worked for the Ford dealership in Chester for many years and during that time was a member of the Montana Air National Guard. In 1973 he started working for Hi-Line Fertilizer in Hingham, MT as manager until 1999 and was also the mayor for seventeen years. In 1999 he and his wife Kathie, moved to Clancy, MT and opened J&K Irrigation, installing sprinkler systems.
He belonged to the Cathedral of St. Helena and was a greeter and active member.
He loved to hunt, fish, and golf with friends and family. He loved his vacations on warm sandy beaches and always looked forward to them.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Ann Burrows. He is survived by his wife Kathie of 41 years. Daughter, Christi Raunig of Corvallis, OR.; sons, Rod (Cathy) of Washougal, WA, Brett (Wendy) of Vancouver, WA, and Chris (Mary Lynne) Sauby of Waynesville, OH. Six grandchildren, Elle, Grace, Mya, Evan, Jesse and Ryan. Sister, Kathleen (Don), Wojtala, Virginia Woods, and Diana (Kerry) Patrick. Brothers, Donald (Betty) Raunig, Harold (Bev) Raunig, and Richard (Cyrilla) Burrows, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 12-7 p.m., Monday, April 1 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a Vigil service to follow at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass is scheduled at 12 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 at the Cathedral of St. Helena with a reception to follow the service at the Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral. Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery following the reception. Memorials in Joe’s name are suggested to the Cathedral of St. Helena Building fund 530 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601 or the Good Samaritan Thrift Store 3067 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Joe.
Joe loved and was loved very much by his family and friends. They saw him through his ordeal and he was blessed in many ways.
“….I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Service Schedule
Viewing
12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday April 1, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7 p.m.
Monday April 1, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Tuesday April 2, 2013
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
To follow the Funeral Mass
Tuesday April 2, 2013
Brondel Ceneter, lower level of the Cathedral
Helena, Montana
Interment
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday April 2, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday April 1, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7 p.m.
Monday April 1, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Tuesday April 2, 2013
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
To follow the Funeral Mass
Tuesday April 2, 2013
Brondel Ceneter, lower level of the Cathedral
Helena, Montana
Interment
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday April 2, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Mary Lynne Sauby says
Dear Kathie and Family: Joe was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. I loved his gentle ways, kind and loving heart and sweet smile. He will be missed by so many and contributed so very much during his life. You supported him tremendously during this long battle with cancer, and now he may rest peacefully. May special memories of him help you during this most difficut time. My deepest sympathy and prayers, Love Mary Lynne.
Jay & Deanna Smith says
Dear Harold, Bev & Family:
We are so sorry about your great loss. Please know that our prayers are with you.
Sending much love from Kansas City, MO,
Jay & Deanna Smith
Carol and Lewis Knop says
Dear Harold and Bev:
So sorry about your brother. Please know we are lifting you and your family up in prayer.
Love, Carol and Lewis Knop
Anita Tomayer says
Kathie and Chris and family —
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He fit into the family so well and was always so cheerful and accommodating to our rambunctious bunch. I know that you will him so much. You took such good care of him. Now take care of yourself and know that we all send our prayers and good wishes your way.
Love, Anita
David Brandon says
Kathie,
Joe was a lucky man to have you by his side and I know from working with him, he thought the world of you. Joe will be missed GREATLY by those of us that were lucky enough to work with him, and know his ability, endurance and softer side too. I am still amazed at how organized his job trailer was, and I think about him whenever I step into it to retrieve a part. I know I am a better man for getting to spend a little precious time with Joe. Take care and be strong. Joe would want you that way.
Kristina Fonzi says
To my most lovely Aunt Kathie. The loss of Uncle Joe is definately heartbreaking but I know one thing, when it is my time I want to face it like he did, with faith, courage and surrounded by all those who loved him. You both have been such a tremendous part of my life since I was born. I will never forgot all that you both have given me and my family. You are my Godparents, my loved Aunt and Uncle and friends. You have always opened your home and hearts to so many people and you are loved by so many people. I am so happy that I got to see him before he passed away and I know that he is with God. What better place to be? I look forward to the day I get to see you again. To you I wish you all my love and compassion. My heart goes out to you. May the healing begin. I love you and wish I could be there with you but I know that you are surrounded by much support. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron & Bev says
Kathie,
We were saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Please know we share in your sorrow, but we also know that Joe is in his Heavenly home with our Lord………..no more pain. The photos show what beautiful people you both are. We won’t be able to attend the celebration of Joe’s life, as we are in Bismarck with Jeffs family. We will be in contact later, dear friend.
Love you,
Ron & Bev
James & Sandra McDonald says
Sorry to hear of your loss. I know how difficult this time can be. What helps me doing times like this is the scripture found at John 5:28,
Is it unrealistic to accept the resurrection as a fact? No, for Jesus taught that someday “all those in the memorial tombs” will be resurrected. (John 5:28) Jehovah is the Creator of all life. Should it be hard to believe that he can re-create life? Of course, much would depend on Jehovah’s memory. Can he remember our dead loved ones? Countless trillions of stars fill the universe, yet God gives the name of each one! (Isaiah 40:26) So Jehovah God can remember our dead loved ones in every detail, and he is ready to restore them to life.
How, though, does Jehovah feel about resurrecting the dead? The Bible teaches that he is eager to raise the dead. The faithful man Job asked: “If an able-bodied man dies can he live again?” Job was speaking about waiting in the grave until the time came for God to remember him. He said to Jehovah: “You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.”—Job 14:13-15.
Just think! Jehovah actually yearns to bring the dead back to life. Is it not heartwarming to learn that Jehovah feels that way?
Teresa Johnson says
To Aunt Kathie and all those who’s heart Uncle Joe made his way into! I can’t help but reflect on so many happy moments that I had when I was in Uncle Joe and Aunt Kathie’s home. It was a safe, peaceful place… much needed at that time in my life. Even in the last days, Joe’s strength of character shined in the light of circumstances. I have learned so much from Joe and Kathie and look forward to seeing Joe again on the other side!!
With Love,
Teresa
Bob & Melody Lousen says
Dearest Kathie,
We are saddened beyond words knowing we will not see Joe again in this world. The good news is that we’re enriched immeasureably having known Joe as our neighbor and friend. It was always a warm fuzzy to exchange waves, hello’s and chatter with Joe as he labored the lawn and snow. And we treasure the many social events we shared with you and Joe; they were the best ever! Please know that we’re hugging you from the distance, and will talk to you soon. With love and sympathy… Bob & Melody