After 90 years Joe Campeau’s creative spirit was stilled in the early morning hours on June 29, 2015.
His love of architecture and design are celebrated in the buildings he drew, the bowls he turned and the landscapes he redefined. He enjoyed a witty joke, aged whiskey, and his house on Hauser Lake. Jackie his wife of 64 years (now deceased) was his rock and together they had eight children. Joe is survived by his brother Ray Campeau and wife Kay, their five children, sister, JoAnn Lewis and her three children. Also surviving are his children: Daughter Nanette Campeau, Son Keith, his wife Arleen, Mark, his wife Alison, daughter Renee Richardson, daughter Chris Jensen her husband David, daughter Stephanie Stratmeyer and her husband Arlin, son Matt, and wife Nell, son Greg and fiancé Misty. If that wasn’t enough! They opened their hearts and home to Suellen Genty Lewis. Joe was blessed with 18 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.
Joe was born in Butte, Montana on May 24, 1925, to Napoleon Joseph and Irene Campeau. His childhood was colored by the fact that he was raised in the depression and he was proud of his Butte heritage.
He joined the military in 1945. He attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, served in World War 11, and was honorably discharged. He continued the education he started in the military and graduated from Montana State College in 1950 doing so in only three years with a growing family. He received a master of Architecture in 2010 and worked as a professional architect in Helena until his mid 80’s.
Joe was a member of Rotary/Paul Harris Fellow, Montana Club, Jaycees, Helena City County Planning Board, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Navigator, Toastmasters, American Institute of Architects, Upper Missouri Gallery Member, President of the Urban Design by Northwest Planners, Helena Redevelopment Board, Helena Arts Committee, Helena City County Plan Board and the notorious “Flickers”, where he held the distinction of being the first Grand Flicker.
He enjoyed hunting but fishing was his passion especially with his best friend Charlie Poole. He knew every fishing hole on the Blackfoot river.
Joe and Jackie traveled the world with family and friends always studying and sketching the buildings wherever he went. He was also an avid reader.
He was an accomplished artist in many mediums but wood turning seemed to satisfy his desire to create and design after he retired from Architecture. The bowls, platters, and Christmas ornaments have given delight to many.
Joe was a religious man. The family home was located across the street from the Cathedral and Catholic schools where his children attended. He was a member of the Cathedral Parrish from 1957 until he built the lake house and then attended St. Cyril Methodius which he designed and built in 1988. One of his most cherished accomplishments was St. Anne’s Church in Butte. Many a time he would take one of his children along to inspect its progress.
He will be missed by many.
A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2016 at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Hero’s Road, Fort Harrison, Montana 59636. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2015 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road. A reception will follow in the social center of the church. Interment with military honors will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison at a later date. Memorials in Joe’s name are suggested to: Intermountain Children’s Home 500 S. Lamborn Street, Helena, MT 59601; Helena Food Share 1616 Lewis Street Helena, MT 59601or to the Friendship Center 1430 N. Sanders Street Helena, Montana 59601.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 1, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 1, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Colleen McCollister Peterson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember most your dad’s smile.
Rebekka Dodge says
I am glad Joe and his wife are together again. I sure will miss knowing they are down the road. I loved boating by the house and seeing the yard and house. Joe and his wife were a part of our Hauser history. I used to enjoy seeing them at church. My condolences to all the family.
Hugh A. McWhorter says
As I write this I am in front of a wooden bowl carved by Joe. I am next to a room that has an abacus also created by Joe. An exceptional talent at woodworking and artistry. I vividly recall his sketches of his and Jackie’s European experience. All exceptionally well done. Our Flicker’s Coffee Group has a hole in it that cannot be filled. A man who truly loved his wife and family. Sincere condolences to his family.
Susan Dunbar Bjerke says
Joe Campeau changed my life forty-plus years ago as my boss and mentor. I then had the wonderful opportunity to call him friend. I will miss him. Condolences to the family.
Elaine Locati and Clay Schulz says
As fellow members with Joe of the Upper Missouri Gallery in Helena and the Mainstope Gallery in Butte, MT we remember Joe’s attendance at monthly meetings and how he would remain quietly attentive to all discussions and at the conclusion he would offer his opinion In a well thought out summation. Usually with a very insightful idea or solution. Clay being a native of Dillon, MT, particularly remembers reminiscing over stories with Joe of his time tending bar as a young man at the old original Buffalo Bar in Armstead; which is now under water at the Clark canyon dam. Joe’s uniquely designed Christmas ornaments made from beautiful and different types of wood were very popular and gave the galleries a special feel. We fondly remember the many discussions pertaining to business procedures and his contribution to the successful operation of the galleries. Thank you Joe for your friendship and years of artistic endeavor.
Diane Pedersen says
To the Campeau family at this difficult time.
I was sorry to learn that Joe passed away. He was a wonderful and kind man with a great sense of humor. Helena has lost another one of our talented citizens. May his family find peace in knowing he is now reunited with his beautiful wife. My deepest sympathy to all your family.
Michelle Campeau Thoreson says
Fond memories:
*Listening to Uncle Joe share his thinking and design innovations of the Hauser Lake home.
*Appreciation of Joe’s detailed craftsmanship every year when we hang his hand-turned Christmas ornament.
*Watching him cook apple pancakes (well that’s what I called them) for a whole tribe of cousins and siblings.
*And most fondly, Uncle Joe one afternoon … listening attentively and commenting thoughtfully to a young girl with big ideas as I shared thoughts of what I might “be” when I grew up.
Tom Naegele says
Prayers of Support and Condolence,
I was Blessed to have the opportunity to work many times on furniture projects with Joe over the years. Learned from Joe and shared ideas to make the project work well. Peace and Tranquility.
John C. Ulberg says
Chris, David and Family:
Whenever I think of the word architect, I think of Joe. He was the consummate
architect; one only needs to look at his art expressed in his bowls to see his gift.
I always could get a chuckle out of talking with Joe, and appreciated his wisdom
he shared with all.
Maggi McKinnon Corbett says
Remembering growing up with you all across the street from St. Helena School…what a time we had! Your Mom and Dad were such a presence in those memories…it seemed they were always a part of all activities both grade and high school for Nan and Keith’s classes as they are the “Campeau kids” my age.
Please know how sorry I am about your Dad…he was truly a man of so many talents. My condolences to all.
Maggi McKinnon Corbett
Patricia Tomulty says
I have so many great memories of Jack and I spending time with your Mom and Dad . I will never forget the afternoon we spent ,Joe and Jack telling us how they terrorized the boulevard. I can imagine the two of them together in Heaven. I will miss our email time.
Patti Tomulty
Inez Slayman says
My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with all of Joe’s family at this very tough time. He always had a smile on his face, and never knew a stranger. Keep all those memories of him close to the heart. Take care.
Rick Ahmann says
What an absolute gem of a man Joe was. As a younger man just in business in Helena, I was among those who he gently and ably mentored and taught. Always quick to smile and share a story, Joe was equally quick to express his hopes and dreams for this town and great State. Like many of the Rotary Club “old guard”, his commitment to serving his community and the greater world around him was the hallmark of his career and life.
Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.