Joseph E. Thares (Joe), age 87, of Helena, MT passed away from natural causes on May 29, 2015 at Cooney Retirement Home.
He married the love of his life, A. Earlene Gibson on June 22, 1953, in Great Falls. They spent many years recreating on their house boat in the Gates of the Mountains and, later, at their cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake. They had one son, Ray.
Joseph was born on September 27, 1927, in Great Falls, MT to John and Mary Thares. He grew up and attended schools in Great Falls. Joe joined the U.S. Army on November 26, 1945 and was honorably discharged on April 29, 1947. Two days later he began his career at Mountain Bell/ U.S. WEST Communications, living in Great Falls, Missoula, Butte and retiring in Helena on May 1, 1985 after 38 years of service. After his retirement from the phone company, he went to work for the Montana Independent Bankers Association (MIBA). Earlene also retired from the phone company and became his secretary at the MIBA. They enjoyed travelling all over the United States during this time loving his job and life.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Joe will always be remembered by his friends, colleagues and family for his positive nature and uplifting smile. During the last year of his life, he continued to exude strength despite his failing health. He looked forward to his daily visits with his son Ray. He was always eager to talk politics, stock market and Ray’s golf game. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Joe learned from him. He was an avid reader and had a wealth of knowledge.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Earlene Thares of Helena, MT; son, Ray (Debbie) Thares of Helena; grandchildren, Raelene (Kumar) Navulur of Frederick, CO, Joe (Chloe) Thares of Alexandria, VA, Neven (Callie) of Helena, MT, Quin (Amanda) of Helena, MT; great grandchildren, Carter and Eliza Navulur of Longmont, CO and Van Sather of Helena, MT; sisters, Dorothy Boettcher and Marie Palmer and sister-in-law Kay Thares, all of Greats Falls, MT; and several nephews, nieces, and special friends.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Matt Thares, Nick Thares, Andrew Schile and Jim Thares and a sister, Louise Thares.
On behalf of the family, we would like to thank Cooney Retirement home, St. Peter’s Hospital and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the care they gave Joe to make him comfortable and dignified in his final days here on earth.
A vigil will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave, Helena. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Community. Burial will follow the Mass at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison with a reception to follow Jorgenson’s, 1720 11th Ave, Helena. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe’s name are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Joe.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Jorgenson's Inn and Suites
1714 11th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 9, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 10, 2015
Jorgenson's Inn and Suites
1714 11th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Deb Walter says
Ray & family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless. Deb & Steve
Rick (Ole) Olson says
Dear Ray and Debbie, so sorry to hear of the loss of your father, may all the good memories that you had with him help you through your time of sorrow.
Mike & Mary Root & Family says
Thares and Sather family and friends you are in our thoughts and prayers. For right now and all the days ahead – wishing you strength and peace.
The Root’s
Rose Baker Hardman & family says
To the Thares family you are in my thoughts and prayers. Having memories is a wonderful thing. God bless you all.
Rose Hardman
Jim Cassun says
Thares Family So sorry to read about Joe he was a good friend I worked with Joe at Mountain Bell for many years We have lost a Great Guy. Jim Cassun Jupiter Fl
Joy Lucht says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Happy memories help ease the pain.
Joy Lucht
Jill Thares says
I so enjoyed talking bank business with Uncle Joe whenever I saw him. Difficult loss
Ginny Price Kalchbrenner says
Earlene & Ray – I’m sorry for your loss.
Diann Thares Halvorson says
Dear Aunt Earlene, Ray & all–Our world is a sadder place right now without Uncle Joe’s smile, but Heaven is much brighter! Uncle Joe, until we are all together again, tell my Dad I love him.
Danelle Murch says
Sorry for your loss.
Penny Price says
I will always remember Joe as a kind and wonderful man who adored his bride, Earlene. She would jokingly tell me that he won her heart and hand because he was “a peachy dancer!” Joe would agree and they would laugh together. Earlene and Ray, I hope your many warm and happy memories of Joe will help sustain you during your difficult loss. God bless.
Peggy Shepherd says
I am sorry for you loss. You are all in my thoughts. Remember the good times and know that Joe is in a better place.
Take Care
Jim Coolidge says
Ray and Debbie, I was so very sad to read about the passing of your dad and father in law. I have many thoughts about being around both of your parents and of working with you and Debbie. Please know that my thoughts today are with you and your family.
JOhn Larson says
Ray, Your dad will always be remembered as a “true gentleman”. My folks so enjoyed being your mom and dad’s neighbors on Lockey. I know your mom and dad loved you very,very much…They are now together forever watching over you and all their grand kids.
Helen Fabian Delanoy says
To Joe and Earline”s families, Your parents were one of first to greet me while I attended St Mary’s . They always had smiles of their faces and positive outlooks. I’m so sorry for loss. Just saying their names brings their smiles to me. God Bless You. Helen
Rev Richard G. Francesco says
It has been a blessing to know Joe Thares. Faithfulness and reasonability are two qualities I particularly admire in him. No matter what, Joe remained faithful: to God, to his loved ones, to his responsibilities. And, no matter what, Joe always did what made good sense. Challenges did not impede his power of reason.