Our dear brother, Joe, 73 years old, passed away from this earthly life to his Heavenly home (returned to Sender) on Thursday, August 16, 2018 after a tough, painful battle with cancer, lovingly cared for by our sister, JoAnne. He truly never complained and fought valiantly to the end.
He was the first-born of Joseph L. and Josephine I. (Joe and Jo) Woods on February 19, 1945 at the old St. John’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. He attended St. Helena Grade School, graduated from Cathedral High School in 1963 (go Greenies!) and attended Carroll College of Helena and Seattle University. Joe was an Altar Boy at St. Helena Cathedral, assisting at the Masses of two of his sisters’ First Holy Communions.
Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in various locations and was stationed on the Island of Guam with the Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. Although Joe worked with sensitive classified information, he would not speak about it, ever. He was honorably discharged in 1970. After his military service he worked a variety of jobs before acquiring a position with the U.S Postal Service where he was affectionately known as “J.J.”, and from which he retired after 34 years of exemplary service, having received numerous awards.
He enjoyed being in the hills with his trucks, jeeps and motorcycles, seeking the “end of the road” and participating in and attending motorcycle hill climbs throughout the northwest. Other interests included camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, bowling, shooting pool and crossword puzzles. He also enjoyed many excursions to Nevada.
Joe was a kind and gentle spirit who loved his family and faith dearly, giving a salute to his favorites and he always had a smile for everyone. He was very generous, anonymously helping those in need who he met and he also had his favorite charities. Everyone who ever knew Joe said he was one of the nicest people they met, never saying an unkind word or engaging in gossip. You never heard a bad word about him and never heard a bad word from him.
Joe is predeceased by his grandparents, his parents Joe and Jo, his niece Thalia and sister-in-law Lynn. He is survived by his brother John (Melinda), and sisters Mary Jo (Dave) Schlick, JoAnne Woods, Gerri (David) Payne and Peggy Jo (Bob) Williams, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and cousins.
Services for Joe will be held Thursday, August 23, 2018 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing, Helena. Viewing begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral, the Rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. and the funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon. Immediately following the funeral Mass, a luncheon will be held in the Brondel Center, downstairs. Burial will follow with Military Honors at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Joe would be honored if you paid it forward to a less fortunate person or charity of your choice.
Joe was blessed with a very peaceful death, so well-provided for through the Sacraments, and the care of his loving family — a testament to his life-long Catholic faith. We will always love you and miss you, Joe, until we see you again in Heaven. May you hear God say “Well done good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of thy Master.” Matt. 25:21
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday August 23, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Rosary
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday August 23, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 23, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday August 23, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Rosary
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday August 23, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 23, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Dan Roemmich says
3000 Villard 21
Dan Roemmich says
gonna miss you JOE – RIP MY FRIEND
Noreen Raynor says
When I worked at the Public Health Lab on my weekend, I’d have to go to the post office to get our mail. Joe was always there with a smile. I knew him since I moved here in high school and I was best friends with his sister, Mary Jo. We always asked about each other’s families. He was a very knowledgeable and interesting man.
Rest in the Lord, Joe.??
Mary Runkel says
JoAnne,
Your kindness and care of your family through the years is a testament of your kindness and faith.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Jim Mayer says
Joe and I went to the Rialto to eat dinner occasionally when we worked at the old PO back in the early 70’s. He was always kind and upbeat and always comfortable to be around. He was hard working and diligent and like the article says never complained about anything that I ever saw. Good guy. Rest In Peace.
Greg Paull says
Peggy Jo and family, Joe was one of the nicest, smartest and hard working people I will ever know. May God embrace you all in this sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Greg and Linda Paull
Sharon Pelletier says
Gerri, Peggy Jo and Family
So sorry to read about your brother. May memories keep you strong and faith keep you going.
Tom Schupp says
Peggy Jo and family,
I always enjoyed working the night shift with Joe. He was a really kind guy. We both loved doing crossword puzzles and he would save the Great Falls Tribune one for me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. Tom Schupp