Joseph Leo Egan was born on May 31, 1927 to Esther Sophia Heikka and Michael Bernard “Benny” Egan in Lewistown Montana and caught the final train home on February 12, 2017.
Joseph attended Fergus County High School and graduated in 1945. He Enlisted and served in the United States Army in 1945 and honorably discharged in 1946. In 1953, he met the love of his life, Clara Theresa Michels! They were married in Beach, ND.
At a young age, he left home and became a brakeman for the Great Northern Railroad. This theme of railroading echoed through his life and everyone around him. He lovingly joked stating ‘my papa told me … do anything, but don’t ride the rails.’ It didn’t stop his intense passion for the love of steam. His work ethic and integrity spanned his youth into adulthood. At that time, he decided to become a wildlife biologist. He graduated with honors from Montana State College with his bachelors in biology in 1957. With a young daughter and bride in tow, he studied the science of wildlife and their habitat, often proving survival of the fittest, working long hours at checking stations, days of counting elk, subzero temps and long hours away from civilization, often going toe to toe with hunters. All the time was enjoying every minute. He elected to further his education and proudly obtained his Masters in biology and botany.
From his humble beginnings in Lewiston to Miles City to Bozeman and Helena, he cherished his beloved Big Sky calling a spade a spade, quick wit, hilarious sense of humor; he loved to teach, learn and write. He exhibited a passion for biology, animal habitat, and the ecosystem. He was extremely proud of his work on developing the concept of rest rotation.
Joseph continued his work for the Montana Fish and Game as the Chief of Wildlife Biology until his retirement in 1987.
His hobbies included his intense passion for the railroad which included his 400 plus square foot HO train layout housed in the basement of the house they so proudly restored. This guy could spot a grunting locomotive with eyes keener than an eagle. He loved floating the Mighty Mo and fishing the Madison.
Of things he was most proud of it was his Irish heritage. All the things Joseph loved included: our precious God; his wife and five kids, and their wives, husbands and kids; his caregivers Marie and Shelby for their unending devotion; his faithful neighbors; his alumni the Montana State Bobcats; and did I mention trains!
He is survived by: his five children, Stephanie (Boni) Kluger, Frank (Deb) Egan, Matthew (Lenette) Egan, Mary (Lee) Casebeer and Patrick (Melissa) Egan; grandchildren, Katy, Seth, Andrew, Autumn, Joshua, Shayly, Cameron, Natalie, Ashley, Emily, Garrett; great grandchildren, Blaine, Lena, Lora, Maddie, Iyla, and the newest addition Alice Claire; brother, Earl Egan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the love of his life Clara “Mike,” his brothers Dickie, Frank, and Bill.
As the final whistle blows calling you home, you shall be missed forever and will never be forgotten. May you rest in eternal slumber our sweet Papa.
A Rosary will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 16th at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, 315 E. 6th Ave., Helena. A Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 17th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St., Helena. A committal service with military honors will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow the burial in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to the Priest’s Retirement Fund through the Cathedral of St. Helena. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Joseph.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Thursday February 16, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 17, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following Mass
Friday February 17, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday February 17, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Thursday February 16, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 17, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following Mass
Friday February 17, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday February 17, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
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Nickie and Eric Eck says
The sweetest neighbor ever. I always loved to chat with him when he went by on his walk with Sammy. He is together again with his beautiful wife for Valentines’s Day.
Earl Egan says
Joe and I were close. I will mill him greatly. So will Sammy.
Michael E Egan says
Always a twinkle in his eye … fond memories. Condolences to “Mike” from all the “Texas” Egans”
Margaret Egan Vallante says
Will always remember those twinkling Irish eyes! My father (Bill Egan) always spoke lovingly of his brother Joe. My sincerest condolences to each of Uncle Joe’s children and grandchildren.
Niece, Margaret Egan Vallante
Rhode island
Steve & Judy Bayless says
Joe was a true friend and mentor and it was a pleasure to work with him for over 20 years. He was a truly professional wildlife biologist who gave it all he had for Gus Hormay’s Rest Rotation Grazing System. His efforts resulted in many benefits to wildlife habitat throughout Montana.
We were very close to Mike and Joe and still reminence about some of the jokes he told and the things we did together. We will sorely miss them!
Dan & Georgia Stinson says
Joseph, you will be sorely missed by many. I’ve known you, worked with you, chased trains with you and told great stories together for nearly 40 years. You were probably the best story-teller I even listened to. I would best describe you as simply ‘legendary’. We all know how much you missed Mike, and it’s good to know you’re finally safely back under her direct guidance. I wish you good steaming, green blocks and a fine ride on that orange and maroon train to heaven.
For the family, I wish fond memories, good stories and healing for your loss. May this bring you together in peace and love.
Carol Egan-Davis says
I was very sad to learn of Uncle Joe’s passing. I have so many great memories of him and the stories he told. My family and I will really miss him.
Terry and Martha Lonner says
Terry and Martha Lonner sez:
Dear Joe,
You were a colorful character full life and fun. Don’t think you ever knew what PC meant. Your one-liners and humor are well established in our memory of you. The most important part of your wildlife career with the Montana Department of Fish and Game was that you were a true champion of Montana’s wildlife and a very important part of its legacy. You also were a true friend of sportsmen throughout Montana who always enjoyed working with you.
Kathleen Wheet says
Kathleen (Kathy) and Gary Wheet,
I am saddened to hear of Uncle Joe’s passing. I will miss my phone conversations with Uncle Joe and hearing of the walks with his dog, Sammy! He so missed his wife, Clare “Mike” very much. “Fitting that he will be joining “Mike” and celebrating Valentine’s Day with her today, February 14, 2017.” She was the love of his life and always spoke fondly of her and of their children; grandchildren; and great grandchildren. Uncle Joe also leaves the Egan family from his visits in Albuquerque, New Mexico with fond memories and the wonderful stories of his childhood and of his brother, Bill Egan; (our father). I was fortunate to visit Uncle Joe and Aunt Clare at their beautiful home in Helena that Uncle Joe restored with great workmanship. Joe at that time showed my Dad (Bill Egan) and I his train hobby displayed in the basement; a treasure to cherish by all who got the joy to see the trains run; what an accomplishment! A delight not only for the child in you but for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren!!
With sincere condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Joe Egan – – May fond memories bring you comfort and peace…
Niece, Kathleen (Egan) Wheet
Albuquerque, NM
Jim and Sandra Gross says
Egan Family-
We are so sorry for your loss! We have known Joe for many years and always enjoyed seeing him; we loved his sense of humor!
May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Jim and Sandra Gross
Steve & Kathy King says
Absolutely going to miss visiting with Mr Egan as he walked by our house for the past 21 years. It was always a pleasure and honor to talk and listen to him share his wisdom in our 5 minute chats. What a wonderful man!
I vividly remember when our kids were young as Mr. Egan was walking by they would run out the door yelling “hey Mr. Egan” wanting to talk to him. He always took the time to talk to them as they pet Skeeter and then Sammy after Skeeter passed.
Very fond memories and will forever be grateful for our short visits and his willingness to take the time to visit with our kids.
Thank you Mr. Egan. We will miss you.
Jan (Sassano) Funston says
My condolences to the Egan family. My parents, Mike and Armelda, were good friends with Mike and Joe. Maybe they are all together now… having coffee once again.
May you find comfort in each other, and joy in your memories,
Julie and Gene Huntington says
We will miss Joe. Our neighborhood won’t be the same without him.
Perry Jones says
Perry and Karen Jones says:
My wife and I moved to Helena in 1988 and our garage was across the alley from Joe’s garage. Joe and I were alley buddies for 28 years. We were good for each other and during the summer months spent a lot of time discussing politics, railroad trains and railroad experiences (I saw his enormous train layout in his basement) and wildlife biology.
He was an expert on Montana wildlife- a patient teacher while I was a willing student. We will both miss Joe greatly. Joe’s passage leaves a hole in my heart.
Mike & Shelly says
Our condolences to the Egan family. Joe always had a story or two for us over the last 27 years as his next door neighbors. He will be missed!
Mike & Shelly says
PS – We often shared stories about birds & wildlife in town & around Montana.
Bernice and Kathi Savage says
Life is the holding of memories only the heart can see. We have you in our hearts, God has you in his keeping. Many great memories, you will be missed.
tom cherry says
One of Montana’s finest Irishmen! Thanks for the Laughter, Joe. the complete JOB — Well Done.
tom cherry
Doug Olson says
I came to know Joe though his service on the building and grounds committee of the Cathedral of Saint Helena as well as his regular attendance at 7:30 Sunday Mass with his beloved Mike. This often led to an invite to share breakfast and conversations at their home. Joe became a good friend who could be characterized as a plain speaker, calling a spade a spade–he wasn’t bashful about sharing his views. Some might characterize Joe as an old codger, but one who was a joy to share a conversation or two. He loved his family, his friends and enjoyed giving of his time and talents to others and his church. I left Helena in 2007 for Minneapolis but will always fondly remember who he was. My prayers to his children, extended family and friends at Joe’s passing.
Anne Sheehy Yegen says
I knew Joe and Mike because of their friendship with my parents, Skeff and Rita Sheehy. Joe and Mike were delightful, funny people and devout attendees at early – and daily – mass, along with my folks. Mike and Joe were a pair to draw to, taking turns being the straight man for each other’s jokes. Their affection for each other and their mutual amusement were apparent; it was a pleasure to be in their company. Joe seemed very lonesome after Mike died, and he often joined my parents for Tuesday night dinner at the Mother Lode. My mother is gone these five years now, but Skeff soldiers on. I know he will miss seeing his old friend. To the family of Joe and Mike, Peter and I send condolences. May bands of angels, and a lady named Mike, welcome Joe into paradise.
Anne Sheehy Yegen
Kate McKenna Lawler says
I met Joe & Sammy walking through the neighborhood. Two Happy guys! They treated everyone like family & when I noticed Joe & Sammy were no longer walking the neighborhood, I felt Sad, it was a loss to me. I know Joe & Sammy both missed Clara very much, the boys weren’t the same without her. Sorry Joe I should have visited more. I hope Sammy is having a great life with family!