Joseph L. (Joe) Spiroff passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2011, Helena, having coped with Lewy Body/Parkinson’s disease for many years.
Joe was born March 18, 1922 at Roy, Montana to Nick and Anna Spiroff. He attended country grade school, graduated from Roy High School and attended Montana State College (Bozeman). Joe enlisted in the Army Air Force September 1942 and served with the 467th Squadron of the 8th Air Force stationed at Rockheath, England. He flew 35 missions as a nose-gunner on B-24s over Europe. He was awarded the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, 4 Battle Stars, and his crew received a Presidential Citation for distinguished service. One plane he flew on lost an engine and landed safely (with a full bomb load) in Belgium where the Underground rescued the crew and returned them safely to England.
Joe was discharged October 1945, and returned to Montana. He was employed by Montana Physicians Service –Blue Shield where he was much revered by his associates for his work ethic. He retired as Vice President of Underwriting after nearly 38 years of service. Joe served on numerous regional and national health care committees.
At Emma Clark’s Boarding House in the late 40’s, Joe met his wife, Katie. They married May 4, 1952 and lived on Knight Street on the west side of Helena for 50 years with the last few years spent at the Waterford Retirement Facility. This move accommodated his advancing Parkinson’s disease. Prior to this, they had enjoyed extensive travels and several cruises.
Joe was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Helena, where he had served as an elder, a deacon and on numerous committees. He was a member of Masonic Lodge AF & AM #3; as an Intermountain (Children’s Home) board member for several years; and actively served the United Way, receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Award. The school PTA and Boys Scouts were included in his service as well as the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). In retirement, Joe read extensively, worked crossword puzzles and learned to play the organ for personal enjoyment. He followed a regular exercise program and enjoyed coffee afterward with his friends (“the Hardee Bunch”!)
Joe is survived by his wife, Catherine (Katie) of nearly 59 years of marriage; son, Mark (Denise) of Colorado; daughter, Linda (Doug) Graham of Helena; grandchildren, Brian of Helena, Nick of Colorado, Kelli (Jeff) Hoffman; and great grandson, Samuel Joseph Hoffman of Missoula. Also surviving are brother, Ray (Mary Jane) of Helena; sisters, Margaret (Jay) Benes of Lewistown, Montana and Mary Kirstein of Florida, plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Nick and Anna; brother, Nick, and sister, Katharine.
Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 4th at 11:00 a.m. o’clock with Rev. Jim Fiedler officiating. Burial will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests memorials to Intermountain (Children’s Home), 500 S. Lamborn, Helena, MT 59601; First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing, Helena, MT 59601 or Parkinson Disease Research, %Giles Walker, 4355 Pay Dirt Dr., Helena, MT 59602 or charity of their choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Beth Wargo says
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire family. He was such a wonderful man with such a great spirit. He will be missed.
Brian Donovan says
I’m so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. My Dad always valued Joe’s wisdom and counsel so highly, and felt he was a vital part of the success of Blue Shield. I remember him as such a kind, friendly man. Sincere condolences.
Brian Donovan
Carolyn Radcliffe says
I am so sorry to hear about Joe. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. I will be unable to attend the service as I am now living in Seattle but my thoughts and prayers are sure with you all during this difficult time.
Cecelia S.Altomare says
Catherine,Linda and Family,
I read of Joe passing in the paper on-line,I am so sorry to hear.He was a great man and I am sure you will miss him,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless,Cecelia Sarrazin Altomare
Dave Scanlan says
I am sad to hear of the passing of Joe. He was a great man that I will remember forever.
Dave Smith says
May God’s Grace strengthen you all during this difficult time. May your hearts and souls find peace and comfort knowing that others share in your grief. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
David Campbell says
My condolences on your loss.
Dawn Piazzi says
I worked at Intermountain when Mr. Spiroff was on the board. I was always impresses with his concern for the children we cared for and also for the staff. He was a very kind and caring man.
Donna Lund says
We will miss a long time neighbor. Sincere sympathy to all the family.
Joe Spiroff says
The world has lost another great man. Sending our love to Katie and family as you grieve your loss. Remember all the good times and pull out the photo albums!
Lynne Browne says
My heart goes out to all of you at this time. Love and prayers to all.
Lynne Bailey Browne
Parrish Strong says
What a wonderful man! He is an inspiration to us all in how to live our lives. I will miss him. I pray for comfort and peace for Katie and the rest of his family.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Katie, Linda and the Spiroff Family, Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Joe was truly a fine Christian man who will be greatly missed. Your heartfelt prayers are with you all.
Valerie Raisch says
Katie and Linda and family,
Oh, how we cared about sweet Joe. Katie, I’ll never forget how you and he were the ones who welcomed me to First Presbyterian and made my years there with you all so special. When my Dad died, Joe was in Hennessy’s where I worked expressing his sympathy. Joe not only was born in the same year as my Dad, looked similiar in many ways, but had the same mannerisms and voice. A true gentleman for sure!
Bob and I both send our heartfelt love and sympathy to you all. What wonderful memories we have to remember
‘until we meet again’!
Sorry that being in FL., we can not attend the services on Friday, the 4th.
You are in my heart and I send you my love and sympathy. Joe will be missed by many but never forgotten!
With fondness,
Val (and Bob) Raisch