Joseph Mitchell DeWolf of Montana City passed away on the evening of April 28, 2021 at the age of 71. He was born in Helena, MT on April 20, 1950 to the parents of George Mitchell DeWolf and Carol (Trent) DeWolf. He graduated from Helena High School in 1968 and attended two years of college at the University of Missoula.
Joe enlisted into the Montana Army National Guard on September 3, 1968 as an E2. He served proudly for over 31 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel on March 31, 1999. Joe served eleven and a half years as an Enlisted Soldier in Army Aviation and performed the duties of Crew Chief for Troop N Air, 163d AC in Helena MT, attaining the rank of E-6. He was commissioned a 2LT on September 26, 1978 and held positions of increased responsibility as an Armor Officer, Maintenance Officer, Recruiting and Induction Officer, and Inspector General Officer.
Joe and Nikki (Sassano) dated for four years and then married on May 27, 1989. Together, along with her son Ray, they enjoyed snowmobiling, the Green Bay Packers, boating, camping, 4-wheeling, car shows, golf, and the family cabins at Canyon Ferry Lake. Another passion of Joe’s was his classic car collection. He had restored several cars and some are still a work in progress. Joe and Nikki traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin five different seasons, and Seattle Washington to watch the Packers play. Joe was passionate about his family and spending time with them. He loved golfing with his dad and brother Kelly and hanging out with friends at Haps and Papa Ray’s. Joe had many talents and was a natural athlete. I once saw him ride a horse upside down after the saddle slid under the belly while visiting his sister Sue, in Divide.
Joe always lived by his own rules. His life motto was, “never grow up”! He would want you to remember him as a fun-loving person who loved to tell long jokes and make everyone laugh. So, remember the good times, share funny stories, sit around the campfire and raise a glass to a life well lived.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and step mom Jeannette DeWolf, brother Steve, and nephew Chet French, his uncles the “By Golly Boys” Bill and Fred DeWolf. Joe is survived by his wife Nikki, step-son Ray and Ashleigh Carlson of Helena (Robert, Wesley, Paul, Nicole), his sister Sue DeWolf and Mark of Butte (Mike and Angela Keck, Faith Burns and Chance Keck), brother Kelly DeWolf and Lisa of Clancy (Jennifer DeWolf and Jason DeWolf), Aunt Joan Kain of Billings, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be at 5 p.m. with a vigil to begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Burial with military honors will follow the Mass at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial at Bert and Ernie’s, 361 N. Last Chance Gulch.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 4, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 4, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 5, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 5962
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday May 5, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday May 5, 2021
Bert and Ernie's
361 N. Last Chance Gulch
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 4, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 4, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 5, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 5962
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday May 5, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday May 5, 2021
Bert and Ernie's
361 N. Last Chance Gulch
Helena, Montana 59602
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meilissa and jeff sherlock says
Sorry to hear. I can’t remember when I first met Joe,, maybe 5th grade in 1961. Always a good guy, he will be missed. Peace to his family
Gail Briese Zimmer says
Kelly, Sue and family: So sorry to hear about Joe, brothers are our first best friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Thomas Juhl says
Sue and Kelly so very sorry yo hear of Joes passing….being a car guy I’ll always remember that smiling face in his Hot Rod……..R.I.P. Joey
Dave Van Nice says
So sorry to hear that Joe has passed away. He was always the happiest guy in whatever he was doing. Always smiling!
Don & Regina Cromer says
So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, Kelly. Losing family is always so hard. Our thoughts are with you.
Steve Christiaens says
Joe and I got to know each other while working at Buttrey’s when we were in high school. We had some great times together in those young years. He always made sure there was never a dull momnt1 My condolences to his family.
Sara Graveley-Moody says
Joe was always one to give me a hug ! So sad to hear he’s gone ! Dan and I send our heartfelt condolences and hope you’ll find peace in the coming days … months .. and years. Love and hugs to all ❤️🙏🏾
John Brewer says
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was a great guy and always got along with everyone. Praying for peace
and healing for your family.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏. Joe was a good friend from our National Guard 🇺🇸 days.
Dick Shockley says
Joe, longtime pal and fellow Army guardsman, was a most favorite friend. His humor, work ethic, and loyalty to friends lives beyond time on earth. He will be missed. May sadness and grief of loss be quickly overwhelmed by smiles and warm laughter at the so very many good memories.
Roger A Hagan says
Nikki, so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I will have many memories of our times together at National Guard functions. Joe and my Dorrie are in Heaven looking down on us this very day. RIP Joe!
Orlan and Trina Strom says
Always think about Joe and the good times. I have many memories of Joe from the service club to his ability to make and fix things. Our prayers and regards go out to you Nikki.
Tom Jones says
I’m so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing…I’s been years since I’ve seen him..but back in the day we had some good times together. My thoughts are with you..
Connie Beckman says
Nikki and family
I am so sorry. You are in my prayers. I am praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the repose of Joe’s soul and for you and your family during this most sad time. Jesus is with each of you now. Hokd on to your memories and treasure them in your heart. ❤
Jim Haynes says
My good friend I will surely be missing you. Those great Christmas parties at the airport, WHAT A TIME WE HAD!!!
David White says
Joe an I were good friends in high school…. fast cars… drag racing. Wonderful memories of a wonderful human being!
Marvin and Dianne Page says
Nikki, so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you.
Susan L Hawthorne says
Adel and I are deeply sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He lived life to the fullest ❤️. With his twinkle ✨in his eye he always made you feel welcoming around him. I hope the love he shared with everyone brings comfort to you during this time.
Marcia Roe Barnes says
I went to high school with Joe and will always remember his fun-loving ways and his kindness to everyone. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Steve and Jeri Mosby and Family says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the DeWolf’s. Joe was a great guy that loved cars and life whose spirit couldn’t be beaten. BE Strong and remember all of the good times. The Mosby’s
Ray Carlson says
I was so sorry to hear that Joe had passed on. You and your family have suffered more then your share of grief. God bless you and your wonderful family.
Richard Yetter says
Nicki like everyone said I to am sorry to hear about your loss. Joe and I had a special kind of friendship and I will truly miss him. We shared the good times and the bad times. I have no idea how many miles we put on in the Nomad AKA gonnie. And there is no end to the stories.
My heart breaks for you and all Joe’s family.
Richard Yetter.
Tori Johnson Gleich says
Nikki
I’m sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was always so kind to my sisters and I as your neighbors for many years. He once protected me from a “nut” that had stolen my purse from my car. I’m sorry for your loss and will always remember him fondly. May your memories bring you peace.
Marty & Marsha Malesich says
Nikki, So sorry to hear of your loss. So many good memories with you both. May you have peace of mind. Prayers for you and yours.
David Smith says
ddavey917@msn.com So sorry to read about Joe’s passing. I met Joe at Haps when I noticed he had a Packer jacket on, I told him I was from cheesehead country. We had many conversations about the fate of the Packers. We had some laughs and beers. Sorry for the family’s loss, he was a nice man.
Andrea Ayers says
Nikki, thinking of you and sending thoughts of peace over sorrow.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Family & All the Loved ones of Joe. He will truly be missed. Life has a way of so many twits & turns it seems at times hard to explain. We can cherish all the years of laughter & special events over the years that go so fast that it’s amazing. Well, we will All face our final days on this Beautiful Earth, provided for us by our Lord God. Rest In Peace Dear Joe. Amen Evy
Lynn Phillips says
Joe and I were in the same high school class. He always had the biggest smile in the room. So sorry to see a personality like his pass, but I won’t forget his friendliness. The sadness will end but the memories will endure. Peace to Nikki and family. Nice obituary!
Dave Williamson says
Nikki and Family: I have so many memories of Joe from our days in Det 1 Trp N Air in Deer Lodge. One of the best in a family of many. Fly High my Friend.
Allan Stricker says
Nikki,
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. We had many great times together, some at Hap’s, some that don’t bear repeating even now. Regardless, Joe lived to get all there was out of life, every day. Remember the great days!!!
deb stansberry says
Nikki, I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing……….sending prayers and hugs to you…….
Bradley Murfitt says
Nikki,
Jen and I are sorry for your loss. Joe was a good guy and always the entertainer.
Larry M Brown says
Dearest Nikki and the whole DeWolf and Sassano family all our thought and prayers are with you during this sad time he was such a good guy always a smile and a good laugh when you were around him. God Bless
Larry and Kathy Mclaughlin Brown
Mary Grace Black and Hugh Black says
Dearest Nikki and Ray…..We express our sadness on the loss of Joe and also our gratitude for having known him.. He was a wonderful guy who knew how to make a party happen… my fondest memory of Joe is a summer day on lookout circle …We were having a barbeque with the few neighbors …Joe got a barbeque pit from the national guards and we had the best time with the best chef…Keeping you and Ray in our prayers…Love all the memories of you on Gold Rush…this is the year of St Joseph…How did Joe arrange that….Much much love for the family
Nick Cladis says
Knew Joe since the 6th grade! Great smile and kind to everyone. Many fun times at his home—always made you feel welcome. The whole family did. I was sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace—Joe–our condolences to Nikki, Ray and other family members.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Our thoughts and Prayers are with all off Joes family , God Bless Joe RIP……………….
Allen/Glenda
Anita Parsons Hunter says
Nikki and family,
I dated Joe in highschool and remember him fondly. He was always upbeat and fun to be around, a real nut. He made me laugh and taught me everything I know about a car engine. Rides in his 1940 Ford were always an adventure. My condolences to all who loved Joe.