The greatest man we ever knew left this world peacefully to be with our Lord on April 11, 2018.
Joseph ‘Joe’ Samuel Bogard, 88, was born in Helena, Montana on September 18, 1929 to Sam and Martha Bogard. He was the only son among his family of sisters, Rosie Lindstrom, Dorie Kuhl, Connie Smigaj & Bubs Moodie. He apparently took this status seriously, to carry on the family name, as he went on to have 13 of his own children.
Joe attended catholic schools and was a life-long member of St Mary’s Catholic Church. Faith and family were the two most important things in his life.
Growing up in the ‘sixth ward’ and just two doors down the street, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Gillespie, and married her on May 28, 1955. This union was the beginning of an amazing legacy and 62 beautiful years together. Joe loved the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed camping with his children, primarily at his favorite spot, Dog Creek. Christmas was a special time in the Bogard household and if you ever had the opportunity to share a Christmas Eve, it was truly spectacular.
Joe had an incredible work ethic, which was admired by many. In his earlier days, he worked at Woolworth’s and Fligeman’s Department store. He also did some logging in the Elliston area and worked at the Leonard Mine in Butte, Mt. He eventually went to work for the City of Helena, working 31 years, until his retirement in October 1986. He never forgot ‘his men’ and thought of them as part of our extended family.
Joe and Dorothy loved to travel, exploring every county in the state of Montana and making frequent visits to Nevada, Coeur d’Alene and anywhere else they could find a fun casino. They made friends wherever they went and had their ‘coffee clutches’ with many dear friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Rosie and Dorie. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy, his children, Patsy (Bob) Personette, Connie (Jeff) Lane, Melanie (Gary) Sims, Theresa (Danny) Corbett, Joe (Twyla) Bogard, Cindy (Stuart) Bezanson, John Bogard, Joan (Doug) Creason, Jeanette (Louie) Caissey, Collette (Harry) Hanson, Colleen (John) Powers, Sam (Karen) Bogard and Shane (Casey) Bogard. He is also survived by 64 grand-children, great grand-children and great-great grand-children.
With special thanks and gratitude to Dan Seed, Dr. Weiner, Dr. Wampler & Dr. Paustion for the loving care you provided.
Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A vigil will follow the viewing at 6:30 p.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, April 19th at Saint Mary Catholic Community Church. Rite of Committal will be at Resurrection Cemetery following the Mass. A funeral reception will immediately follow the burial in the lower level of Saint Mary Catholic Community Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Helena Food Share, P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59624-0943 or to your favorite charity, in his memory.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Thursday April 19, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Thursday April 19, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday April 19, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Thursday April 19, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Thursday April 19, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday April 19, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Kurt Jenewein says
I remember Joe when I was 6th grader on my way to/from Lincoln School on Poplar St. He was a nice man and always talked to me and said HI. Thanks Joe for making a small boy feel like a big guy. Rest in Peace.
Bryan and Joan says
We are so sorry for your loss. Joe was an amazing gentleman. He was always so very kind. He will be greatly missed. Sincerely Bryan and Joan
Maureen Doubek says
My condolences to your family. Joe led a good life and worked hard to support his whole family for years. Now Joe you are resting in Heaven with God. God bless
flossie shaw says
Dorothy and Family
I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He never failed to provide you with a kind word and a beautiful smile. May your sadness be weakened by loving memories and knowing he is in peaceful rest.
Savannah Morgan says
Dorothy and family:
Joe was a tremendous gift to all who knew him. His kind heart left joy everywhere he went. I’m grateful to have known him, and pray for peace and understanding for you all during this time.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
Collette, Colleen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We are praying for peace and comfort for all of you. Keep you wonderful memories close during this difficult time.
Bing and Joan Bowers says
Our condolences to Dorothy and family. We will miss seeing Joe at Walmart. The twinkle in his eyes, the wonderful smile and the infectious laugh. Truly a good man. God speed and have a glorious eternity in Heaven.
Bing and Joan Bowers
Trina Kaszak says
Sorry for your loss. I have meet Joe couple of time though Dorie. Joe was a wonderful person. My prayers goes out to all the family.
Love Trina
Concetta Eckel says
I had the pleasure of working with the Bogards on their taxes each year. A sweeter couple could rarely be found. I missed seeing Mr. Bogard this year due to his illness but it was great to meet one of the children helping Mom. Please know that my thoughts are with all of you at this time. Obviously Mr. Bogard has left a legacy of love and that should provide peace in the coming days for Mrs. Bogard and the entire family. I’m sending many hugs your way Mrs. Bogard!
Dana Walker says
Colette, Colleen and Family,
So sorry about your loss of your Dad. I never had a chance of meeting him but knowing you two, your parents did a great job raising all you kids.
Nancy and I will say some prayers for your family and Dad at Sunday’s Mass.
Dana and Nancy Walker