Joseph W. Yuricic passed away September 28, 2021 after an ATV accident. He was born to Albert and Barbara Yuricic in East Helena, MT on October 8, 1949. He graduated in 1967 from Helena’s Catholic Central School. Joe married Leta Hilliard, August 23, 1973, and they were blessed with two children, Stacey and Robert.
Joe’s 40 year Military career started in the Air National Guard and later transferring to the Army National Guard. He served one tour in Iraq in 2005, ending his career in 2009 as the Command Chief Warrant Officer for the State of Montana. Throughout his life, he received numerous military awards and served on many local and national committees.
Joe was full of life. He loved Harleys, Corvettes, and ATVs. He was an avid woodworker, welder, and all-around handyman!
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Al and Barbara, in-laws Nora and Bob Hilliard, sister-in-law Lorie and brother-in-law Herbie. Joe is survived by his wife Leta of 48 years, daughter Stacey (Jesse) Grantham, grandchildren Ashlyn, Casey and Jerzie, son Robert Yuricic, brother Rocky (Mary) Yuricic, brother-in-law Steve (Nadine) Hilliard, sister-in-law Carol Hilliard, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe is also survived by an abundance of lifelong friends.
There will be an interment service at the VA Cemetery with Military Honors October 8th at 10:00am. Memorials can be made to Food Share of Helena, Lewis and Clark Humane Society, VA Cemetery, or the Military Museum.
Rob Creel says
You’ll be missed Joe!
Roberta says
Leta and family: I was shocked to hear about Joe. He was an amazing man, always so respectful and kind. He treated everyone like they were his best friends, one couldn’t help but like him. Rest assured knowing he is watching over you from above. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Lonnie and Elizabeth Cook says
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Joe was a great man and leader to all. He will be missed.
SGM (ret) Michael Russell says
RIP Joe. Your were a great friend and soldier. How unexpected your leaving is. I will always remember your smile.
SFC (ret) Jack C. Scotson says
Prayers for his family and friends. He was a gentleman, an exemplary Officer, and an Honorable man. It was an privilege to have know and served with him
SGM (ret) Dave Hanley says
How sad to hear that Joe is gone. My thoughts and prayers to his family. I always enjoyed Joe. He was a trusted Soldier.
SSG Steve Lantz retired. says
So sorry for our loss. Joe was a great man and will be missed.
Jay Glenn says
MSG Glenn ret. So sad to hear. Prayers to all.
I remember Joe and I had a Harly project to assist his arrival at the Livingston event. Good memories of Joe.
SSG Rusty Gustine says
What a shock to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was a one of a kind man, he was always there to lend a hand, crack a joke, or just to let you know that he cared about you. Joe you may be gone but will never be forgotten.
CW2 John I Dahl (ret) & Cherie says
Joe was a good friend and Guard buddy for 50 years. Thoughts and prayers to Leta and the family 🙏🙏🙏
Delayne Whorley says
Rob and Delayne Whorley send our prayers and condolences to the family.
Debby Flansaas says
My heart aches for your loss. May God bless your hearts at sad time. Our condolences to Leta, Rocky and the family.
Patty Wood says
Joe was one of a kind, always with a huge smile. I had the pleasure serving with him for many years. My heart is broken for his wonderful family. Rest In Peace Joe, deepest condolences to the entire family.
Ivy says
It was heartbreaking to hear of Joe’s passing. What a great guy with a sweet smile. I’ll keep you all in my prayers and my heart. Rest In Peace Joe.
Allen Stenhjem says
Joes Family,
Our thoughts and prayers our with you all ,God Bless Joe,,,,,,,,
Tom Juhl says
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, known Joe for over 60 years, great guy, best BBQ sauce I ever had thanks my friend and may you Rest In Peace……….
MG (Ret) Matt Quinn says
CCWO Yuricic was an outstanding leader, friend, and mentor who made a truly positive difference in the Montana National Guard. It was an honor to serve with Joe, he will be missed but not forgotten
Dani and Mike Crowley says
There are no words to describe how so very sorry we are Leta, Stacey & Rob!!!! The description of Joe being FULL OF LIFE is absolutely right!!! The words don’t even fully encapsulate what a Ray of Sunshine he was everywhere he went!! He lived BIG, He lived FULLY, He lived with FURVUR and PASSION, He was a SERVANT to his family and his community and best of all….when you were able to be around Joe, you felt LOVED, SPECIAL and SINCERELY CARED ABOUT!!! Joe will ALWAYS be in our hearts, VERY fond memories and beside us because of how INCREDIBLE he was!! Heaven gained an incredible Rock Star and I feel that the Lord has some very special assignments for Joe ;-). …He will still be active in God’s angel army and will be watching over each of you every moment!!! I wish we didn’t have to lose Joe on this earth but I’m so thankful he was doing something he sincerely loved right up til the moment he entered Heaven!!! We will all see him again! Until then, Heaven is going to be a VERY active and exciting place for so many now that Joe has arrived!!! All our love and continued prayers for your comfort and peace knowing Joe lived his dash to the FULLEST!!!
Pat & Gina says
We offer our condolences to the family. Joe’s love for life was contagious. His smile and kindness will be missed by so many of us. We’ll miss the many times Joe and Rocky brought laughs to us at the USPFO and later at the Headshed–so many good times! Rest in peace, my friend.
wayne helfert says
Leta,Rocky,and families, I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I first met him in kindergarten at St. Ann’s school, and we went through grade school and high school together. I bought my first car with Joe and Butch Pfeiffer- a 1926 model T ford that we paid 15$ for. Joe and I were 13 years old! He was one of my best friends, always the life of the party and the center of attention-every one was special to Joe. Joe was a true gentleman-one of a kind. Godspeed my friend,you are missed.
Mike Wall says
Joe was one of the best guys around. Always happy great stories loved life enjoyed everything I will miss our time talking and laughing. Rest In Peace
Glen J Cuchine says
My condolences to you all on Joe’s passing. Joe’s family and mine were neighbors on W. Riggs. Always that smile and spark of mischief. The world is better for your presence, Joe and sadder without…may your many happy memories of Joe sustain you all during this difficult time.
Anna Salini says
I am so sorry about your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
CMSgt (Ret) Roger A. Hagan says
I served with Joe in the Air National Guard prior to his transfer to the Army NG. But we continued to cross each others paths througout our careers. Joe always made you feel better if he speent any time with you. He had a great smile, a positive outlook, led you without you knowing you were being led! I will miss you, my friend.
Patti Russ says
Rocky and family. We were so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a great brother and friend. It seems like you guys were always on some great adventure, creating a new something, or cooking up something special – be it food or mischief. Prayers for all of you.
Tom and Patti
Mike Kokoruda says
Leta, Rocky, and families, what sad news to hear about Joe. I pray that your memories and the kind words of Joe’s many friends will bring you some comfort. Growing up in East Helena would have been pretty dull without Joe and his sparks of mischief.
Rest In Peace friend.
Allan Stricker says
So sorry to hear about Joe. Started with working with Joe right after he became a “spot.” Great days out at the USPFO back then. He will be sorely missed. Rocky, Leta, and the rest of the family — remember the all the good times.
Allan
Tina Speikers says
We are so blessed to have known Joe. As Stacey’s best friends, he treated us all as extended family. Joe was very giving in his kind ways, wise advice, and amazing bbq recipes. We will always treasure the memories we have.
Our hearts are with you Leta, Stacey, Rob and family ❤️
Nancy Bachand says
Joe we are going to miss your smiles, laughter and the fun times. You will never be forgotten by this family. Thoughts and prayers for you Leta and your family.
Mike & Nancy Bachand
Jim WEGGENMAN says
My deepest sorrow to Joe’s family and friends. Joe and his East Helena Mafia were some of my most fond memories of high school. Always, I mean, always, the nicest guy you could ever meet. I am so sorry for your loss.
Wendy Kondo says
My condolences to your family at this difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting Joe at Stacey’s wedding and had a wonderful time hanging out with him and Leta. I am very sad to hear of his passing. May the love and caring from friends and family help you at this time of grieving and the beautiful memories keep him alive in your hearts forever. Love and hugs, Wendy
Phillard Balsley says
Joe, you will be missed, but never forgotten! our guard camps were extremely enjoyed, and i learned a little more with each camp we did! your smile was very infectious, and every time i think of it, a smile will always come across my face! rest in peace, and keep a watch over the rest of us! until we meet again on the other side.
Tom Erving says
Leta, my heart is broken for you. Joe was the best ever, sure going to miss our visits when I would run into him. We all go back a long time. My prayers are with Joe and especially you Leta. Tom Erving
MAJ (ret) Orlan Strom says
Joe was a awesome mentor, great friend and a true leader. Always, willing to help out and the first to laugh at his practical jokes he liked to play. I was very lucky to have Joe to lean on and always welcomed his advise. He will truly be missed. Now he is looking for the MILTEC 100 in heaven. Our prayes go out to all the family.
Richard & Gloria Kinville says
We’ve only known Joe a few years. Met him at the 7:30 am mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena. He was there every Sunday and we looked forward to seeing him and chatting with him. Such a friendly compassionate man. Leta, so sorry for your loss. He was a great man! Sincere condolences to you and your family. We pray for your comfort in this difficult time.
Doug Stipcich says
Leta, Rocky and the family,
I was shocked when my mother told me of Joe’s recent passing. Without a doubt he was one of the most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure to meet and spend time with. A wealth of knowledge, always willing to lend a hand, offer a kind word and overall great guy who was a joy to be around. Hopefully you will be able to find some peace in reading these tributes to a fine gentleman and remembering the good times. RIP Joe. You undoubtedly touched the life of everyone you came in contact with.
Bob and Jeanne Pyfer says
The term “Nice Guy” could have been coined by all those who knew Joe Yuricic. He had a genuine openness that made him irresistible to befriend. My early memories include Joe and I ,at about age 11, smoking cigarettes that I conned off Cap Svar(sp?) (told him they were for my grandpa Joe Sasek), on the old wooden bridge that used to cross the Prickly Pear just south of the tracks. So fun to be with. He was simply the best! Our deepest heartfelt condolences go out to Leta, Rocky, and all of the family in this very difficult time. So so sorry.
Mary Lou Garrett says
Condolences to all the Yuricic family. Since I am older, h e was always Joey to me as a little kid growing up in East Helena. We will miss his smiles. Great guy.
Katherine Yuricic says
Prayers and condolences to Joe’s family and friends.
Mike & Charlie Phelps says
Dearest Leta, Stacey Rob,Rocky and family.
I don’t know how to even begin to tell you how devastated we are at Joe’s passing. He was the “Best of the Best” without a doubt. We have loved all of your for so many years…our second family.
Joe was ALWAYS a joy to he around and ALWAYS so helpful when needed. Our rides to Lincoln were a joy and we could always depend on Joes humor to brighten the time we were together.
Joe was our Best Man 40 years ago and he always retained that distinction every day that we knew him. To say he will be missed is a HUGE understatement!!
Leta…you know we love you and will always be here to do anything we can to help you in ANY way.
Til we meet again Joe…know that we loved you very much and will never forget the wonderful guy that you have always been. Miss you sooo much already.
Mike & Charlie
Terry & Diane says
Joe was such a personable fellow, he is deeply missed.
jim haynes says
So long good buddy, you will be missed for you were one of the best.
Jerry and Bee Stevens says
Bee and I were truly blessed knowing Joe, Leta and their family. We are so sorry with his sudden passing. I can only imagine that he is doing everything that he loved and will be watching over all of us. Love to you Joe! God bless!
Tim and Debbie DeMers says
Leta and Rocky-
Joe was the big brother every kid wanted. His laugh, heartfelt hugs and smiling ways were his trademarks. I am so thankful to have just visited with him days before. One last hug and smile!
JayDee, Dawn & Emily Dohrmann says
Dear Leta and family – we are so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Will always remember him fondly – wearing American Flag swimming trunks with a huge smile on his face! He will be greatly missed. Our prayers to you all – JayDee, Dawn and Emily Dohrmann
Roy and Vickie Miller says
Leta, Rob,Stacy, Rocky and family: Roy and I are so sorry for your loss. Joe was the best man at our wedding and we stood up for Joe and Leta when they were married. We have such great memories. Roy always has a story to tell about their many adventures. Rest In Peace Joe and you will be sorely missed. Hugs to all.
Roy and Vickie Miller
Dusty Smith says
So sorry Leta. Joe was another East Helena kid that I didn’t now until my teens. He became a good friend and we shared many good times. Motorcycles, cars, and fun. That will always be what I remember about Joe.
Mickey Street says
my buddy joe roomie bar tender,,,national guard buddy
i will miss you
take care in heaven
Michael Langenfus says
Leta, Stacy, Rob, Rocky, and Mary,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Joe was one of a kind, a good childhood friend and everyone growing up in East Helena had a Joe Yuricic story.
RIP Joe you will be missed!
Mike and Diane Langenfus
Kathleen Brewer says
Reggie and Kathleen Brewer
Is such heartbreaking news about a great fun guy . Had lots of laughs w Joe at the Red Roof all those year, and will miss this wonderful man. Our condolences to all his family.
Dick and Judy Yuric says
Leta, Stacy, Rob, Rocky and all.
We were so saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Joe. Praying for all of you. He was such a bright, funny, personality. He will be missed. All our love to you.
Dick and Judy Yuric