LeRoy Gilbert Holshue, 82, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 8, 2017 due to complications from cancer and dementia. He was surrounded by his wife and son at his home in Helena.
LeRoy was the first New Year’s baby born on January 1, 1935 in Helena, MT at St. John’s Hospital—the only child to Walter and Violet Holshue.
LeRoy spent his first couple of years living with his parents and grandparents (Joe and Mary Langenfus) in East Helena. LeRoy’s grandfather built a house for them on 12th Avenue in Helena. His parents lived in that house until their passing in the early 2000s.
He attended Helena High School and participated in a German band and marching band where he played the trumpet. He graduated in 1952.
LeRoy met his future bride to be on Main Street in Helena. For LeRoy it was “love at first sight” the day he met the lovely Fern Middlestead who heralds from Clyde, Alberta, Canada. LeRoy and Fern married on October 6, 1956 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Helena. Fern and LeRoy were later blessed with two sons, Daniel and David.
He belonged to the local Elks Club, St. Paul’s Methodist Church, was the first President of the PTA at Rossiter Elementary School, and served 20 years on the West Helena Volunteer Fire Department from the early days of its inception. The comradery within the fire department overflowed into the community. From Easter egg hunts at the Masonic home, ice skating, and a women’s auxiliary, the department today has developed into a full-fledged volunteer fire department that provides mutual aid to surrounding areas.
LeRoy served in the Montana National Guard for 12 years. He also served as the Treasurer of the Telephone Company Credit Union for 25 years. LeRoy was employed by the Telephone Company for 30 years where he eventually retired. His financial expertise was greatly valued and appreciated by the telephone company employees. His motto was “I worked for 30 years and I am going to be retired for 30 years. Mission accomplished!”
In his free time, LeRoy enjoyed going fishing with his two sons, Dan and David. He was an avid bowler on a local league, especially during their out of town tournaments. Keeping his yard beautifully manicured at his home of 52 years off of Montana Avenue was also a source of great pride and satisfaction for him.
In his retirement days, LeRoy did his share of traveling. From three cruises, two trips to Europe, and many holidays shared in Florida with Fern and her brother, LeRoy saw many of the beautiful sights this world has to offer.
His happiest days though were undoubtedly spent relaxing at his cabin on Stemple Pass. While there he enjoyed four wheeling, playing horse shoes, afternoon picnics and sharing in the constant company of family and friends. In between the fun and games he also kept busy cutting trees down for firewood.
LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Violet Holshue and his son, Daniel Edward Holshue. He is survived by his wife Fern, of 61 years; son, David Todd Holshue; and grandchildren Ashley Holshue, Zachary Holshue, Joel Holshue, and Jacob Holshue. Other survivors include his puppy, Maxwell.
Memorials donations in LeRoy’s name can be made to West Valley Helena Volunteer Fire Department or another charity of your choice.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 15th, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson and Wilke Funeral Home at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home.
Anyone who was ever been around LeRoy will certainly remember how he could rattle off jokes. (Ha ha).
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of LeRoy.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday May 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Monday May 15, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday May 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Monday May 15, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bob and Barb Wilson says
We were saddened by the news of his passing. He will be remembered as a great friend and neighbor. A very hard working man with a beautiful yard and welcoming smile. He will be missed in the neighborhood. Fern if there is anything you need please let us know. We are just down the street.
Dudley Williams says
FERN . SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT Leroy. My condolences to you and the family. Dudley
Budd and Liz Cobb says
So sorry to hear that Leroy died. We always enjoyed chatting with Leroy about our homes, yards and neighborhood. Leroy was always willing to lend a hand or help in any way he could and we thought he was a wonderful neighbor.
Tom Naegele says
Fern & Family,
LeRoy was always a mentor to me and I will miss his wonderful smile and attitude. God Bless him and know that Supportive Prayers are sent your way. The struggle is over and he is in God’s Loving arms.
Joan Sheline says
Leroy was always so friendly and will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his family.
Lyvian & Charlotte Richter says
I am Very saddened by the passing of LeRoy. Char & I send our love and deepest sympathy to you Fern and the Holshue Family. LeRoy and I have been close personal friends since 1945 when we were in the 5th grade at Central School. When we graduated from the 8th grade the teachers lined us up by our heirgt and LeRoy And I were the shortest students in the class.
Our friendship continued in High School where we enjoyed many activities together including building floats for the Vigilante Parade our Junior & Senior Years. We took first place in the mining division our Senior year.
Since High School, LeRoy and I spent time together during the Summers when I was out of school. We have also enjoyed time together at our several Class Reunions and when Char and I have visited Helena. We will continue to visit you Fern Whenever we can get to Helena in the future.
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
Dave and Kids. Sure sorry to hear if Leroy’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Rick and Jan
Dennis Cates says
Fern and family. Sorry to learn of LeRoy’s passing. We will surely miss him and we hope that we all can take some solace in knowing that his battle is over and that he is at peace. Fern you and LeRoy were such a wonderful couple.
My memory of LeRoy shall always be seeing him as a cheerful, helpful greeter/usher at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Sundays.
Glen Cuchine says
Dear Fern and family…while, I haven’t seen Leroy for many years; I will always remember his wonderful smile and sense of humor. I hope your many memories will sustain you during this difficult time.
Monica Cutler says
LeRoy was so blessed to have had such a wonderful and caring family. I will miss is cute smile and his great sense of humor. He was a wonderful man!! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Annette Ronningen says
Thoughts and prayers are with you, Fern, David and all the family. Was just thinking of LeRoy, and wondering how you all were doing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tim and Connie Ferriter says
Fern and David, we are very sorry to hear of Leroy’s passing. We were just talking about what a good man he was. God Bless him and the both of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Laura Voegele says
Fern and the Holshue family, I am very sorry to hear of LeRoy”s passng. I was thinking about both of you the other day when I passed by your home. I always think of our time as ushers at St. Paul’s. LeRoy always cleaned up the pews after the service, now when I do it I have fond thoughts of him.
My thoughts and prayer are with you Fern as you go through this difficult time.
Jim and Sue Sampson says
Our deepest sympathies go out to you Fern and your family. We thought the world of LeRoy, he was a good man and will be missed by many.
Bonnie Isaak says
I was stunned to hear of his death. I loved working for him. He was always smiling and took good care of his employees. He will be missed here on earth, but heaven will be a happier place with him in it. Fern and David I wish I could have been there for the funeral. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
Esther Tichenor says
Fern – I was so sorry to learn today of my good neighbor, Leroy’s death. My love and prayers are with you and his family today and always. Please accept my sincere sympathy