Joseph P. Mazurek, former Montana attorney general, died Tuesday among family and friends at age 64. Joe Mazurek was the gold standard as a political leader, public servant and family man. He served his country, state, community and family with distinction.
Joe was born July 27, 1948 in San Diego, Calif., to Priscilla and Thomas Mazurek. When he was nine months of age, the family relocated to Helena, Mont. He graduated from Helena High School in 1966 after serving as student body president. There he met and courted his future bride, Patty, the summer before his junior year.
Joe attended the University of Montana where he served as ASUM President and participated in the ROTC program. After graduating and marrying Patty on June 13, 1970, he served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1970-1972. He then attended the University of Montana School of Law and directed the Montana Law Review as associate editor, graduating in 1975. He went on to practice with the Helena firm of Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman, PLLP, from 1975-1992. Continuing with his political interests, Joe was elected for three consecutive terms in the Montana state Senate where he served as Senate president and Judiciary Committee chairman. He was twice elected as Montana attorney general, a position he held from 1993-2000. Joe worked with the Crowley Fleck law firm after holding office until his retirement in 2008.
Throughout his professional and political career, Joe was known for his integrity, honesty, and respect for ethics. He was a unifying leader and bridge-builder. He was an extraordinary political leader revered for working across party lines to advance the best interests of the people of Montana. As a point of pride for Joe, he worked to pass spending increases for K-12 and higher education while in the Senate, led the state’s involvement with the FBI to bring the Freemen standoff in eastern Montana to a peaceful conclusion, secured Montana’s settlement against the tobacco companies, and argued successfully before the U.S. Supreme Court as attorney general. He was a commissioner of the National Uniform State Law Commission from 1984 and was designated a “life member.”
Joe was known for his infectious enthusiasm for good work and honor in service. He demonstrated genuine concern for others and inspired many. He served on the boards of directors for the Special Olympics of Montana, Big Brothers and Sisters of Helena, Helena Youth Resources and a number of other charitable organizations. Joe championed all those around him and helped create a better future for his community.
Despite his numerous obligations and commitments outside his home, Joe always put his family first. He was a shining example of family commitment as a loving father and husband. He and Patty were blessed with 42 years of marriage, three children and two grandchildren. He was a sweet and sincere spouse and raised his boys, Tom, Jeff and Dan to be honorable men. He could often be found on the sidelines of his sons’ sporting events, or even as coach in their younger years, shouting his encouragement and whistling his signature whistle. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed river trips, fishing, hunting, skiing, golfing, and hiking. He shared his love for the outdoors with his family. He guided his family with a simple adage to “work hard and make your family a good name” which will forever be observed and cherished.
Joe was recognized for his exceptional accomplishments and service when he received the University of Montana Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010. Despite his own humility, he was praised as a man of distinction, honor, and decency. He was a gift to all those who had the privilege of knowing him, and will be deeply missed.
Joe is survived by his wife, Patty Mazurek of Helena, sons, Tom (Kathryn) Mazurek of Bozeman, Jeff (Danielle) Mazurek of Helena, and Dan Mazurek of Helena; and siblings, Byron (Sue) Mazurek of Butte, Charles (Skoge) Mazurek of Clancy, Bill (Lorraine) Mazurek of Oregon, David Mazurek of Helena, and Sonia (John Hagey) Mazurek and Nancy Mazurek, both of Fairbanks, Alaska. Also surviving are grandchildren Elizabeth Mazurek and Tyler Mazurek. Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Priscilla, and father, Tom and Tom’s second wife, Jane.
There will be a vigil service in the Carroll College P.E. Center, Thursday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Helena on Friday, Aug. 31, at noon, led by Our Lady of the Valley Parish, where Joe was a member. A private interment will be held at a later date.
The family requests that any memorials need to be made to the following:
Special Olympics Montana
somt.org
McLaughlin Research Institute-Alzheimer’s Research
mclaughlinresearch.org
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday August 30, 2012
Carroll College P.E. Center
205 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday August 30, 2012
Carroll College P.E. Center
205 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday August 31, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday August 31, 2012
The Gateway Center
1710 National Avenue Helena
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday August 30, 2012
Carroll College P.E. Center
205 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday August 30, 2012
Carroll College P.E. Center
205 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday August 31, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday August 31, 2012
The Gateway Center
1710 National Avenue Helena
Helena, MT 59601
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Rae Olsen says
Dear Patti and family,
I am so sad to hear of Joe’s passing and send you all my love and prayers. It has been a long goodbye. I hope you receive some measure of comfort knowing the magnificent support and love that you gave him over the years. He was rightfully so proud of your family.
I remember the first time I met him on the Hawthorne school grounds. We were just little kids and there was some pushing and shoving argument going on. One of the kids ran up to the group and said “here comes Joe Mazurek and he’s tough and he’s going to beat you up,” and we all turned around to see who this toughie might be. Here came Joe with a smile on his face. He waded into this group and said “well, first of all, what is this all about,” thereby breaking up the fight; then he did settlie the argument with discussion rather than fighting. He made a lot of friends that day and every day since.
He was a natural with people and a shining example of the best of public service.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Love!
Rae
Carl Swanson says
I am deeply saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. I was privileged to know him, and work with him on several occasions. I recall very well the things that impressed me about him. He was one of the most remarkable and kind persons I have ever worked with. His integrity and character were beyond reproach. He made a difference in his life, the lives of many, and especially mine. He will be missed.
Our prayers are with all of his family.
Carl & Linda Swanson
Dick and Lori Schultz says
Patty and Family, We both remember Joe as a polite and honest man…I always enjoyed him coming into our shop or office…Our prayers are with you and your family…Dick and Lori Schultz….( The Optical Shop)
Dave Lewis says
Our sympathies to the family. Joe was the ultimate nice guy. He was always a pleasure to talk to. No bad vibes ever. He will be missed.
Art & Clara Gilreath says
We are sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a very honest and trust worthy man, personally and in business.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Patti and the family.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Patty and the entire Mazurek Family,
Montana has lost one of it’s best! Please know we are thinking of you all during this very difficult time. You are in our prayers as you say farewell to a great man.
Harvey & Rita DeMars says
Dear Patty & Family,
I remember you and Joe in my 9th grade math class. You both were model students then and I enjoyed watching you both mature into wonderfully, kind and talented people you are. Our sympathy is with you at this time.
Harvey & Rita
Mark and Kellie Samson and family says
Patty, Dan, Tom, and Jeff,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time, and with all the family. Joe was a tremendous person who always treated our family with great respect and friendship! i will always remember his “beaming’ smile after CHS sporting events (which we always seemed to win) and his tremendous pride in his sons and especially with Patty. His loss will be felt throughout the state, but great memories will always remain of man who was one of Montana’s best!
Mark, Kellie, Kyle (Brooke), Marc (Katie), and Tricia
Bea & Ed McCarthy says
From the time I met Joe in ’91 when I came to Helena to the last time I saw he and Patty out for lunch he was always gracious, kind and smiling. He was overly helpful to a freshman legislator and continued to be an example for all of us working in the halls of the Capitol. Thank you Patty and the boys for sharing him with all of us–it was certainly my honor to be able to work beside him. God bless.
Art Pembroke says
Patti and Family,
I was truly saddened when I heard the news earlier this week. Our community light is a little dimmer today because of this loss. It is one of my greatest honors to have had the blessing to have worked for and with Joe. He was one of the most honorable and genuine individuals I have ever pleasure to have known. My families prayers and condolences are with you today and in the days to come.
John & Sandra Johnson says
Patti and family,
Our sincere sympathy in your loss of Joe. He was a wonderful, giving man. He worked with me in the building of the current Federal Reserve Bank and represented us very well in legal matters and City Council issues. We have fond memories of Joe.
John & Sandra Johnson
Apple Valley, MN
Sally Nyland says
Patty,
Please accept my condolences. My heart goes out to you and your family at this sad and
difficult time. I will always remember Joe’s “great” smile and Joe was just an all around nice
guy and will be greatly missed. Our high school class of 1966 has lost another.
Mary Root & Family says
Mazurek Family & Friends:
The articles in the IR was right on.
Joe was a friend from the moment
he knew your name. It did not matter who
you were or where you worked.
Joe you were a “Friend” that reached for our hands and
touched our hearts. And we know that the
Guardian Angels will keep you safe until
we meet again.
Your Friend Mary Root & Family
Sarah Bond says
Patti and family,
I can’t express properly my profound sadness that Joe has passed. Though I was not lucky enough to meet him long, long ago, I felt instantly close to him, for his open heart was obvious and steadfast. He was the reason I committed to working for AGs, from all other areas of public service. He was my first “general”, and, (sorry guys) still my favorite. He used to sweep through the offices and exhort everyone to “be happy in your work” as he was. He sometimes got everyone to go up to the Great Divide for an afternoon of skiing especially after a good snow (and Ochienski would have been the only one to get their first!). He always sought to do the right thing, and succeeded. I think Rev. Shea’s advice to try to live up to his example is a great one. I know I will.