Mitchell A. Lovely passed away peacefully on February 17th. He was born May 18, 1925 in Helena, MT. He was the youngest of 4 children born to Dorothea Prim Lovely and Mitchell A Lovely Sr.
Mitchell grew up and lived in Helena for his entire life and when discussing Helena with him it was apparent he remembered every bit of it. Mitch’s first job was delivering laundry and dry cleaning which he did either by walking or on his bike. From there he worked as a milkman which required that he go to Winston, pick up the milk and be back in Helena by 6 am to make the deliveries. From there he joined the Coast Guard and was a munitions loader stationed in Port Chicago near San Fransico, CA. In 1946 while stationed in California he met Joaquina (Jo) Perry who was working in the bay area as a telephone operator. They were married and returned to Montana to start their family and life together. They were married for 59 years.
Mitch also worked for Finstad’s Flooring where he was a carpet and tile layer and for the US Postal Service for 20 years. In 1975 after retiring from the Post Office he and Jo started Family Properties. Together they invested in and managed over 30 properties.
Mitch was an avid outdoors man active for all seasons. Fishing the Madison River before it became a well-known destination; Tracking bull elk through the Big Belt Mountains and bringing the prize back to hang in the garage; Camping and hiking in the gulches and atop the ridges of a two county region while searching for good forest land with more value than others realized, ever watchful for a prime piece of pitchy wood he would call “pure gold!”
In his later years Mitch spent a lot of time in and around Helena visiting with old friends and always ready to make a new friend by “connecting the dots” between the people and families that live in his home town.
In August 2013 Mitch was honored by the Grand Lodge of Montana Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 50 years of faithful Masonic service.
Mitchell is preceded in death by his wife Joaquina, Parents, Sisters Evelyn Tibbetts and Dorothy Dixon, and Brother Eugene E. Lovely.
Surviving Mitch are his children: Michele Lovely-Brodersen (John) of Helena; Camille Nelson (Bob) Southworth, WA; Sons Timothy J. Lovely (Barbara Berens) of Missoula and Jeffrey Lovely of Helena. Grandchildren: Keith Allen (Mandy) of East Helena; Kristi Gailushas (Jeremy) of Helena; Ian Lovely of Las Vegas, NV, Jess Lovely of Kona, HI; David Nelson (Anne) Spokane, WA; Rob Nelson (Julie) Lynden, WA, Sherri Nelson, Hefei, China. Also 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Also survivng Mitch is also survived by brother inlaw, James Perry, Klamath Falls, OR, Nieces Deana Hopper (Randy) of Santa Rosa, CA; Joyce Liedle (Bob) of Roy, WA, and nephews Joe Perry (Maria) of San Diego, CA.
Thank you for the wonderful care and TLC Mitch received at Elkhorn Rehabilitation, Clancy and Amy and Sherry and the terrific staff at Aspen Gardens
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A memorial service celebrating Mitch’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 28th at the funeral home. A reception will be held in the social hall at the funeral home immediately following the memorial service. Interment will be at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the following organizations or a charity of your choice. Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or The Angel Fund, PO Box 7436, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Mitch.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday February 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:30 a.m.
Friday February 28, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Friday February 28, 2014
Social Hall of the Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:15 p.m.
Friday February 28, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Lane
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday February 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:30 a.m.
Friday February 28, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Friday February 28, 2014
Social Hall of the Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:15 p.m.
Friday February 28, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Lane
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Victor W. Heinitz says
We met the Lovely family when we moved to Helena, MT from Colorado Springs, CO. When we lived on 10th Ave the land between our home and their home was an open lot where we played baseball, etc.. I graduated from high school in 1941, the same year that Eugene graduated. Mitchell was a good friend. Always friendly and ready to assist at any time. Have not seen Mitchell for several years and wondered where he might be. I now know he is in good goods and in good company in Heaven. We love the Lovely family!
Denise Feller says
Losing our parents is very hard. My prayers are with you all.
Barbara (Graveley) Mackey says
So sorry Michelle and family. Your Dad was such a good person – who lifted me up when he needed lifting! I loved hearing his stories about Helena in the “good ‘ole days” and his memories of my Grandfather and Dad. My love and prayers are with you.
Celeste Rogers says
I will miss seeing my good friend “Mikey”. It was always so uplifting to see him and yes, his stories were always entertaining! He will always be “MIkey the Muffin of the Universe” to me! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patricia (Rogers) Glisson says
Condolences to the entire Lovely family. We lived in the Broadwater community in the early 60’s, I graduated with Jeff, and knew (and admired) his Mom from C.R. Anderson school. Even in grieving, keep the happier times close to your heart.
Kwyncee Retz says
I’m so sad to see this he was an amazing man! I’m so lucky to have been able to take care of him at Aspen! He always brought a smile to my face no matter the day! Thank you guys for letting me get to know him and I’m so sorry for your loss!
Kathy Brothers says
Jeff and Michelle I’m so sorry for your loss. Mitch was a very kind man. I first met him from Rimini. He was a very educated about the Helena. I enjoyed his stories. My two children thought a lot of him. Whitney and Mitch were going to go into the hog business. I was privileged to take care of Mitch at Aspen Gardens. He is happy now he is with Jo and all his buddies. He well be missed . Kathy
V. Flexon says
My deepest condolences to you Jeff, Michelle & Tim,
Meeting your mom & dad was one of the highlights of my life, and I remember how gracious and informative your dad was when he showed me around Helena.
My thoughts are with you.
V.
Florence Armagost says
Lovely Family — I’m sending love and prayers and may the memories of Mike bring you smiles and even a few tears. I so enjoyed knowing your parents and working with your Mom. They were special. My sympathy to all.
Florence Armagost
Grand Bay, AL
Keith Johnson says
My prayers are with you as you face this week. Mike was a faithful, encouraging friend to me–always ready with a warm handshake, a engaging smile, and a kind word. His faithfulness to God and our congregation at Life Covenant Church will be a part of his legacy. I hope that friends and family will find strength, comfort and peace from God as you say good-bye to Mike. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in a time of trouble or need.” Psalm 46.
Barbara (Wahl) Nelson says
Jeff and Family,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. We always enjoyed chatting with your dad at Aspen Gardens, and his vast knowledge of Helena. Loved how he always shared his cheese with my dad, Roy Wahl, on his nightly trek into the kitchen, and providing treats for Sue’s dog Cuddles. Thinking of you and your family.
Barb and Larry Nelson
Coeur d Alene, Idaho
Dave and Helen Cogley says
Jeff, Michelle and family,
We’re thankful that your dad is now in a better place, but we’ll miss him dearly. We knew your mom as a Sunday school teacher and quilter at the Covenant Church, teaching sometimes with Helen. Mike was a good friend with whom we shared lots of stories about the Rimini area. We feel privileged to have been able to spend time with him these past few years, especially the last few while he struggled with health issues. May he now rest in peace!
Molly Hardy(Mrs. Harry Hardy) says
I was so sorry to read about Mike’s death. He was an outstanding man and I lover to listen to him tell us about the history of Helena. We spent many a time at the Tom Stewart’s home having a good visits. He was an outstanding individual and he will be greatly missed.
May he rest in peace.
We send our deepest sympathies to the family.
Molly, Kathy and David Hardy
Tom Stewart says
Ah.. Up in the mountains searching for corner number 2 of a 100 year old mining claim with Mitch was such fun……only one of so many many wonderful memories.
I will miss that wonderful friend.
Sending my love to the Lovely family.
Debbie Kockler says
Jeff and family
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.