Robert “Bob” Joseph Rainville passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, November 30, 2014 at the age of 89 years old. Bob was born to Hector Eugene and Margaret (Sestrich) Rainville in Deer Lodge, Montana, on June 22, 1925 and subsequently raised there. He married Betty Shepherd (deceased) in 1957, they later divorced. They had 2 children. In 1985 he married Arlou Trisko and accepted her family as his own, as she did his.
During WWII Bob joined the US Navy at age 17 and attended training at Farragut Naval Training Station in Idaho before his assignment. He was a decorated Radarman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Marcus Island from her launch in Washington State serving in the South Pacific until the end of the war. His military service awards included the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal.
Upon his discharge from the Navy he used his GI Bill to attend Watch Makers School. Prior to his first marriage Bob was a member of the Elks Lodge where he served as the Grand Exalted Ruler in Deer Lodge, Montana.
Bob then worked in jewelry stores in Deer Lodge, Anaconda and Bozeman before settling in Conrad. He was the Jeweler at Pondera Drug and Jewelers until the mid 1970’s when he went to work as a boiler operator at the Pondera County Courthouse (Conrad, MT) where he remained until his retirement. During his time in Conrad MT, he was a member of the American Legion, Conrad Chapter, for many years. Bob and Arlou moved to Helena in 2008 to be closer to family and VA medical facilities.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf with his children and friends. He also served an officer of the Pondera Golf Club. Bob took great pride in caring for his gardens and yards. He enjoyed wood working and completing larger projects. Bob was a fan of John Wayne and western movies and books along with enjoying word puzzles and picture puzzles. He was always up for a dare or good joke.
He is survived by his wife Arlou and his children Guy (C.J. Lassila) Rainville and Gail (Jay) Mullennax. He is also survived by his siblings, Cleo Seaman, Jeanette (Wally) Atkinson, Tom “Pal” (Davis) Rainville, and George “Blondie” Rainville. He was fortunate enough to have 3 grandchildren: Kathryn Rainville, Alexandra “Lexie” Edwards and Ryan Rainville. He had
5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that will miss him. Additionally, Bob is survived by three step-daughters: Sharon (Rod) Hallsten, Donna (Joe) Arrotta, and Linda Walker, as well as their children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and many close friends including Jack Baumann, brother-in-law George Cody, sister-in-law Marge Rainville, brother-in-law Dean Johnson, Jay Castle, Hank Aline, John Leys and other friends.
To offer the family a condolence of share a memory of Bob please visit below.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 15, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the celebration of his life
Friday May 15, 2015
Committal Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial rite
Friday May 15, 2015
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 15, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the celebration of his life
Friday May 15, 2015
Committal Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial rite
Friday May 15, 2015
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Cynthia M. Ries says
I was saddened to hear that we had lost Bob – “Papa Bob.” For all those years that he and Arlou took care of my girls he was the Grandpa they never had. Here’s to hanging out with him on the back deck having a cold “beverage” – hugs to you.
Alan & Cindy Michaels Glendive, MT says
Arlou ,Guy & Gail, and Families,
Bob was a good friend for many years in Conrad. We are very sorry to hear of his passing. We had many good visits and times together. I remember having coffee all the time while I was in the Highway Patrol, many great memories .Your In our thoughts and prayers .
Bob will certainly be missed. God’s blessing to him and his family.
Irma Jean Ulver (Campbell) says
Knew Bob and his family as a young girl they were a wonderful family
so sorry for their loss- Irma