Joseph Black
Joseph A. Black age 86 of Polson passed away on Monday, April 13, 2009 at Evergreen Health & Rehab. Center from natural causes. He was born July 22, 1922 in Phoenix, AZ. To Joseph A and Ida Rose Black. During World War II he served in the South Pacific as a Tech 3 in the 3117th Signal Service Battalion. After his discharge from the service he worked for Mtn. Bell / US West Telephone Company for 41 years. Joseph married JoAnn Blair in 1955 at Missoula.
Joe held the offices of Telephone Pioneers President/ Past president of Skyline Chapter and Tri-State Chapter; He was a Master Mason in Glendive, very active in the Al Bedoo Shrine Club of Billings, Mt. and Bagdad Shrine Club in Butte, Mt. He was past Commander of Bagdad Legion of Honor, past Commander of Pacific Northwest Shrine Association and Legion of Honor; he stayed active with the Legion of Honor Bagdad Unit of the Polson Shrine Club, and was a member of the Finley Point Volunteer Fire Dept. He enjoyed Fly Fishing, hunting and hiking with his family and friends, and he served as President of Belmont Ski Club in Helena.
He is surivived by his wife JoAnn, daughters; Marilyn (Bob) Varner of Oklahoma City, and Susan (Greg) Houser of Highland Ranch, Colo., sons; David (Tana) Black of Australia, Douglas Black of Lolo, Mt. and Joseph Black of Missoula, along with 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday; July 22, 2009 at the Montecahto Club from 1 pm to 3 pm. Military honors will follow the service at the club. Memorials in Joseph’s name may be made to the Shrine Hospital in Spokane or the donor’s choice.
Cremation has taken place under the care on Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
My prayers are for the family and friends for their loss. Please remember that you can rely on Jehovah God for comfort because He cares for all of us (1 Peter 5:7)
To Joseph Black JR. and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. I just wanted to let you know your in my thoughts often also. I will try to make it to the memorial if I can, my phone number is still the same 883-4781 if you have time to call sometime.
Take care. Shelley Samsel
Was visiting in Glendive and saw Joe’s notice yesterday. Mother asked that we send along her thoughts as well.
I remember Joe a patient man with all of us neighborhood kids. I remember pinochle, deer hunting, radios and a big laugh.
I also remember his taking over an orphaned Boy Scout Troop with all of the camping trips and at least one to “Flaming Arrow” outside of Bozeman. The reference to the ski club reminded me of David introducing me to skiing–tough job in Glendive–our only hill was about 15 vertical feet–mostly vertical and icy and painful.
What a fine man Joe was.
Sorry not only for your loss, but also sorry we have lost touch.
Ed and Lu
665-1723
auker at mcn dot net
My deepest condolences to Joe’s family. I worked with Joe for several years at USWest in Billings before he retired. I also worked with Marilyn
in Billings.
My father, Dan Stebbins, worked with Joe many years ago with MT&T, and
they were also fishing buddies. Maybe he and my dad are planning a fishing trip right now.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fifty years ago, after working together on the slopes at Belmont with our families, Joe and I took a long walk in deep snow while still wearing ski boots trying to catch up with our daughters who were exploring. We followed their footprints in the snow for several hours until we found them, in the dark, and headed back to the chalet. I remember being so tired, yet Joe was full of encouragement as we walked. The girls survived well. George Langdorf came into the dark to meet us. A welcome sight. I remember Joe saying, “It’s either a bear or George!”, as the dark image appeared on a ridge.
Years changed us all in many ways. We moved away from Montana to other experiences. We lost touch with Joe, JoAnn and Marilyn which is sad. But the memories of times spent together are clear and strong.
We are so grateful that our paths crossed and that we shared great times. We wish you peace and love as we offer you our deepest condolences.
Jo Reid Smith
Hi Marilyn and Bob. I was sorry to read about the passing of your Dad this past weekend. I did get the chance to meet him when we went up to their cabin. I always had such a fun time and think of that from time to time. Also Imelda wanted me to express her sadness of the passing of your dad. I was going to email you sooner and tell you she fell and broke her hip. She is out of the hospital and staying at ST.Johns nursing home until she is better. At first she was having a really difficult time but now she is in good spirits and should be home in about 10 days. Please know I am thinking of you both and praying for you. Linda and Imelda
Hi Marilyn and family:
I was saddened to see in the Gazette about your father’s death. I think of so many fun memories that we as a family had at Flathead Lake which would not have been possible if it wasn’t for you and your Dad’s generosity. They made many wonderful memories for my kids and I. Dan has continued the memory with his love of water sports and goes often with a friend to lakes and camping with his three girls. Joe camps when he can but Viv only likes to camp at a motel :(.
Marilyn, I would love to get in touch with you again. My last couple of Christmas cards came back so I lost track of your address. Mine is:
Willeen Erpenbach, 1715 St Andrews Dr, Billings MT 59105 406-525-5226.
Blessings to all your family at this time. I am sure your faith is a great comfort to you at this time!!
To Doug Black and Family:
I am saddened to hear of your loss. I will always remember the times we spent at your home in Billings during High School and how Joseph Sr. and JoAnn treated me as though I was one of the family. Even though we were acting crazy on our motorcycles.
I am currently living in Anchorage, AK and if you get a chance, give me a call. My number is (907) 868-4854