Peacefully and with his family at his side, Charles Joseph Conlan, LD, passed away at the age of 83 on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Whitehall, Montana.
Charles was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Edward Conlan and Frances Wenzel. He entered the United States Army in 1958 and was stationed with the 51st Infantry in Grafenwoehr, Germany then later in Seoul, Korea until moving up to Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.
He proceeded with the dental training he received in the military and expanded his trade in the field of Dental Lab Ceramics. He later pioneered the legalization of the Denturitry profession and was among the first licensed in both Washington and Montana. Charles, alongside his wife, opened the office doors of Gold West Denture Center in Butte, Montana in 1991 and practiced there until 2023.
Charles met his wife, Jacqueline Frances Lusk, in elementary school, and they were married on December 29th of 1961. They welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer Marie, in the fall of 1962, followed by Jessica Lynn, Jacqueline Beth, Joseph Patrick, Justine Frances, John Jocko and Jayson Charles. Their grandchildren include Jeneva, Justin, Jack, Jesse, Chase, Drew, Collette, Shaw, Mason, and Brynn. Charles and Jackie may have celebrated 63 wedding anniversaries, but they were soulmates from the very beginning.
He was an ardent traveler, always taking his family on to the next adventure. Although Charles was enthusiastic about sharing with people, he loved remote, untouched places and his favorites were the ones least citified.
Charles admired all animals but had a special place in his heart for song birds. He had scores come to feed and frolic over the years. Buying him a gift relating to wild birds was always a sure way to bring that twinkle of glee to his eyes.
He could whistle crisply and loudly with two fingers, he could raise each brow alternately, he had a giant, adorable Irish split between his teeth and among so many great physical attributes, he also passed down those strong Conlan calves and little earlobes.
He was a great cook and absolutely loved making chocolates – turtles were his specialty and they were fought over. He loved music and urged each of his children to learn to play an instrument, expressing that this was what growing up with his mother’s family had impressed upon him.
Charles was passionate about gaining knowledge and extremely proud when every one of his children proceeded to further their education. He was born with a twinkle in his eye and couldn’t wait to share a quick joke of the day to make his patients or those around him laugh heartily. Still, he was adamant when he had a serious matter to discuss and his positions were difficult to dispute. Moreover, Charles was a highly impressive blarney story-teller.
In his later years, he would begin his day by visiting a local coffee stand, then hitting a remote Montana road and following it for hours, capturing wildlife video to bring back to show everyone. At holidays, it was common to teasingly wave goodbye to a family member, especially an in-law who had agreed to accompany him, for it was known that this person and Dad might not reappear until dinner time.
Above all, Charles instilled in his children and all that knew him, the powerful love of family. He is survived by his wife, their children, spouses and grandchildren.
Memorial donations in Charles’ memory may be directed to Safe Space, Inc. of Butte at safespaceonline.org
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Charles.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Charles and his family.
Cindy says
Charles was a great man . He made you laugh. I am glad I got to meet him. I will always remember him. Keep smiling Charles!!!! You will be missed by many.
Lana Doyle says
I met Chuck shortly after going to work for his daughter, Justine at Gold West Denture Center in Butte. I could not have been more lucky to have known Chuck. He and the family were always kindhearted. He was a master at his work because he was so very talented but also because he truly cared about people.
I remember Chuck telling jokes. He loved laughter and making people feel welcome and smile. When I was around Justine, Chuck and Jackie, I always felt like family.
After I moved way, I received cards in the mail from Jackie and Chuck. I recall feeling extra tired one day when a box arrived in the mail. Inside was a card from Jackie and Chuck and in the box was Chuck’s homemade chocolate turtles. Chuck made the most delicious chocolate caramel turtles. I was filled with joy to have some.
Opening the box of chocolate, I remembered all the jokes, laughter, smiles, and an occasional pat on the back or hug. I felt a connection with the Conlans I didn’t have with others. I realized how lucky I was.
Chuck’s chocolate and caramels were so delicious. With every bite, I came to realize Chuck had become the master of the very best chocolate caramels ever.
I’m proud to have known Chuck, to be his friend and I will always remember him for how wonderful he is. RIP Chuck. Love you
CathiJo Hazel says
I met your father while I was working at Front street market in the early 2000’s. He always had a way to bring a smile on my face. I’m so thankful for knowing this great man. I didn’t realize he had that many children. What a great honor it was to know him.
Keith and agnes says
From the 1st day of meeting our new neighbors there became a friendship that lasted. Whether it was a quick few minutes after he went for his coffee and had a patient in the chair waiting for him to perform his magic for the perfect smile or coming over to our house and having a small snack and a few brews and conversation we will surely remember those times. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the family for your loss. The Ingrams.
Jacqueline Beth says
What can I say about my father? In short, he will always be my hero. He never let me down. He gave me wings. He gave me confidence. He gave me the greatest gift of laughter and quick wit. He gave me so many stories….most of them true. Unfortunately, he also gave me the greatest pain I ever felt too. But that’s only because he loved with his whole heart. ♥️
Thank you for making us your world. I will see you in heaven!
I miss you so much, Dad ♥️
Jessica Conlan says
Thank you, Dad for being the independent strong leader in our family! The moves educated us in many worldly ways and gave us confidence to explore life without fear! So many dynamics in our family and I love my brothers and sisters so much. Thank you and to Mom for giving us the gift of life! See you in heaven!! Love you ~