On Wednesday January 8,2020 Daniel Duffy McGeehan passed away at the age of 84. He was born July 18, 1935, the fourth of six children to Mary Ann (Quinn) and Daniel Dewey McGeehan. He was raised on East Broadway near Finntown, where he loved his neighbors and exposure to many different nationalities.
Dan attended Sacred Heart Parochial Grade School. While in the 3rd grade he seriously injured his right leg and developed chronic osteomyelitis; which required three major surgeries through his freshmen year at Boys Central. The development of the use of penicillin saved his leg and allowed him to live a more normal life and develop his interests in sports, especially baseball.
His early summer years were spent with the American Legion Baseball program as a bat boy playing in the grade school league at Clarks Park in the morning and the Cinders in the afternoon.
After graduation from Boys Central in 1953 he attended The School of Mines where he played one year as an infielder in the baseball program and spent the summer months playing in the intermediate league.
Dan started his work career with the Silver Bow County road crew, State of Montana, BAP Railroad and the old Manganes Plant on South Montana Street. He was hired by the Montana Power Company as a draftsman in the old engineering department and after 39 years, retired in 1995 as Director of the Division Services Electrical.
In the winter of 1957, he met Joyce Noreen Lynch at a Carroll-Tech basketball function, and after four years of courtship they were married November 4,1961 in St. Lawrence Catholic Church. They were blessed with Colleen and Daniel, four wonderful grandchildren; Casey, Carlee, Erin, and Brian. He was very proud of their academic achievements, sporting events, dance, and piano recitals. Weekly grandparent’s day for 23 years kept him young.
In retirement, he kept very busy with his McGeehan, Quinn, and Duffy genealogy, three trips to Ireland, and of course many more journeys to see his beloved Yankees, Notre Dame, and golfing with friends, Bob Bennie, Jack Burke, Pete Madison, and Bob Miller.
Over his lifetime he was a member of the Butte zoning board of adjustment, K of C, Butte Elks, Butte Exchange Club, Butte Country Club, Soroptimist Club, and Eucharistic minister at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Dewey McGeehan, infant son Daniel Hugh, sisters Mary Ellen (Clay) Redfern, Francie (Arnie) Barnett, Loretta (Stan) Roberts, Cathy Peoples, Margaret Joan Mclaughlin, in-laws John and Laura Lynch, nephews Marcus Redfern, Chris and Marty Barnett, Jeff McGrain, niece Dorienne Queer and grandniece Mairissa Peoples.
He is survived by his wife Joyce, children Colleen (Tim) Norbeck, Daniel (Patty) McGeehan, grandchildren Casey and Carlee Norbeck, Erin and Brian McGeehan, brothers-in-laws Don Peoples, Cliff Mclaughlin, sisters-in-laws Joan (Ed Foley) Lynch, Janet (John) Badovinac, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A special thank you to Dr. Jim Drynan, Dr. James Hueftle, and staff for the wonderful care after so many years and to Frontier Home Health and Highland Hospice for your service and compassion.
Friends may call at 10:00 am on Friday, January 17, 2020 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am. Memorials to Butte Central Education Fund- McGeehan Endowment, the Butte Food Bank, or donor’s choice. Faith, Family, and Friends were his greatest resource.
Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dan. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Dan and his family.
Helen McKeon says
Dan was a very kind and gentle man, always had a smile and hello for everyone he saw. Our thoughts and prayers are w/ Joyce and Dan’s Family.
Michelle DeSelms says
My Uncle Dan was the greatest man. Kind, funny and loved his family very much. He often joked that my mom Joanie) was his best birthday gift ever, as she was born in his birthday in 1941.
He loved his heritage, as did all the McGeehan children did, and instilled a deep sense of live of that heritage to the younger generations.
He persevered through some serious health battles and was a pioneer in finding, with he help of his Drs and researchers, long term treatment for cancer.
I will miss him greatly❤
Maribeth Connell says
Dan has certainly earned his place in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and his family.
Jim and Kim Salmonsen says
Our deepest sympathies to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim and Kim Salmonsen
Jim and Kim Salmonsen says
Our deepest sympathies to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim and Kim Salmonsen