Gary “Joe” Launderville September 3, 1938 – January 31, 2024
Joe was born in Anaconda and brought home to the Deer Lodge Valley by his parents Glenn and Dorthy Launderville. He spent his days on the family ranch doing Cowboy shit, with his sisters Patricia and Sandy. He was active in 4-H and FFA and graduated from Powell County High School. He loved the valley where he resided and spent his entire life.
He married a Deer Lodge Valley girl, Marlene Strickland in 1960 and together they raised four daughters. Joe was a man of many talents, but being a rancher was where his heart was. He raised cattle, sheep, horses, and a short stint with pigs, hay, and potatoes. He was a successful brand inspector for many years and was recognized for his dedication with the award of Brand Inspector of the Year.
Rodeo was his passion, as evidenced by the hours he spent either producing, planning for or watching a rodeo. In raising his kids, he was a 4-H leader, started the Racetrack Rodeo Club, was a founding member in the Montana Junior Rodeo Association and was President of the Montana State High School Rodeo Association for many years. He was instrumental in getting the National High School Rodeo finals to Helena. Joe started team roping in local jackpots and was a member of the Big 5 Rodeo Association. He spent many summers hauling his daughters, throughout Montana to junior and high school rodeos, where he met many lifelong friends. His greatest joy was being able to watch his kids and grandkids in all their endeavors. We spent the last two days before he passed watching Fort Worth and his eyes lit up when a Montana kid made a good ride.
Joe met Teresa in 1991 and they married in 1997, gaining a daughter and later two more grandsons. They enjoyed going to rodeos and going on their yearly Valentine’s Day trip to Jackson Hole to watch Paul Greaney compete in the chariot races. They spent many weekends at the cabin, one of their favorite getaways, cooking with the dutch oven. They traveled around visiting family and chasing the grandkids from one event to another. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends and enjoyed their time together.
He was a champion for all kids, often having extra kids either on rodeo trips or helping out at the ranch. After Joe “retired” from high school rodeo, he found much success traveling the state competing in pulling competitions with his team of Belgians, Pat and Mike.
Joe never knew a stranger and would run into someone he knew wherever he went. His eyes always had a twinkle, and usually a “fun” comment to everyone he saw. The friendships he made during his time were enduring, except when it came to the water fights. There was no way he was getting wet! Many wrecked pick-ups were testament to that.
Survivors include wife, Teresa; daughters, Jonelle (Jay Kyle), Tawni (Stan), Patti (Poncho), Darci (Jerry), and stepdaughter Tammy (Jerry). Grandkids, Houston (Rosette), Jessee, Jansyn, Bridger, Baylee, Halli, Cameron, Roy and Parker. Sister, Sandy; and several nieces and nephews. Brother in laws, Randy and Ronnie; and sister in laws, Janice, Karen and Pam.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Dorthy; sister, Pat; brothers in law, Rip, Gary, and Rod; sister in law, Virginia; along with many cousins and lifelong friends.
Celebration of Life will be held on February 7, 2024, at The Elks Lodge, 230 Main Street, Deer Lodge, MT at 1:00 p.m.
Memorials can be made to Montana High School Rodeo Association to 901 Kentucky St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. or Draft Horse Expo in Deer Lodge P.O. Box 23 Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Joe.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Joe and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1 p.m
Wednesday February 7, 2024
The ELks Lodge
230 Main Street
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1 p.m
Wednesday February 7, 2024
The ELks Lodge
230 Main Street
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Share
Stacie Fleming says
Uncle Joe was an amazing man! He made our family functions so much fun. I will never forget the Christmas that he led us around the valley on a sleigh ride with horses while we were singing Christmas carols and drinking wine! Our family functions won’t be the same with out him! RIP, Uncle Joe. You will be missed!
Tami Bonato and Paul Relf says
Joe was a good, kind man. He will be missed. Prayers to all in the Launderville families.
Cassidy Jo Brunner says
I got the pleasure of working with Joe at Montana Livestock Auction up until his retirement! Joe always had a “good morning” push of my buyer cards that scattered all over the floor with a big ol giggle afterwards! I’ll never forget his big bowl of Cheetos and he never missed a chance for a candy bar! Joe always had a smile for me every sale and even on the long ones you could still find him smiling while cussing under his breath ready to hit the road for happy hour! After Joe retired he always came back to visit and tell stories! He definitely will be missed!
Leona Trang says
Papa Joe always had a smile on his face and a great sense of humor- the last time I saw him I was visiting a friend and we went to Safeway- he was doing the grocery shopping and my friend Jacquie said are you the woman now?? Like always he laughed and said I suppose so 😂- he will be missed 🙏❤️
Albert Stidham says
My memories of Joe are of a man who seemed to always wear a great smile and had a quick pun to share! He was a great papa to my nephews Roy & Parker and for that I’m very greatful. Rest In Peace Joe and thoughts and prayers to all family🙏🏻
Anonymous says
Bert. & Carol Luce Class ‘,56. PCHS. RIP Old Friend
Ronna Bell says
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a great friendly guy. Prayers to his family and friends.
Bill Kelley says
That man was a great man. He sure made stand for life.
Janet Coughlin says
I remember Joe from growing up in Deer Lodge as we had connections through the Stricklands. As many have already said, he had a great smile a laugh and a funny comment. Condolences to his family.
Sharon Sinerius Bloor says
My sincere condolances. Joe will be missed.
John says
I met Joe once, more than 40 years ago when I was visiting my sister and brother-in-law, Cleo and Bob Strickland. That was enough, he made such an impression on me that I have remembered him ever since. They say that John Wayne was “Bigger than Life” Well he didn’t have anything over Joe Launderville. Joe was clever, funny, kind, and knew how to rib you in a fun and kind way. I will never forget this guy with such a gusto for life. Thank you Carla for sharing and God Bless the family with strength, hope, love, and cherished memories. Sincerely, John Neckels
Alison Lanctot says
I didn’t know Mr. Launderville but went to school with Tawni and Patti. They always said thing about their Dad. Prayers for the family. It’s always hard to lose a parent.
Todd Durham says
Joe was a great guy! Always enjoyed seeing him which usually resulted in my sides hurting from laughing 😉
Condolences to the family 🙏❤️ RIP Joe
John Voth says
My condolences to Joe´s family. Joe and I were classmates (class of ´56) at Powell County High School and good friends through those years, sharing many good times in vo-ag classes and as members of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He drove a pickup (Dodge, as I recall) to school in those days and was easily recognizable in his black cowboy hat. He was cowboy top to bottom, and I believe he´s up there somewhere still ridin´ and ropin´–R.I.P, old friend.
Janice High says
We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, we all had so much fun when our kids were in Jr Rodeos on thru the High School Rodeos!! He will be missed!!
Marwan and Lori Saba says
Joe’s smile and sense of humor will be missed, but never be forgotten. It was always a joy to see him and Theresa out enjoying life to the fullest.❤️ Hugs and prayers to all his loved ones. May all your memories with Joe comfort you the days ahead.
Patricia L Ferreira says
Joe and I attended Saint Mary’s Academy graduating 20 strong in the class of 1952. It was a tight group with a special bond! Joe was always so much fun with his upbeat personality and genuine
Kindhearted attitude. We also were classmates at Powell County High School. He was very popular and involved in many activities! Of course his love of ranching and involvement in rodeo type activities always remained priorities We both graduated from PCHS in the class of 1956! After graduating from MSU, I moved to CA!
Over the many years, I was involved in planning 6 of our high school reunions! Joe was always in attendance and we always had this warm bond and connection! Yup, I pulled him out onto the dance floor! It was always such a special treat to see his warm infectious smile! He exuded this warm, gentle, and genuine kindness. Joe was the real deal. He will be missed, but never forgotten as he was a legend in so many ways especially regarding rodeos and all of those many associations that he was an integral member and founder. RIP my dear friend and classmate!✝️🙏😇 Patty Hopus, Ferreira , PCHS Class of 1956
I posted a picture type collage in memory of my dear friend and classmate, Joe