Late on Thursday night, January 20, 2022, our dad, Joe Green, unexpectedly passed away at Community Hospital of Anaconda, surrounded by his loving family as the snow fell softly. He was at peace.
Our dad grew up on the rough and tough streets of Butte, Montana. He was born to Frank and Dorothy Green in Butte, Montana on November 12, 1953. He was the third in line of eight siblings. He graduated with the class of 1972 attending both Central and Butte High School.
His very first job was delivering newspapers. As a brother and father, he was always relying on his faith to teach, guide, and keep us safe. He worked for 39 years as an owner-operator long-haul truck driver rolling those 18 wheels across the country and Canada. He hauled everything from the US mail, produce, gravel, talc, and beer. He would call us daily while on the road from pay phones and send postcards. He once told us, he drove over five million miles and equated that to 22 trips to the moon and without incident, a spotless driving record. He loved the open road, especially highway 93 in Nevada in the quiet of the night, or the calm he found driving in a storm. He never took for granted the hum of the engine bringing him home.
He raised us with love and a kind heart, taught us to be tough, and told us always to stand tall. He loved his family deeply, was incredibly proud of his children, and he cherished his grandchildren. He was kind and humble, always leading by example. He was as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside.
Later he lived in Whitehall, Montana where he loved his home, neighbors, nature, watching old westerns, and an agenda in retirement that included absolutely nothing. He loved his solitude, a cold beer, singing, dancing, and cooking. He planted fruit trees and tended to his garden each summer. He lived his life on his terms and with no regrets.
He is preceded in death by his father, Frank C. Green Jr., grandparents Cornelius and Anastacia Green, Barney and Florence DeMark, and brother-in-law, Michael Franich, and numerous special aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Green of 43 years, his children and their spouses, Cynthia Green, (Nori), Joey Green, (Karissa), Ashley McGonigal, (Kelly), grandchildren, Emma, Finn, Willow, and Elle, his Mom, Dorothy Green, and siblings, Linda, (Bob) Con, Mary, Bernie, (JoMarie) Lorraine, Pat, (Chris) and Mollie, (Kevin), mother-in-law, Jo Franich, brother-in-law, Dave Franich, and numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
He leaves behind his pal and loyal dog Maki and is now reunited with his faithful dog, Toby.
A special thanks to our Uncle Dave for his friendship and kind care of our dad in his final hours.
Joe has been cremated at his request and a memorial service will be planned for a later date.
“Welcome home, you’re the best, light the candle in the fireplace, just because, your home.”
We love you, dad.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Joe.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Joe and his family.
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Charlene Warren says
I always remember Joe coming into the Scoop Bar to have a soda. Didn’t stay long, didn’t say alot – but was always a gentleman and a “hi how ya doing” comment. I am so very sad of read of his passing. A kind soul he was.
Charlene LeProwse Warren