Quinten Joseph Hoff, affectionately referred to as Quint and Joe, peacefully departed this life on July 23, 2024, at the age of 83. He was born on June 22, 1941, in Butte, Montana, where he spent the majority of his life.
Quinten was the son of Joseph and Pearl Hoff. His father, a former miner, transitioned to a self-employed mechanic during the labor strikes of the 1930s.
Quinten held a deep sense of pride in his high school football career, which subsequently facilitated his participation in the Butte High Silver B’s Football Organization. He received his inaugural varsity letter in football in 1957 during his time at Butte High School. He concluded his education at Butte High in the spring of 1959.
On May 26, 1962, Quinten wed Donna J. Svejkovsky in Butte, Montana, and together they raised three children: Joseph, Terri, and Tracy. Quinten and Donna enjoyed 52 years of marriage until her passing on January 1, 2015.
Quinten’s professional journey spanned various fields; he was a dedicated union member, a mechanic at Berkely Pit, a machinist at the shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, an automotive mechanic for a prominent dealership, and a machinist for the Montana Power Company. He took great pride in his work and made notable contributions to each of his roles. As a member of the union, he played a significant role in leading the longest strike in Montana’s history during 1967-68, which lasted for eight and a half months, against Arco, the company that took over the Anaconda Company’s assets in the Berkeley Pit. This strike resulted in Quinten being blacklisted by Arco, leading his family to move to Bremerton, Washington, for several years. Dissatisfied with life in Bremerton, he ultimately returned to Butte, where he found employment as a mechanic at a prominent auto dealership and later as a machinist for the Montana Power Company.
After retiring from his machinist role at the Montana Power Company, he took pleasure in driving a school bus for many years, often remarking that it was the best job he ever had because it allowed him to return home with clean hands.
For many years, Quinten served as a dependable provider for his family. He devoted himself to supporting his late wife, Donna, in raising five of their ten grandchildren. While their youngest daughter was deployed, serving as a historian in the Air Force in Guam for Joint Task Force Pacific Haven and in Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, for Joint Task Force Southwest Asia, her two sons resided with Quinten and Donna. Moreover, they played a crucial role in the upbringing of their eldest daughter’s three younger daughters, all of whom later enrolled at Montana Tech and earned degrees in engineering.
Alongside his enthusiasm for football, Quinten possessed a keen interest in a diverse range of activities. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, engaging in lively conversations while sipping a good cup of coffee. Music was an important part of his life, with notable artists such as Jim Croce, Wes Montgomery, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, and Elvis among his favorites.
Quinten, throughout his career, encountered the demanding physical challenges associated with his trade, which led to multiple surgical joint replacements and a range of health complications over the years. Despite these adversities, he maintained an active presence at home until the last months of his life, enthusiastically participating in discussions regarding local and national politics with all who visited or engaged with him.
He is survived by his beloved sister, Joan Hoff of Big Sky, Montana; along with his three devoted children, Joseph Hoff of Butte, Terri Garcia (Phil) of Butte, and Tracy Reed of Butte; additionally, he leaves behind ten grandchildren, Amber McGivern, Margaux McGivern, Kehli Partelow, Dylan Partelow, Jesslyn Hoff Valle, Janae Hoff Valle, Jo Hoff Valle, Christian Reed, Aidan Reed, and Brynna Reed; as well as one great-grandchild, Toryn Partelow.
Quinten Joseph Hoff will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His infectious laughter, warm heart, and genuine love for others will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.
Quinten has expressed his wish to be cremated, and an interment ceremony is set to occur at 10 A.M. Friday, August 30th at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4700 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT 59701. He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Donna.
The family of Quinten would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the personnel at Continental Care and Rehabilitation for their steadfast commitment and tireless assistance in providing support to Quinten. Their kindness and dedication have significantly impacted our lives.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Quinten.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Quinten and his family.
Service Schedule
Interment
10:00 am
Friday August 30, 2024
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Interment
10:00 am
Friday August 30, 2024
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Bob D Fitzpatrick says
I I worked with Joe at Montana Power Co. for 28 years in the machine shop. He was a good teacher and friend. I hope he enjoyed his retirement may he rest in peace.
Sam Kornec says
My deepest condolences to the Hoff family.
Annon says
I took care of him in his final days. He told me I should visit lake demo where him and his wife went frequently. I did and showed him a photo. Two days before his passing he told me that he couldn’t wait to see her again.
Jim Fleming says
I remember Joe from our old Berkeley Pit shop days. He was an extremely talented mechanic and a good friend. I’m sorry to hear of his passing but, as he said, he’ll be together with his wife again.
If there are any Diesel engines in Heaven that are in need of repair, help is on the way.
Tom Davis says
My sincere condolences to the Hoff family. He was a great guy and friend tome and my father
Ron Backer says
Quint helped me and my mom when my dad died. I knew he and his dad. My dad worked for his dad on Saturdays, and apprenticed from him when he started mechanicing. They were all good guys. RIP.
Cheryl Peterslie says
I helped Quinten every year during the Medicare Open Enrollment period. He was such a great guy! I will miss our visits.
My deepest condolences to his entire family!