G Lane

G. Joseph Lane passed away peacefully in Great Falls Montana after complications from surgery March 5th, 2015.  Joe was born in Dillon February 25th, 1934 to George and Mary Lane.  He attended grade school in Dillon and graduated from Beaverhead High School in 1953.  He attended Western Montana College and later transferred to the University of Montana graduating with a degree in Business.  Upon graduating from the U of M he entered the Army to fulfill the remainder of his National Guard Service.  He served his tour of duty in Alaska.  Upon his discharge he returned to Dillon and went to work for the First National Bank (Wells Fargo) until he retired in 1996 after being with the bank for 36 years.  In 1963 he was elected to the office of Dillon City Treasurers where he served as the City Treasurer for 38 years.  He was a life member of the Dillon Elks, past member of the Dillon J. C.'s, Kiwanis, Western Montana College Foundation and Booster Club, Chairman of United Way and a member of the St. Rose Parish for 81 years. Joe was blessed to have a wonderful family and life.  He was a dedicated Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and friend. The love of his life was his wife Eileen (Connelly) in which he was blessed to have 51 years together.  She was his one and only. There was never a day that they did not say to each other that they Loved each other.  Their bond is one that everyone strives to find and cherish.  They have two wonderful daughters Eileen and Patti Jo. He was the best father two girls could ask for.  He was patient, kind and very forgiving.  His girls meant everything to him.  We were rarely know as Eileen or Patti Jo, just "Joe Lane's Daughters".   He was always so positive and optimistic with his approach to everything.  He always said "never sweat the small stuff", "it is all small stuff".   Grandpa Joe always had a knee for his grandkids to sit on.  He loved treating each of his grandchildren to the  Dairy Queen, rides in the green truck, cheering on the Grizzlies,  swimming at every pool they could,  and making sure after each visit each Grandchild went away a little richer.  His wallet was always open for his Grandchildren. Joe also will be missed greatly by his two sisters, Rosemary and Margie.  Both said he was the best brother they could ask for.  They cherished the time with him, always worried about him and still protecting him to the end.  He too loved his sisters. Many friends around Dillon will miss him deeply. His special and longtime friend Don Peterson would pick him up for Poker Club every month.  There the gang would solve all of the problems of Dillon, their families, and share their opinions about everything.  We never were too sure if they really ever played cards we suspect they just gossiped and ate.   Joe was dedicated to his work and the community of Dillon.  There were rarely a campaign that he was not asked to be the Treasurer.  He was known for his honesty, integrity, trust, and commitment to hard work.  He believe in his customers, and did everything he could to treat them with respect.  You knew Joe would figure it out for you and make it happen. Joe was proceeded in death by his Parents George and Mary Lane and Uncle Vincent Heavy, brother-in-laws Keith Kampschror, Jim and Chuck Connelly, and his nephew Jim Whooley whom was his god son. He is survived by his wife Eileen, daughters Patti Jo Lane and husband Tom, son MacKellin and daughter MacKenzie, Eileen (Lane) Haugen and husband Jon, daughters Kaitlin, Alyssa and son Bryce, sister and brother in law Margie (Lane) and Jim Whooley and their son Brian and daughter in law Mary Whooley and daughters Megan and Lauren, sister Rosemary (Lane) Kampschror and her daughter and son in law Sheila and Ray Lierman, son John and daughter in law Stephanie Kampschror and daughter Elle, and son Kellen. A special Thank You to the wonderful staff at Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls.  We were blessed to have an amazing nurse, Coulter.  You coming in on your day off to care for our Dad was so touching.   As a caregiver you will always remember a couple special patients that made a mark on you.  I am sure Joe will be one of them.  You are years beyond your age with your knowledge, caring, compassion and skill.  You made your mark on our family that words cannot say.    Also a special Thank You to Shawn, Paula and Saraya.  Your dedication to your profession and your patients was so evident and greatly appreciated.  Your kindness, compassion and understanding will never be forgotten.  Thank you to Dr. Brett Williams and Dr. Jorge Catriz for your dedication and compassion.  You all have a special place in our hearts helping us through this very difficult process. A vigil service will be Wednesday March 11th at 6:00 pm at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Dillon, Montana.  A funeral liturgy will be held Thursday March 12th at 12:00 pm at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Dillon, Montana. Joe's cousin Deacon Robert Lane will be officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Dillon.  There will be a reception following the burial service at the Lewis and Clark room at U of M Western. Memorial suggestions can be made to the Barrett Memorial Hospital Foundation 600 Hwy 91 South, Dillon Montana 59725 and or the Dillon Food Pantry 131 East Helena Street Dillon, Montana 59725.