Rest In Peace, Bill Lubke

Our tailgate family lost another member this past Friday. I find comfort in knowing that Bill was cheering on the Griz from heaven. Bill here is to you and yours.

William J. ‘Bill' Lubke
MISSOULA - William J. ‘Bill' Lubke, master of merry moods and gay witticisms, passed away peacefully Nov. 18 surrounded by his family. Bill was born Feb. 16, 1929 in Anaconda to Anthony and Sue (Karas) Lubke. Although short in stature, he was known for his larger than life spirit. His days in the Anaconda Catholic schools were filled with activities including senior class president, star football running back, and editor of "The Halo" school newspaper.
Fifty-five years ago he married Margaret M. ‘Miggs' Walsh. Their union took place at St. Peters Catholic Church in Anaconda. They welcomed five children into their family - Tony, Rick, Sue, Debbie and Mike. Bill set a lifelong example of what faithfulness means in his devotion to the Catholic Church and his family.
After years of working at the Anaconda Smelter, Bill attended Carroll College. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War doing aircraft maintenance until being honorably discharged in 1955. Returning home, he worked at the Anaconda State Employment office. In 1965, the opportunity arose to move to Hamilton where Bill would manage the Hamilton Job Service. Bill (known as "Super Chief" in the office) had great pride in his staff and the work they did, assisting those in need of a "hand up".
Bill enjoyed spending his free time coaching little league baseball, bowling with friends on the KC team, playing Wednesday night poker in Frank Bedey's garage, square dancing and anything in general that included family, friends and fun. Bill served his community by sitting on the Hamilton School District Board, staying active in the Knights of Columbus and helping host the annual Relay for Life. He was filled with Hamilton Bronc pride - either attending home games in red and white garb or listening to KLYQ. After retiring in 1991, Bill enjoyed golf, coin collecting, Griz games and being in the know by sitting vigil next to the police scanner. He was awarded "honorary fireman" by the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department for being the first man to the fire station at the sound of the alarm, wishing the fireman well. The O'Lubke home at 523 West Main was known to many as St. Patrick's Day Party Central for many years - complete with green beer, squatty bodies, an abundance of Irish music and an occasional Main Street parade. Erin Go Braugh!
Bill's greatest legacy was his family. Each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren made him proud- whether it was one of the babies' first steps or graduating from college. Bill always swelled with pride at their accomplishments. Especially in his last few weeks, Bill could be heard lamenting at what fine people his kids had turned into. It was clearly his greatest accomplishment.
Bill joins in Heaven his mother and father; brothers Robert and Freddy; daughter in-law Jean Lubke; and grandbabies Tyler and Kelsey Lubke. He is survived by his wife, Miggs; sons, Tony (Joni) Lubke, Rick (Lori) Lubke, Mike (Tracy) Lubke; daughters, Sue (Bret) Allen and Debbie (Tim) Stulc. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren are left with warm hearts and multiple "Grandpa Billisms" that leave them smiling. Bill is also survived by his beloved sister Ruthie Lubke of Anaconda; sisters in-law Margaret‘Mac' Lubke of Anaconda and Carol Lubke of Missoula; and numerous other relatives and special friends.
Bill continually had a deep sense of appreciation for those who aided in his quest for more quality time with his family. He especially wanted to thank Dr. Jeff Knight for his honesty, Dr. Tony Lakatua for the laughs and Dr. Randy Stewart for his friendship through the years. The staff at St. Patrick Dialysis Center and St. Patrick Hospital always welcomed "Just Plain Bill" with open arms and a smile - their love, compassion and care are second to none. Bill chose to spend his final days at their apartment at The Village Senior Residence in Missoula. This was a reflection of the heart-felt care both he and Miggs received from the staff there. Bill's family is especially grateful to them. Also, Bill's family would like to thank Partners in Home Care Hospice for their support and availability. What a great gift Bill received to have his final wishes fulfilled in a compassionate, loving manner.
Visitation will be hosted by the family at Daly Leach Chapel Friday, Nov. 25 with viewing from 4-6 p.m., Rosary at 6 p.m. and Vigil at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton. Rev. John "Jack" Darragh will officiate with burial to follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. All are welcome to reminisce following internment at a reception at the St. Francis Parish Life Center.
Above all Bill showed us a positive attitude and a little humor can overcome all of life's challenges. In memory of Bill, please take time to make a loved one smile with a small gesture of kindness or a silly joke. Memorials can be made to St. Francis Church, ACS Road to Recovery Program or a veterans service in honor of Bill. Condolences may be left for the family atwww.dalyleachchapel.com.