Joseph Champagne

Joseph Champagne

Joseph "Bob" Allen Champagne, 64, of Great Falls, a retired care giver, died at his residence on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, from cancer.

Rosary services will be on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at 7 p. m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Box Elder. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at 11 a. m., at Highland Cemetery in Havre. Cremation has taken place under the direction of O'Connor Funeral Home.

Bob was born on July 26 1948, in Havre, to Catherine (Salois) and Raymond Joseph Champagne. He graduated from Box Elder High School in 1966. In September 1967, he joined the United States Army. After retiring from the Army, Bob moved to Elko, Nev. It was there he met the love of his life, Linda George. Soon after marrying, they purchased a home in Great Falls.

Bob had many hobbies, but woodworking was his favorite. Bob especially loved to visit with family and friends. He enjoyed board games, playing cards, camping, and keno. Bob loved his many nieces and nephews. He would have them screaming and laughing, but wanting him to tease them more.

He requested that his Grandma Salois and Grandpa George be mentioned. He said, "They taught me to cook, work, and love my family. These wonderful people were like parents to me. " Bob loved and respected his step-father, Mark, and his mother, Catherine, for their caring ways.

Bob is survived by his, wife, Linda Champagne and their Boston terrier Reno of Great Falls; son, Richard James Houle and his children Cole and Ricki of Rocky Boy; step-children, Sunshine Gibson of Elko, Nev. and Chad (Lindsay) Gibson and their children Lakaya, Vaness, and Ryan of Clinton, Utah; sisters, Leoda (Ken) Oliver of Elko, Nev., Helen Wells and Linda Henry both of Havre, and Rhonda McQuestion of Florida; brothers, Frank Champagne, and Dan Henry of Havre and Steve (Carol) Henry of Missoula

He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Catherine and Mark Whalen; father, Raymond Champagne; brother Les Champagne; and sister Patty Henry Morsette.

Condolence may be left online at http://www.oconnorfuneralhome.com.