Joe Wilbur Curran, 93, left family and friends on June 25, 2023, at Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, MT. Joe was born on June 8, 1930, to Eddie Curran and Mary Parkins. Joe grew up on the Rosebud Creek near Lee, MT. After completing a ninth-grade education, Joe began working as a ranch hand at age 15. Weekends included more hard work and an occasional chance to practice his dancing skills.
When the Cartwrights moved to the Rosebud Creek, one of their daughters caught Joe’s eye. Those dancing skills came in handy! Joe enlisted in the Navy at age 20 and married Helen Cartwright when he was home on leave on November 17, 1951. Joe and Helen lived in California while Joe continued serving in the Navy Seabees. Joe was selected for a construction equipment school and graduated with honors. Thus, began a lifelong passion for heavy equipment and motor power. Shortly thereafter, Joe shipped out to the Philippines, where Subic Bay Naval Base was under construction at Cubi Point. When Joe was honorably discharged in 1951, Helen and he began ranching on the Rosebud Creek.
While Joe enjoyed raising cattle, horses, and occasionally some sheep, he was happiest on a swather, tractor or combine. His love of heavy equipment led him to work at the Western Energy Mine in the early seventies. During this time, Helen and he continued to ranch and farm, with Helen taking the lead whenever Joe was on shift. When Joe retired from working at the mine he returned to ranching full-time. At this time he also began to collect and restore Allis Chalmers tractors—in his opinion, the best tractor was always orange!
Joe’s fascination with anything “old” fueled his ability to remember people’s names, where they were from, who they were related to, and their place in local history. This was his favorite topic of conversation and there were always funny stories involved.
Joe was a patriot and supported all those who served, regardless of the branch of service. He practiced his patriotism in deed and in the collection of firearms. He was a crack shot and not many ‘varmits’ got away! Daddy and Daughters Deer Camp with the McCulloch boys, Clint, Monte and Steve; their friends, and daughters were a highlight in Joe’s life.
Joe is succeeded by his daughter, Sandy and her husband Dane Bradford of Billings, and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Helen; father Eddie Curran, mother Mary Hill, stepfather, William Hill, brothers Bud Curran, James “Toad” Curran, William Hill and sister, Mary Hill McCuistian.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Duane and Sue Allred says
Another one of the good people that will be missed by those who knew him. RIP Joe!
Debra Nolan says
Sandy and Dane, I’m sorry for you loss. RIP Joe!
Vance Trube says
This is a hard man for anyone to try to replace him, We used to have a great time at some of the dances around the county.
Donna McCulloch says
Uncle Joe was ten foot tall and bulletproof in my opinion! I miss him already! He has joined Helen for eternity. He was one of the Best.. I have so many good memories of being at the ranch, branding, cabin dances, and just visiting. Rest in peace pJoe, your hard work is over.
Andrita Harris says
Sandy and Family
My deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. Both in in a month. Loved having coffee with Joe and Helen, just great to be around. took some walks around the corrals looking at cows and sheep. going to miss the music at the cabin.
Prayers . Your parents are back together, with internal Love
Andrita Harris
Muddy Creek Bronc
Muddy Creek, Montana
BONNIE CURRAN says
I FEEL PRIVLEGED TO BE ABLE TO CALL JOE MY BROTHER IN LAW. I ALWAYS SAW AS A PLEASANT, NICE MAN.
HE WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY PEOPLE, NOW JOE AND SIT AND RECALL ALL THOSE GOOD DAYS WITH HIS WIFE HELEN; HIS BROTHERS AND SISTER, GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Frank and Joyce Dahl says
We were anle to meet Joe snd Helen thru our daughter and son in law Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wells. The Currans were always super cordial and had us out to the cabin for New Years several times. Rosebud Creek has lost two fine people.
Kelly Neale says
Sandy and Dane,
Though we didn’t have the privilege of meeting your parents we are very thankful for the amazing daughter that they raised. Praying for you guys during this difficult time.
Love,
Mark and Kelly
Ken Stokes says
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was one of favorite people to talk to while he was waiting on Helen at Rosebud IGA. I always considered Joe and Helen as friends. They will be missed.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Joe I just heard about your passing. My heart is broken that I never got to say goodbye. Thank you for everything you did for me. Thank you for always letting my family hunt on your land. You and Helen were so wonderful to me. I will miss you so much. Love you.