Joe S. Vassau rode over the great divide for the big roundup on March 31, 2016 at the age of 81. He was born at home to Georgie (Martinek) and Howard D. Vassau on July 7, 1934. Joe spent his entire life on the Flying X Ranch. From the time he could stay on a saddle, he worked the ranch with his Dad, learning the business as he rode.
Joe attended school in Forsyth. He married Janet Holmes in November of 1959. They had three children: Howard, Arnold, & Joe.
Joe always welcomed the itinerant young man who had visions of being a cowboy and any of his son’s friends who needed a place to stay. There was always a meal and a room at the ranch house for family and friends.
Joe is survived by Janet; Howard; Arnold and wife Leah and grandson Wesley; Joe and his wife Bobbi and granddaughter Chasmine; brother Willie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday April 6 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Randy Hart says
Prayers and Thoughts to the Vassau family, Joe was a great man and he will be missed, RIP Joe
Richard E.V. Harris says
Gone perhaps, but never forgotten. So many laughs and so many memories.
Charles J.V. Harris says
Montana Charlie will miss his best friend.
Jeffrey S. V. Harris (Bev, Brianna & Kayla) says
We send love to our extended family. We are grateful to the Lord for the Vassau family and big Joe.
Tracy Wilson Heberle says
My heart goes out to the Vassau family. What a guy!
Ned Fitzhugh says
So many great memories.
Grace Larson says
With Sympathy to the Vassau family . Sending my love to all of you . Grace
Dave and Donna Lloyd says
We were sad to hear of Joe’s passing on. Donna and I were great friends of theirs when we lived in Forsyth. We have many good memories of our visits with them. Joe and I traded a lot of guns. I think he usually got the best of me! Once I remember he called and said he had a new Colt .45 for me and I should come over. I went in a rush. It was a can of beer called Colt .45. He got a kick out of that one!
Catherine M.V. Harris says
My deepest sympathy. I enjoy re-telling my fond memories from when we visited the ranch.
Lynn Tompkins says
Condolences to all the family. Joe was good ole boy. From the big hat to the cowboy boot.
Lynn Tompkins.
Ralph & Craig Nelson says
We are sad to hear about Joe passing away. two generations of Nelsons rode with Joe, swapped horses, guns and tall tales with him too. He has left an empty saddle but a heart full of fond memories. Sincerely Ralph and Craig Nelson.
brigittharms says
Prayers to the Vassau family. Joe will be mist by manny. Sincerely Walter and Brigitte Harms
Tim Nelson says
I’ll never forget as a young boy going on many “roundups’ or just moving cattle. I always thought highly of Joe, maybe it was because of the six-shooter he packed on his saddle. I remember trading knives with him on several occasions and once I ended up with a good knife. He was a great guy – my prayers are with his family.
Tim Nelson
Lee McDowell says
Sad to hear the news of Joe’s passing. Thoughts and prayers going out to the Vassau family. Many great memories from my time spent with Joe and the family. RIP Joe
J. Mike Dorris says
I am so sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a good friend, and I will miss my visits with him when I come to Montana on vacations. My sympathy to the family, and am so sorry that I will
not be able to attend his funeral. R.I.P. my Friend.
Sharon Wetsch says
We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was one of a kind and had a great sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers.
Leslee Buffington says
Sorry to read about Joe. He was friends with my dad Buff Buffington (back in the day). I know if my dad were alive he would want to give Joe’s family his sympathy.
My prayers go out to the Vassau family.
Leslee Buffington
Gerald Weipert says
Joe and I had quite a few “last get-togethers”. Each was special. He is the end of an era and I will miss our visits and rememenices. His family had a great patriarch imbuing them with techniques for heritage, survival, and insight. I thank him for our relationship that endured for seventy plus years, Happy Trails, Joe.
Sincere Prayers to the Vassau family.
Gerald Weipert
Virgil & Waneeta (Brockel) Farris says
We are sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Virgil & Waneeta Farris
Byron J.V. Harris says
My love goes out to the Vassau’s. I think of Joe often and the time I spent visiting the ranch as child and especially when I got to spend the summer with you all and Joe.
Byron Harris
Brenda and Larry Holmes and Kids says
My thoughts and pryars are with the family. Joe was one of kind he had a quick wit like know one else he was good to me and my family when we visited the ranch on vacation. I will never forget the time him and Janet was showing the ranch to us and the water pump went out and we had to fix it on the trail Joe always had his six shooter with him. He will be missed greatly
Connie Brown says
Janet and Vassau family,
Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing and the void it will leave in your lives. Thank God for the memories and the stories to tell of his life!
Kathy Asetamy says
Condolences to the Vassau family, prayers for Janet & sons.
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie says
Mr. Vassau was such a nice man, we have very happy memories thanks to the Vassau family.
Earl and Peggy says
To the Vassau family,
Earl and I were deeply saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. Earl cherishes the memories he has of living on, and cowboying for the Flying X Ranch. His association with the Vassau family goes back 60+ years. He will greatly miss the many visits he had with Joe throughout those years.
May beautiful memories sustain you, and may you be comforted, too by the thoughts and compassion of others who are sharing this sorrow with you.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences to Janet and her family.
The Simmons Family says
Howard, Janet, and Vassau our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Think back on all the wonderful memories.
Jeff Bilharz says
Prays & condolences to the vassal family.
Thelma and Jim Beyl says
Janet, so sorry to hear about Joe. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Debra Bennett says
Thinking of you all during your time of loss!
Susan Vassau Tall Bull says
I can just see you and Georgie and Howard sitting around telling stories and having a good time together!! Good thoughts and prayers to Aunt Janet and the boys, my siblings and Dad…RIP Uncle Joe until we meet again.
Roy & Arlene Pabolo says
RIP, Joe….Our sympathies and prayers for Janet and the rest of their family!