Joseph Alden, Jr., 68, of Lame Deer, passed away September 10, 2020, in the Billings Clinic after a courageous two year battle with cancer.
iichihk chillahpish “first to get off” (tugboat from the battlship in WWII) was born Nov. 17, 1951, in Lodge Grass, a son to Joseph Alden Sr. and Ruth Backbone. He was traditionally adopted by Gus and Ataloa Harris as their son. He was also traditionally adopted as a brother to JD Oldmouse. He attended schools in Lodge Grass, MSU Bozeman and Eastern Montana College where he received his two year accounting degree.
He married the love of his life Charlene Waters in Sheridan, Wyoming. He was employed with Montana Power Company and Northern Cheyenne Housing Authority. Joe was a family man who enjoyed family events. Joe had a passion for horses and was always breaking colts and training horses for his children, grandchildren and nephews. Joe was a member of the First Crow Indian Baptist Mission. His Grandfather McKinley and family were caretakers of the church for many years. Joe was a member of the Nighthawk Society, Big Lodge Clan, and Child Of Bad War Deeds. He was named All Conference and All State for his high school basketball team in 1970. He was a Indian Relay Rider, coached his grandchildren’s basketball teams, was rodeo coach and in his later years he learned to play bingo. He enjoyed traveling to Vegas and other Indian Casinos to gamble.
He was a loving family man who never missed family events, birthday parties, naming ceremonies, and Clan feeds.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Ruth Alden, granddaughter Caitlyn Haley Alden-Wilson, sister Lavonne Tallbear, brothers: Ronald Fallsdown, Alvin Alden and Belo Alden, nephews: Clarence “Indian”, Alvin, and Gregory Threeirons, Shylon Alden, Gary Joe Whiteman, Floyd Waters Jr. and Jonathon Walkslast and a niece Brandi Alden; a brother-in-law Floyd Waters Sr. He is survived by his wife Charlene, his children: Shannon (Henry) Wilson, Krystal (Paul J.) Hill, Leslie (Clayton) Neiss, JP and his two grandchildren he adopted and raised as his own, Aliya and Chance. He is also survived by his grandchildren whom he cherished, Mikayla Wilson, Shawntay, Mckinlei, and Laiya, Caydance Alden, Mariah Aragon, Joe Wilson, Jayson Hill, Canyon, Cameron & Cody Neiss; his sisters, Frances, Clara, Laurie, Daphne Alden, Joselyn (Clarence) Three Irons, Anita (Dana) Old Coyote, Lori and Kathy Harris and Nema (Charlie) Scott, brothers: Harold (Debbie) Backbone, J.D. (Amy) Old Mouse, Rynne (Barbera) & Lynn (Roberta) Harris; sisters-in-law: Phillene & Philomena Whiteman, Jolene Walkslast, Lorraine Waters, Gloria & Jana Waters, Debbie (John) Charette; Jennie Lafranier, Geri Small, Wanda Martinez, brothers-in-law: Tom Rollefson, Phillip Whiteman Jr., Joseph Waters, Jr. and his close friend Truman Jefferson; and the families of Backbone, Laforge, Bloodman, Hannah Big Man, Harris, Morrisons, Lefthands and Aldens. Our family is large we apologize if we forgot someone.
Su' & Mosiah says
What a privilege to have known Joe, everyone who knew him is better for it. Sending our families most sincere condolences, our thoughts and prayers are for you all Joe was a great family man.
Clyde and Louise Dixey says
We consider Joe and Charlene our dear friends, we know he will be missed by his family and all who knew him. Prayers for his families.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF JOSEPH ALDEN, JR. AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Leon and Lorene Flatmouth says
Condolences to Charlene Alden and family . Sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a good family man.
Aster Berhane M.D. says
Very sad to hear. He was courageous to the very end. A very pleasant patient of mine .God be with the family and may he rest in peace.
Mary Ellen Kehler says
We’re so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Please know we are thinking and praying for your family.
Rhoda Glenmore says
JD was sharing with me that Joe had come to visit him and the spent a couple of hours visiting him. He valued Joe as his brother.
Mary Jane Robinson says
Our hearts ache for you all. Joe was a fine man and a darn good cowboy and friend. Charlene, Aliya and Chance know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Angela Russell says
A special memory of Joe was at Crow Fair some years ago. Joe and his family camped right next to ours. We were busy in our kitchen area and we saw a snake slithering around. We screemed and Joe came running to the rescue and killed the snake with his shovel. What a guy! We missed Crow Fair this year and camping with his family but will always remember Joe and his valiant deed and his gentle spirit. His late father once told me he was a good friend of one of my Iron grandfathers, both having grown up in the Big Horn area. God bless the family.
Isaac and Polly Real Bird-Yarlott says
Thinking of you, Today is a sad day. My sister/friends since childhood Leslie Jo, Krystal, your mother n the rest of your family. Our thoughts n Prayers go out to you All. Your Dad was a “Awesome” father, Horsemen and Cowboy. Who always made sure his daughters n JP were always mounted n road the best horses. Joe was quite n kind hearted n who always stop to say hello or would just wave his hand when he saw me or my family. We lost a great one today! May God Bless you, protect,n keep you all save in your time of morning!
Shane Little Bear says
To Charlene, children, grand children & Joe’s siblings ~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joe loved and treasured you all. We will miss his big happy smile on our visits to Crow Fair. Our Prayers will continue and may GOD BLESS you all during this difficult time. From Shane & Sherry Little Bear & family.