Joseph “Joe” Domenic Caputo passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 10:15pm, at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City, Montana after dealing with failing health over the past several years. He was 88 years old.
Joe was born in Wenatchee, Washington on June 30, 1932, the son of Joseph Caputo and Dora “Dolly” Colwell Caputo. His parents had had difficulties having children, so Joe was a very welcome addition to the family. He was born prematurely, and stories are told about how he was placed in a box on an open oven door to help keep him warm. When Joe was 7 his parents adopted a teenage girl named Francelia Ann, and when he was 14 he finally got a baby brother; James Phillip.
Joe grew up on the orchard his parents owned in a part of Wenatchee called Wenatchee Heights. We assume this is where Joe developed his affinity for hard work, which was something he did not stop doing until he was no longer physically able. He went to school in Wenatchee, graduating from High School 1950. After he graduated from High School he worked on Weldon Barnes’ grain farm for over a year in Waterville, Washington until he left to attend college in Pullman, Washington, – currently Washington State University. He was there for his freshman year and then enlisted in the United States Navy in the summer of 1952. After some specialty training, he was stationed at Moffett Field in Oakland, California as part of an Air Transport Squadron that was responsible for delivery of supplies for troops serving in Korea. He was honorably discharged in July 1956 and served in the Reserves an additional 4 years.
On July 7, 1954 he was married to Jeannine Nelson in Whitefish, Montana. They lived in Oakland while he was still in the Navy and upon discharge returned to the Flathead Valley to make their home. They had 3 daughters: Deanna in April 1955, Cindy in September of 1957 and Penny in February 1962. While living in the Flathead, Joe and Jeannine lived on 2 farm places and Joe worked at a variety of other jobs to make ends meet, including the aluminum plant in Columbia Falls and operating a dairy farm. In 1976 the family relocated to the Ronan area in Lake County. They had a ranch where they raised cattle and farmed. In 1984 they moved into Ronan and Joe worked for Farm Credit Services there, and in a variety of offices around the State, until he retired in 1997. Following retirement, he lived in Ronan until moving to Miles City. He also spent several winters in Arizona where he made many new friends.
When Joe was 8 years old, he made his choice to serve God. He remained faithful to that choice the rest of his life. It afforded him the opportunity to meet many people who believed as he did, but most importantly he learned to love and serve God here on earth. His life left those of us who knew and loved him with no doubt that he has indeed gone on to enjoy a much-deserved reward in Heaven.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joe, in 1974, mother, Dolly, in 1981, sister Francelia in 1976, wife Jeannine in 1998, and daughter Cindy in 2013.
Joe is survived by his brother, Jim of Wenatchee, his daughter Deanna Maloney and husband Mike, of Mesa, Arizona; daughter Penny of Miles City, and son-in-law Royce Stearns of Fruitland, ID; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces and countless friends.
A Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow on Thursday, June 24, 2021 the Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday June 22, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Judy Toennis says
I always enjoyed running into & visiting with Joe.
My thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Lois Kramer says
He was an enjoyable friend we got to know in Mesa. Our condolences to the family. Mike and Lois
Leona Henke says
Enjoyed knowing Joe and Janine when they lived in Conrad. My sympathy to the family Leona Henke
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To Deanna, Penny and all the rest of Joe’s family:
We are certainly going to miss our beloved Joe. He was a real bright light in this old world and a wonderful example of the Christ within him. The treasure he laid up in heaven cannot be taken away from him nor could it ever. A humble but very righteous man he was❤️
Gail Stiteler (Bjorgen) says
So many good memories come to mind with the Caputo family starting back in the days at Whitefish, maybe the 60’s. Joe was a treasured friend of my dad. My thoughts are with you Deanna, Penny and the rest of the family.
Kolleen Waldo Forsyth says
Joe will be missed! Its hard to lose our parents. The photo video you shared was wonderful. Joe & Jeanine were always friendly and helpful. At Ronan one year, we were all heading home and my pickup decided not to draw fuel & stalled. Along comes Joe. He knew just what to do to get me home to Lakeside. Ive never forgotten that.
My sympathies to all of Joe’s family.
Sandy Jenkins says
Deanna and Penny and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Joe and Janine have a special place in my heart as dear family friends. Lots of wonderful memories from Round Butte.
Sandy Denning says
Thankful to be able to watch the funeral, and can say amen to all that was spoken. Joe was a faithful friend to me, and a kind brother in Christ. Thankful for his life and example.
Barbara Benson says
Deanna, Penny and families:
I was sorry to see your dad’s obituary but it brought back tons of memories of childhood and overnights at the Caputo home and your dad’s infectious laugh. It was always fun to be at your house! I am so sorry for your loss of your mom and now your dad. God’s peace to you all.
Barb
Jean Sorensen says
He was a kind man and had a great sense of humor. I only knew him for a brief time but feel privileged for the opportunity. My prayers go out to all his loved ones
Barb Broberg says
Barb Broberg here. Graveside visit last week with Jewell B and her daughter Sharon. So many memories. Ronan and east of the mountains.
One time after Bible Study at Bjorgens ~mid 1980s?, Joe said he had noticed out the window that the neighbors cow (across the field) seemed uncomfortable.
So the men all went to help her calve or help however needed. It was just Joe-like to be there.
Jim Eller says
I had the pleasure of knowing both Joe and Jeannine and working with Joe since the early 80’s. We had stayed in touch over the years often recalling the times we had spent together, the people we have known, often with a mutual chuckle. The world will be a sadder place without his warmth, humor and gentle kindness. My condolences to Penny and family and commend them for such a beautiful service in Joe’s memory. Thank you.