Joseph "Joe" Tropila

Joseph “Joe” Tropila passed away from natural causes on November 7, 2020, with his wife of over 63 years by his side. Joe was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on May 31, 1935, to Helen and Stanley Tropila. He joined the USAF in 1953 after graduating from Ferris High School. Joe served almost four years stationed at Keesler AFB in Mississippi, Korea and finally Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls. While working various jobs in Great Falls, he studied and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the College of Great Falls. He secured work as a business director for the Great Falls Gas Company, and in 1965 went into business for himself purchasing Calhoun’s Saloon in Black Eagle, Montana. Joe remained active in the tavern industry throughout the rest of the 60s, 70s and 80s. In addition to Calhoun’s, he owned and operated Dutchman’s (today’s Longhorn Lounge), the old Heidelberg Bar and he designed and oversaw construction of the new Heidelberg. Customers came first in Joe’s taverns. When his favorite customer was hit in the mouth by a flying ashtray, Joe grabbed the offending patron by the collar and threw him out the glass door. He neglected to open it first. In 1974, Joe accepted a customer’s challenge and ran successfully for the Montana House of Representatives where he served from 1975-1980. In 1981, he was appointed Cascade County Clerk and Recorder, a position he retained through the early 1990s. Upon retiring, he remained in public service, serving again in the Montana House from 1994-2002 and the Montana Senate from 2003-2010. Joe was humbled to be made an honorary member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. His commitment to their federal recognition spanned many years and it was a source of immense joy for him when that recognition finally came in late 2019. Joe is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Mike (Laura), Cathy (Mike) MacDonald, Mitch (Erin), Cecile (Bruce) Sorensen; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. The Rite of Committal (burial) will take place on Monday, November 16, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery. The Tropila family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff and management of the BeeHive Linden Home. “It’s Tropila – rhymes with tequila.” We love and miss you.