Eino E. "Gene" Myllymaki

Eino Eugene "Gene" Myllymaki, 81, of Arlee died September 9, 2015. He was a resident of Edgewood Memory care of Missoula. His wife and friends were present when he left us.

Gene was born in 1934 to Jack and Hanna Myllymaki in Butte. He had two siblings, brother, Gilbert and sister, Norma. His mother died when he was six years old. His step-mother was Tina Heikkila Myllymaki. Their first language was Finn and was spoken in the home. They were very proud of their Finnish Heritage and ability to construct a building with "square corners". That held firm when Gene built his home and outbuildings.

Gene played basketball in high school at Belt High and was proud of their success. He received his BA degree from Montana State University in Bozeman.

He loved the outdoors and was happiest fishing, hunting, and working livestock. Trips to the Bob Marshall with his father in-law were special. Rodeo was also a passion that he enjoyed as a competitor or with production.

His later years were spent fighting illness- first Celiac for fifteen years and then Dementia/ Alzheimer for seven years after being diagnosed.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Hanna, step -mother Tina and Sister Norma.

Gene is survived by his wife Judy at their home in Arlee. Brother Gilbert of Belt, Daughters Shauna Henderson (Darell) of Travelers Rest. SC and Shelly Myllymaki of Hope Mills NC.

Grandsons; Keith Henderson, of SC., Zac Henderson, of SC., Beau Henderson, of SC., Westley Reeder, of NC., and Austin Reader, of NC., granddaughter, (adopted) Rachael Myllymaki of Farson, Wyo., Foster son, Clay Brennan of Bozeman, MT. and many loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Mullan Rd. in Missoula at 11am on September 21. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to; Northern Rodeo Assoc. Cowboy's Crisis Fund or Alzheimer's Research Fund. Condolences for Gene's family may be left at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Eino Myllymaki's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.