Joseph William Gasvoda

MISSOULA-Joseph “Joe” “Bill” William Gasvoda , 88, of Missoula passed away peacefully on Saturday Jan. 21, 2017 after a three-year struggle with dementia.
Joe was born on April 30, 1928 in Stockett, MT to John and Emma Gasvoda and moved to Missoula as a child. He received a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1952. His first employment was with the U.S. Forest Service in timber and fire management. Next, he became a journeyman carpenter, which led to being business manager for Carpenters Local Union No. 28. He was a founding and charter member of the Missoula Rural Fire District in 1961. He was a volunteer firefighter for 21 years and fire chief for five years. He created the Gasvoda subdivision in the Orchard Homes and constructed three homes. His last employment was as supervisor of the Development & Support Section, Fire Management Bureau, Montana Division of Forestry for 22 years. He retired at age 65.
He married Evelyn Krout Verzwyvelt in 1996 and enjoyed a long and happy retirement filled with traveling, fishing and church activities.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 17 years Evelyn Gasvoda, brother Albert Gasvoda and his parents.
Joe is survived by brother David Gasvoda, nephew John Gasvoda (Beckie), niece Margie Brodowy (Jim), nephew Jim Gasvoda and niece Karen Gasvoda (Larry Plant). Also. stepchildren Karen Krout (Gilbert Wolf), Patricia Brunken (Norm), Vicki Lichty and Paul Krout (Crystal).
Mass will be 11:00 AM Thursday Jan. 26 at St Anthony Church with burial at St Mary’s Cemetery. Pallbearers are Karen Gasvoda, Larry Plant, Jim Gasvoda and Ralph Pebbles.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local charity.