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.
He 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 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.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the Schnider Funeral Home website.
