Joseph A. Hocevar

Joseph A. Hocevar, 97, passed February 17, 2023, at Benefis Peace Hospice. He was born January 31, 1925, in Sand Coulee, MT to Joseph and Frances (Slemberger) Hocevar. He grew up during the depression and the hardships of the era. Joe enlisted into the Navy at age 17, proudly serving during WWII.

Upon his return, he began a career as a floor installer. He along with Bill Olds and Ben Braaten established a successful business. Joe was known as a master of his trade. He met numerous people and remained friends with many. He was an honest, hard-working gentleman. Joe loved to socialize whether it was coffee with the guys discussing world issues, dancing at the Elks, Eagles, Moose, or wherever the music took him with his loving wife. He was an avid sportsman, hunting, fishing, and later golfing.

Joe was a dedicated and loving dad. Special memories include times with cousins in Lincoln waterskiing on the river and years of reunions at Seeley Lake.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy (Mora) Hocevar; sons-in-law, Wayne Luckey and Bill Twedt; four sisters; and one brother.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Watne Hocevar; daughters, Judy Twedt of Great Falls and Marcia Hocevar of Denver; extended family, Carolyn (Jim) Carver, Christine (Mike) Stanish, Ron Watne, and Richard Watne; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held later. Memorial donations may be made to the Montana Veterans Memorial (PO Box 3524, Great Falls, Montana 59403), or Peace Hospice.