Vincente "Joe" Kowalczyk

Vincente Joe Kowalczyk left this world to be with the Lord on the afternoon of April 29, 2019 after a long courageous battle with cancer with his partner and love of his life Jeralyn holding his hand.

Joe was born to Joseph Kowalczyk and Leona Nipp Kowalcyzk on June 14, 1964 in Terry, MT. He attended Terry School with the Class of 1984 and received his GED from Job Corps. He married and became a father of 5. He met Jeralyn when his lime rock truck he was in broke down at the scale house at Wyoming Sugar and she offered him her car to go to the parts store! He later moved to Ten Sleep, WY, from Billings and went to work at Wyoming Sugar where the two became friends. He moved to Gillette, Wy where he was employed by the Buckskin Mine for a short time them moved back to Montana. Joe was employed by West Feeds in Great Falls and called Belt home for the last 5 years with Jeralyn.  Joe was a welder/mechanic and known as “Smokin’ Joe” by his friends and many others. He will be missed by all as he never met a stranger! He had a love of building and crashing derby cars, riding his dirt bike, hunting, fishing, riding his horse and working cows with friends.

Survivors include his partner, Jeralyn and their beloved dog Gus. His children, Larimie (Samantha Wicka) Kowalczyk, of Edgar, Mt; Crystal (Dylan) Schober, of Bridger, Mt; Jessica (Clay) Stocklin, of Hailey, Id; Kristie (Willard) Meyers Jr; of Billings, MT; Ronnie Human of Billings, MT; and his grandchildren Allyson, Jacey, Raelynn, Maleah, Malakia, Felicity, Angela, and Kelsey.

Survivors also include brothers Leigh (Rose) Lassle ;of Gillette, WY;  Dion (Brenda) Kowalczyk of Gillette, WY; Brent (Angie) Young, of Belt, MT; and sister Tameria (John Paul) Harrington of Austin, TX. Along with Jessica Moore (Roman Bastida) of Worland, WY; Jacob Frederick (Kelsey Manger) of Billings MT; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Kowalczyk, his mother Leona Kowalczyk Lassle, and his stepfather Ray Lassle. Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at the Harvest Moon Saloon in Belt on May 18th from 3:00-5:00 PM. A graveside service and celebration will be held August 10th at 1:00 PM at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry, Montana where he will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flower, donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

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