Andrew (Andy) E. VanDaele, 81, of Helena passed away peacefully on September 28, 2015 after a six month battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
Andy was born in Helena, MT on September 1, 1934 in the family home to Andrew J. VanDaele and Mary E. Belew. He was the first child of this union but the fifth child of his siblings.
He married Faye “Toby” Young on November 11, 1953. Together they had three children. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1982. He then married Jacqueline (Jackie) K. Harvey on March 10, 1982. Together they had one child.
Andy joined the Army National Guard in 1965, he served 29 years of military service and worked as a Crew Chief. He retired as a Staff Sergeant E6. He retired at sixty years old. When asked how long he had been retired he would always tell you right down to the year, month and day.
Andy always had an amazing sense of humor and was quick with a good joke (in most cases obscene jokes). He always put a smile on everyone’s face on those around him.
Andy held down numerous jobs. To name a few: he worked as a bellhop at the Placer Hotel, Arnott’s Furniture, Carlson Electric, Allen Electric, First Bank, and numerous establishments as a bartender. In the last few years he enjoyed volunteering at Helena Food Share. He rarely missed a Saturday night mass at the Cathedral of Saint Helena (he was a life long member).
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Howard Sarbu and Kenneth VanDaele. His sisters Bea Nash and Erma McGill.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie. His daughters, Suzanne Madsen (Farrell), Desi Hanson (Kent) and his son Andrew P. VanDaele (Chantel), Samantha VanDaele, Shannon Bartole (Mike) and Shane Hornby. His grandchildren, Keith Madsen (Lyndsey), Shawn Madsen (Michelle), Ali Tappe (Mike) and Cody Hanson, AJ and Lindsay VanDaele, Tyler and Kailen Hornby and Skylar, Kileigh and Kennedy Bartole. Great-grandchildren Jake and Beau. Brother, Ralph VanDaele and sister Wilma Morris. And his very good friend Gordon Tracy.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 7574 Painted Sky Drive at 2:00 pm. Please visit www.helenafunerals.com to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory.
The family would like to say a special Thank You to Gina and Paul at Frontier Home Health and Hospice for their wonderful and heartfelt care they gave. THANK YOU Also to Monsignor O’Neill for his blessings.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Halls says
Sending love and praying for comfort for all of you! Mike and Diana Hall
Marlene Griffin says
I send my condolences to the family of Andrew…may your hurting hearts be comforted. I am so thankful to have known Andy.He always had a smile for everyone and a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Marlene Griffin
Marlene Griffin says
Lit a candle in memory of Andrew E. VanDaele
Deeana Lake says
Andy was a wonderful neighbor! Always a smile, a hello and a wave. It’s sad to know that he is gone. Best wishes to the whole family! Thoughts and prayers.
Damian says
I worked at Security Armored Express and Andy was always smiling and had great jokes to tell ….He will be missed. Damian Briggs
Kathy McNeill says
Andy and Jackie became family when Shannon married my son, Mike, I always looked forward to seeing them; one reason being Andy’s great smile and jokes. Now we share three beautiful granddaughters. I’ll miss you. Prayers for the family.
Kathy McNeill
Stacey Mangum says
Andy was a great uncle. He always made us laugh. I remember going camping with our family at Stoddard Creek, and having a water fight with him. We tried to one up each other. You made life interesting, Andy, may you rest in peace. Love and comfort to your family. Much love, Stacey
Karleen says
I always remember Andy’s smile and laugh. He will be missed but heaven got a ray of sunshine! All my love to the family. :two_hearts::innocent:
Carol Utick says
We send our thoughts and prayers to Andy’s family. We knew Andy for many years. He worked for me at the Red Garter and he was so much fun to work with and the customers just loved him. He had such a wonderful sense of humor. He will sure be missed.
Bob and Carol Utick
Rusty Gustine says
What can you say about Andy…….He was one of the greatest people I had the opportunity to know, whether it be at Jester’s or the National Guard, Andy always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. RIP Andy, you may gone, but will never be forgotten!
Phoebe Williams says
I just found out. I will miss you so much. You were such a bright spot in most of my days. All my love to you Jackie.
Phoebe
Cheri Seed says
We have very fond memories of Andy from the first smile he shared over the fence as we joined the neighborhood. Andy always seemed to have a positive contagious outlook so whenever we met, we felt transported to a more jolly place. We have your family close in prayer and heart at this difficult time and wish for good memories to fill your minds as you find a way to adjust, however he is only a whisper or thought away.
Much love – Dan & Cheri Seed
Linda Kerpa says
Dear Jackie and Family, So sorry to hear about Andy, he was a great guy. You are in my fondest thoughts and prayers today and always. Love, Linda Sandru Kerpa and Family