Eugene “Gene” Trinka, 87, of East Helena, passed away November 26, 2017 at St Peter’s Hospital in Helena.
Gene was born Aug 22, 1930, the son of Vincent and Agnes (Cinder) Trinka in Dickinson, North Dakota. He grew up in Manning, North Dakota where he attended school. Gene worked as a farm hand as a young man before enlisting in the US Navy in July 1948. He was honorably discharged May 22, 1952. He received the Navy Occupational Service Metal (Europe Clasp). He married Irene Fisher July 18, 1951 in Dickinson, North Dakota. After his naval service Gene and Irene returned to Dickinson where he went to work at the Pepsi Plant. In 1955 he moved his family to East Helena and worked as a milkman and at the smelter in East Helena for a few years before going to work at Garrett Freight Lines as a truck driver. He then went to work for the Montana State Liquor Board which he retired from in 1992.
Gene loved dancing with his beautiful wife, playing cards with their many friends, playing the accordion, camping and fishing. One of his favorite things was telling stories about his childhood and time in the navy. He could remember the names and home towns of the many friends as he would reminisce.
He is survived by one son, Donald (Alice) Trinka of Bremerton, Washington and two daughters, Pamela Trinka (Antonio Llanos) of Mesa, Arizona and Jacque (Ronnie) Dimond of Bellingham, Washington, a sister, Lorraine Remsing of Thermopolis, Wyoming and a sister-in-law Rosa Fisher of East Helena. He is also survived by three grandsons, Tory (Krissy) Trinka, Travis (Hilary) Trinka and Raphael Llanos; two great-granddaughters Morgan Trinka and Piper Trinka; a great-grandson Parker Bennett; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was especially close to Evonne (David) Mitton, Jerry (Cheryl) Sabol, and Becky (John) Simpkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and several brothers and sisters-in-law. Special thank you to everyone at The Legacy Assisted Living in Helena for making his short time there comfortable and to the many special friends and neighbors that helped him after his wife passed away.
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Scott St. Clair says
Don and Pam my thoughts are with you. Both of your parents were great folks. I got to know Gene much better in recent years and it was a pleasure helping him out around the house. May he rest in peace. Scott St. Clair
phil dolan says
Don Pam and Jackie We were so saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Now he is pain free and enjoying a polka with Irene. Your parents were both wonderful people and great neighbors. We will treasure the time we spent with them. Take care of yourselves.
The Dolan’s Phil, Wendy Philesha and Kyleen.
Gayle Casey says
Don, Pam, Jackie and families: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I have so many memories from growing up across the street from you. And I have sweet loving memories of him from last summer when he would visit my Dad when he was first diagnosed with cancer. He would stop and visit, which brought a lot of joy to my Dad. He looked forward to those visits. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if there is anything I can help with during this difficult time. Take Care my dear friends! Love to you all. Gayle Morello Casey
Niel C Helfert says
Don I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. He was a great guy and a good friend. Niel Helfert
Buzz Helfert says
I was so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. We were on the East Helena Fire Department together for many years and became good friends.East Helena owes a debt of gratitude to Gene for his years of dedicated service. He was an excellent firefighter and a gentleman. Rest in peace, my friend-you have paid your dues. Buzz Helfert
Howard Heffelfinger says
I knew Gene Trinka when he worked for the Liquor Division, MDOR. Gene was always smiling and upbeat whenever I saw him. It was always a pleasure for me to talk to him. He was a great guy, and I will always remember him. My very best wishes to his family and friends. Rest In Peace, Gene.