Robert J. Moes (Bob) passed away June 16, 2018 at Cooney Rehabilitation Center from Congestive Heart Failure.
Bob was born May 7, 1940 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to James and Emerance (Strebel) Moes. Bob was an only child. He attended grade school and high school in Green Bay, graduating from Our Lady of Premontre High School in 1958. Bob’s father died while he was in high school.
Being from Green Bay Bob was an avid Packers fan and cheese head. After leaving Green Bay, Bob watched all the Packer games on TV either at home or at a sports bar. In later years Bob would return to Green Bay and was able to see a few Packer games at Lambeau Field, thanks to the generosity of his friends’ sharing their tickets.
After high school Bob attended college at St. Norbert College and graduated in 1962 with a BS in Mathematics. After college Bob entered the Air Force Officer’s Training Program and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in March 1963.
Bob’s first assignment was as a Deputy Missile Commander for the Titan 2 Missile at Little Rock AFB. After 4 years Bob was reassigned to Kadena AFB Okinawa as a missile launch officer for the Mace missile. While there Bob traveled the area including trips to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok.
In 1970 Bob was reassigned to Malstrom AFB Great Falls. Bob loved exploring Montana and traveled throughout the state taking many many photos. He continued his road trips after his discharge, with his last road trip in 2017. Bob was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1974 having served for 11 years.
While in Great Falls Bob became involved in the Cursillo movement. There he met Mary (Corinne) Brooke. After a brief courtship (4 months), the two were married April 25, 1975 at Holy Family Parish in Great Falls. Later in 1975 Bob and Mary moved to Helena where they were welcomed to Helena and the Catholic Community by relatives including Tom and Ann, John and Peggy, Margo, M. J., and Virginia. Their married life ended too soon with Mary’s death of a stroke on March 31, 1978.
Bob had a long tenure with the Unemployment Division, Montana Department of Labor. Then Bob was off to retirement, traveling, volunteering, and enjoying life and the friendship of many.
During his life in Helena Bob was involved in many community activities and service groups, including running groups, Relay for life, Carroll sports, Helena Symphony, Grandstreet, Helena Senior Center, Good Samaritan Ministries and St. Mary’s Catholic Community. Bob’s volunteer service at St. Mary’s included communion ministry, cross bearer, usher, and worked many social events including funeral luncheons and the St. Francis Dinner. At the Senior Center Bob was a member of the Advisory Council and helped with many events including the birthday club.
Bob was an active member with the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In 2016 the Knights of Columbus Montana State Council named Bob the Knight of the year because of his dedication and service to his church, council, and community.
As Bob’s mother aged and could no longer live by herself, Bob moved Emmy to Helena in 1994, where he lovingly cared for her until her death in December 1998.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Emmy, wife Mary, in-laws Basil and Tene Brooke, and members of his and Mary’s extended family. Bob is survived by his very good friends Jim and Mary Martinez who walked with Bob till his end, his wife’s siblings Tom (Ann) Brooke, Betty (Phil) McMillan, Rachel Coutu, Janet (Jim Whaley) Brooke; many nieces and nephews, and his cousins in the Green Bay area.
Bob was a kind and gentle person, always helping many, generously sharing his resources, time, and energy. Bob truly followed in the Lord’s path, did not have a mean bone in his body, and was truly a kind man. Bob’s family and friends would like to thank all the Knights and Hibernians that helped Bob in his endeavors and sharing their friendship with him.
An Irish Wake to celebrate Bob’s life will be Wednesday June 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1867 Washington St. All are invited.
The Mass of Resurrection for Bob will be Thursday, June 28th at St. Mary’s Catholic Community at 12:10 p.m. with a reception to follow. Burial will be at the Moes’ family plot at the Allouez Cemetery in Green Bay Wisconsin. Cremation has taken place.
Memorials in Bob’s name are requested to Helena Food Share.
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Rudy Tomich says
I had the privilege of working with Bob. I found him to be a very caring person. He would do his job without complaint. Bob had the qualities that made him a great co worker. Rest in peace. The world lost a great one. May God bless. Rudy Tomich.
carol says
I met Bob after he married Mary Corrine and they moved to Helena. Mary was my 7th grade home except teacher. I also worked with Bob at UI. He was truly a gentleman and friend. I’m sorry I will not be able to attend the service because of an appointment, but I will be there in spirit. Good bless your family. We will all miss you.
carol says
carol is following this tribute.
Theresa Ortega says
Bob was a Good Samaritan Angel ! He actively participated in our St. Francis dinner, collected stuffed animals from GSM for children in need and was a friend to all our staff. In addition, Bob provided transportation for members of our staff who were unable to drive but wanted to participate in church, parties and multiple events.
Bob was an exemplary example for all of us with patients, spiritual beliefs and overall kindness.
He will be missed but I feel so rich to have known him.
Marcella Walter says
I had the privilege of working with and spending time with Bob at the Helena Senior Center. I can only second the obituary’s statements about Bob’s willingness to pitch in and to be be so kind. For instance, he’s stop by my office and talk about all the attention he paid to his neighbor’s dog when she was gone. Bob set an examples of living an invested, thoughtful, and giving life.
Crystal says
I met Bob when I first came to Helena. I was in College and he payed Volley Ball with my mom. We developed out own friendship over time. He would talk of him mom and his loved ones with great passion. When is mom died he would carry the “Teddy Bear” he told me if was a reminder of her. I remember when my girls were little and we would see Bob out and about he would let the girls visit with the bear.
Bob you were a warm soul and i find peace knowing you are reunited with your dear mom, wife, family, and friends as Jesus welcome you home.
Crystal Bridges
Robert Gunderson says
I remember Bob as a friend, Air Force officer co-workers (1970-1974) on the Minuteman Missile System at Malmstrom AFB, MT and one of my groomsman at my wedding at Holland Lake Lodge, MT. Bob touched our lives and will be deeply missed.
Bob Gunderson
Raynold Kunnary says
I am sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I met Bob at Crossroads Health Club. I worked the front desk at Crossroads. We had many great conversations.
God Bless you, Bob.
Mary kunnary
Tom Brooke says
Bob was a really good person. While he and Mary’s time together was short, it was faith filled with joy and happiness. They were the best.
Tom Brooke