Joseph Jake “Joe” Rangitsch

Joseph Jake “Joe” Rangitsch

Joseph Jake “Joe” Rangitsch, 89, of Anaconda, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at The Ivy in Deer Lodge. Joe was a man of quiet strength, a gentle soul who believed in the value of a hard day’s work and the simple joy of a family gathering.

Joe was born on July 17, 1936, in the family home near Bridger, Montana, to Greg and Elfrieda Rangitsch. Around 1950, the family moved to Anaconda, settling in Lost Creek. After attending school, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served at Ft. Leonard Wood, Ft. Polk, and Ft. Carson before returning home to Anaconda.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe went to work for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company - The ACM. He worked as a crane operator at the Anaconda smelter until its closure in 1980, later moving to the Concentrator in Butte. Joe was never one to sit still; from the closure of the Concentrator in 1983 on into his 80s, he worked in logging, gold mining, and farm work. He was especially fond of spud harvest season at Nicholes Seed Farms, where he enjoyed working the land and the camaraderie of his combine crew.

On December 15, 1973, Joe married Shirley (Brunette) Bradley in Anaconda. Together, they built a life centered on family, blending Shirley’s five daughters and Joe’s two daughters from previous marriages, eventually welcoming a son together to complete their home.

To Joe, the best days were spent outdoors. He was a dedicated fisherman—rarely missing a chance to go ice fishing at Georgetown Lake—and he filled the freezer with many deer and elk hunted over the decades as well. He enjoyed a competitive game of Pinochle, or a round or two of Thirty-One. He liked to go dancing and could lead a Jitterbug or a Waltz like a pro. Joe was known for his dry, natural wit - he was funny - often without intending to be - and he had an unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. He was quite a character and will be remembered fondly by many.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents, Gregory and Elfrieda; his brothers, Lawrence, Charlie, Walt, Andy, and Tom Rangitsch; sister-in-law Mary; and his daughter, Lori (Bradley) Clairmont.

Joe is survived by children: Cheryl (Sam) Carroll, Cheri Rangitsch, Chris (Jeff) Crisler, Florence Elliott (Vern); Leigh Ann (Jim) Sivelle, Trish (Ernest) Brown, and Joseph Jay “Joe” Rangitsch.

He leaves behind quite a legacy through his grandchildren: Nic and Anthony Rios; Jami and Brad Carroll (Kayley); Nathan King; David (Stormi) Crisler; Cassi (Brian) Edsall; and Amanda Brevig. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: triplets Quiarrah, Brooklyn, and Paige; Dana; Zane and Vance; Zoey; Deakon; and Camryn.

Joe is also survived by siblings: Eva Freeman, Marie (Rick) Johnson, Anna (Melvin) Baker, John (Nancy) Rangitsch, and Don (Mary) Rangitsch, sisters-in-law Loretta, Mattie, and Chris along with dozens of nephews and nieces and their children and grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on June 20, 2026 at 10:30 am in Holy Family Catholic Church on Pennsylvania Ave. in Anaconda, Montana.  Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.  A further celebration of Joe’s life will follow graveside services.