Edward Gardipee

1933 - 2018

Edward Gardipee

Shelby - Edward Stanley Gardipee 85 passed away on Wednesday November 7th 2018 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT. Edward was born on January 1, 1933, in Zurich Montana. Edward grew up in Chinook, MT where he had a colorful life with his three brothers and his horse King. He and King were featured in an issue of Western Horseman. As a young boy he worked on many ranches, especially the Miller Ranch. There he met a longtime friend John Tony.

When Edward turned 18 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. On May 5, 1951 he married the love of his life Shirley Elizabeth Croft, whom he lovingly referred to as "Woman". They had 67 wonderful years together. When he returned from the service he went to work for Jamison Motors and worked there for 14 years he then went to work at Midwest Diesel in Havre MT for 5 years. He then moved to Shelby, MT to partner with Tony Berube. Later he bought the business and renamed it Ed's Diesel. He and his son Duke worked together there until his retirement.

He loved being at his place north of Shelby, The Broken Wheel Paint Ranch. While taking care of the place and the horses he'd usually have a few grandchildren in tow. He taught them to appreciate horses and county music. Edward started going on the Milk River Wagon Train out of Malta in 1991. He looked forward to the trip every Labor Day weekend. He shared his experience with children, grandchildren and whomever wanted to share his company. He also enjoyed his yearly elk hunting trips with friends and family. It was a great bonding time. He was an avid reader and if he wasn't in the middle of a book he would pick up anything and read it.

Edward passed away with his loving wife at his side he was preceded in death by his parents his three brothers Martin "Buzzy" Charles and George, and three sisters Edna Azure, Ruby McGilvery and Alvina Allen. Also a boy he helped raise as a son, Wayne Nold of Havre, MT.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, sons Edward "Duke" of Shelby, John & Andra of Missoula, daughters Betty Hofeldt of Havre, Patricia & Wayne Campbell of California, Vina Vande Kop of Shelby, Wilma Parsell of Wyoming and Tawnie Gardipee of Great Falls, and 23 Grandchildren and 29 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Edward will go as Follows, Rosary Friday Nov. 9th 2018 at St. Williams Catholic Church in Shelby MT at 8:00pm, Funeral Service will be held on Saturday Nov. 10th 2018 at St. Williams Catholic Church in Shelby MT at 11:00am. Graveside to follow on Sunday Nov. 11th 2018 at Kuper Memorial Cemetery in Chinook MT at 2:00pm.