Joseph Paul Gee

Joseph Paul Gee (1955 – 2026)

Joseph Paul Gee, 70, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2026, with his devoted wife, Cindie, by his side. Joe's life was defined by an extraordinary inner strength that carried him through a courageous 15-year battle with spinal stenosis and chronic pain.

Born May 14, 1955, in Lewistown, Montana, to Betty and Donald Gee, Joe was the second of twin boys. He carried a lifelong bond with his twin brother, Jim, whose passing in 1973 was a loss Joe felt deeply until his final day.

Joe was a natural competitor. A high school wrestler and a foosball champion during his service in the U.S. Army (stationed in Germany and Fort Carson), he later shared a passion for league pool and golf with Cindie. He was also an avid outdoorsman, finding peace hunting and fishing with his lifelong best friend, Gary Stewart.

His career in medical device manufacturing began at Ballard Medical Products, where he met Cindie. Though he initially teased her that a woman couldn't handle the rigors of the molding department, he became her greatest mentor and champion, pushing her to recognize the strength he already saw in her. Joe's expertise led him to roles at Sorenson Medical, Baxter Healthcare, Select Comfort and Beehive Plastics to name a few, eventually retiring from ICU Medical in 2024. Even while bedridden for much of his final decade, his passion for his work never wavered. A special thanks to ICU Medical for working with him as his health declined and adjusting his duties to his abilities and allowing him to continue working as long as they did.

Joe and Cindie were married on April 9, 1997. He was a proud stepfather to Krystal Heiner and found his greatest joy in his granddaughter, Genevieve Burke, who was truly the light of his life.

In his final years, Joe's will to survive was nothing short of miraculous. His family wishes to thank the caregivers at Action Home Health and Inspiration Hospice, especially Candice Dingman, as well as Cindie's supervisor and colleagues for the support that allowed her to care for him at home. To Joe, the fight was worth every moment spent by Cindie's side.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his twin, Jim; sister, Brenda; and several in-laws. He is survived by his wife, Cindie; daughter, Krystal Heiner; granddaughter, Genevieve; siblings Jeff, John, Janice, and Jeanette; chosen brother Gary Steward and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Services: Per Joe's wishes, he will be cremated. His ashes will be returned to his beloved Snowy Mountains and Ennis, Montana. A family memorial will be held in Montana this May, with a celebration of life in Salt Lake City to be announced at a later date.

"Rest peacefully, my love. Until we meet again."