Joel Olinghouse

1936 - 2025

Joel Olinghouse

May 29, 1936 - August 23, 2025

HAMILTON - Joel D Olinghouse, 89, born May 29, 1936, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 23, 2025. He passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in The Remington in Hamilton.

He was born in Dorris, CA, to F.E. 'Dutch' and Olive Olinghouse. He was the third of eight kids. They moved from California to Oregon and finally to Cashmere, WA, where he spent most of his childhood. He made life-long friends along the way.

Never afraid to work, as a young man, he worked in the apple orchards, set bowling pins at the bowling alley, set clay pigeons for trap shooters, gathered golf balls at the golf course, and mowed lawns among other jobs. He and his friend Butch Northrop even caught rattlesnakes in hopes of selling their venom. Most of the jobs paid little, if any, but gave him money for his fun. He did anything to earn money for fishing, hunting, and of course his motorcycles.

Working at the local paper with his older brother Lane, introduced him to the printing business, which brought him to Montana when he was about 18. Joel worked in printing for over 20 years, living in Stanford, Missoula, Deer Lodge and back to Missoula. He proudly worked on different linotype machines – that he would gladly tell anyone about. He served in the U.S. Army, where he was trained to be a medical assistant from 1959 to 1965. For the remainder of his working career, he was in insurance sales.

Outside of work, Joel was steadfast in his faith. He gave to the church in many ways throughout his life, including serving as an elder at Grace Lutheran Church. He also was a frequent 'Letter to the Editor' contributor, authoring many opinion pieces on topics ranging from local and national politics to the outdoors.

He met the love of his life, Donna Lerch, on a blind date at Snappy's Café in Missoula soon after moving to Montana. The wedding took place just prior to the beginning of his Army service. Joel and Donna were married 62 years before her passing in 2021. They had two daughters, Mary Olinghouse and Laura Olinghouse Lindquist. He had a favorite grandson, Jake Lindquist and a favorite granddaughter, Emily Lindquist. Jake and his wife Morgan have two children, and Joel was very proud to be Grandpa Joel to two beautiful great-grandchildren, Rhett and Elladee.

Joel was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his daughter, Mary; his parents, Dutch and Olive; brother, Lane; and sister, Billie. He is survived by his daughter and her family, Scott and Laura, Jake, Morgan, Rhett and Elladee, and Emily Lindquist and Luke Hayduk; sisters, Jolene Green and Shirley McCloud; brothers, Merle Olinghouse, Tim Olinghouse and Charlie Olinghouse

Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church (275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton, Montana) on Sept 13 at 11 a.m. This will be followed by interment at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton with military honors. A reception will be at the church fellowship hall.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com. Any memorials can be made to Grace Lutheran Church.

Daly-Leach Chapel

1010 W. Main Street

Hamilton, MT 59840

(406) 363-2010