Charles "Chuck" Leroy Ouldhouse

Charles (Chuck) LeRoy Ouldhouse, Age 93, a lifelong resident of Anaconda, Montana passed July 8, 2019. He was born on August 19, 1925 to Gerret and Della (Gardiner) Ouldhouse. He was the third of four children. His grandparents were Sijfert (Maartje Ursem) Oudhuis, who emigrated to the USA in 1892. His maternal grandparents were Jesse Jr. (Melinda Voyce) Gardiner of Rigby, Idaho. He grew up in Washoe Park and had great adventures exploring the area. He would often hike into Hefner's Dam to fish and hiked into nearby mountain lakes. He was an avid sportsman. Fishing and hunting were a means to provide food for the family during tough economic times. Catching the train to Gregson, he panned for gold on a claim his dad had during the Great Depression. Chuck attended Saint Paul's Grade School, then Saint Peter's High School through his Sophomore year. He then joined the US Navy to support the war effort. He served in the territories of Hawaii and Guam through World War II. In 1946 Chuck married his sweetheart, Lucille Van Vynck also of Anaconda. The couple had nine children and celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in October 2018. The couple instilled in their children a great love of God and the desire to serve others. Chuck was a member of the Anaconda Catholic Community. He was honored as Knight of the Year in 1999 by the Knights of Columbus, and was proud to be the chairman for the refurbishing of the altar and seating area at the Georgetown Lake Chapel. He was a Lifetime Member Anaconda Sportsman's Club, and an active member of The American Legion. After World War II, Chuck worked for the US Forest Service before going to work at the Smelter as a carpenter apprentice. He later became a general contractor, and his construction company renovated many historic buildings in Anaconda including new windows in the Anaconda City Hall. In the mid to late 1960's, Chuck served as the Director of the Neighborhood Youth Corps for the Anaconda, Hamilton, Deer Lodge areas. He was a friend, a guide and a mentor to the kids, celebrated their successes and guided them when they were troubled. In 1967, he taught the first group of kids basic education skills and together they earned their GEDs. The process of empowering these teens was repeated often during his tenure. He made a difference in many lives. Chuck, Lou and the family developed the property at Georgetown Lake. The resulting cabin has been enjoyed by four generations. He loved cooking at "the cabin" whether on the wood cook stove, or over an open fire. His "Montana Fried Potatoes" were legendary. During family visits to the cabin he taught his grandkids and great grandkids how to fish at Georgetown Lake. Chuck put on great fish fries, and his smoked fish was excellent. Chuck is survived by his spouse, Lucille (Lou) Ouldhouse of Anaconda, MT: Children: Lucille M. (James) Laird; Margaret A. (Kim) Drager; Marion C. (Gene) Koll; Garrett G. (Gary) Ouldhouse; James F. (Janice) Ouldhouse; Ann T. Geiger: MT; Michael J. (Arlindo Vieira) Ouldhouse. He had 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Garrett (Boe), Della Alice (‘Lil), and Raymond; daughter Mary Hope; son John; grandson, Ronald; and great-granddaughter Kelsey L. Fagan. The family suggests gifts in memory of Chuck be made to the following: Liberty Place, Inc. P.O. Box 446 Whitehall, MT 59759, Anaconda Pintler Hospice: donations can be made thru the Community Hospital of Anaconda Foundation. 401 W. Pennsylvania St, Anaconda MT, 59711 Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.

Visitation

JUL 27. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (MDT)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anacoonda, MT 59711

Mass of Christian Burial

JUL 27. 10:30 AM (MDT)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anacoonda, MT 59711