Joseph "Joe" Forkan

Joseph “Joe” T. Forkan, 89, passed away Sunday evening, August 15, 2021, at Community Hospital of Anaconda.

Joe was born on January 21, 1932, in Opportunity, Montana, to Patrick and Delia (Howley) Forkan.  He grew up in Opportunity where he attended Beaver Dam School and graduated from Anaconda High School.

Following high school, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1971, retiring at the rank of SF1 (Shipfitter First Class).  After his military retirement, Joe returned to Anaconda where he went to work at Montana State Hospital at the Galen Campus until his retirement from there.

Joe married Donna Donich on September 27, 1980, in Anaconda.  Donna passed away in 1985.

In high school, Joe played halfback for the Anaconda Copperheads football team.  After returning to Anaconda from his military career, he loved to fish, bowl and golf, and spent many hours enjoying each of them.  Joe was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W., B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #239, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Anaconda Country Club.

Survivors include nephews and spouses, John (Helen) Forkan, Jerold (Linda) Forkan, Kevin (Donna) Forkan, Kirk (Debbie) Forkan and Bob Applegate.  Joe is also survived by grandnephew and spouse, Jeff (Robin) Snow, as well as several other grand nephews and nieces, and special friend and caregiver Colleen Loshesky.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna, three brothers, Jack (Dixie), James and Bill, and four sisters Mary, Ann, Agnes, Rosalyn (Gayle) Applegate, and niece Linda Applegate-Snow.

Parish Vigil Services will be conducted at St. Peter’s Church in Anaconda on Wednesday, August 25th at 10:30 am, with visitation one hour prior to the Services.