Danny Joe Kelleher

Danny J Kelleher entered peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital in Bozeman, MT on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, following a short illness. Danny was born in Great Falls, MT on April 29, 1949 to Joe and Shirley Kelleher. After a brief stay in Butte, Dan’s family returned to Great Falls, which is where he attended high school. Dan received a full ride football scholarship to play for Dillon however chose to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1968 and served in the Vietnam War. During his time in the Marines, Dan was awarded the Purple Heart. After returning from Vietnam, Dan met and married the love of his life Marsha Hagan. Dan and Marsha were married on September26th of 1970 and lived in Great Falls where he was employed by the Great Falls smelter. In 1974 Dan began his long career in the railroad industry. He worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in Livingston for 12 years until the shop was closed. This encouraged Dan to explore another career opportunity and he moved his wife and two children to Hawthorne, Nevada where he worked for the Sheriff’s Department from 1986-1989. During Dan’s time with the sheriff’s department he was recognized and awarded the outstanding service award, the officer of the year award and letter of commendation. In 1989 Dan and his family moved back to Livingston where he was employed at the Livingston Rebuild Center (LRC) as a welder. He eventually became Vice President of LRC. Late in his career, Dan transitioned to a supervisor position at Electric Motive Diesel (EMD) in Glendive where he retired in April of 2013. Dan dedicated his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and participating in their events. He was an avid reader of U.S history. Dan was known as a gentle giant and always had the write words for every situation. His presence would calm a room during a difficult times and he always had a way to put a smile on your face and make you laugh during times when you needed to smile. He was respected and admired by his peers and the employees he managed. We love you so much Danny, my loving husband, Dad and Papa!!! You will be deeply missed by all who knew you. Dan is survived by his wife Marsha of Livingston, daughter Mandee (Justin Arnold) of Bozeman, son Dustin (Kelly Kelleher) of Phoenix and four grandchildren (Dillon, Meghan, Kylie, and Ruth); parents Joe & Shirley of Great Falls; brother Ranny Kelleher of Winnemucca Nevada, sisters Carlena Francis , Tonya (Jim Wandke), and Kaylee Kelleher all of Great Falls; and brother in laws and sister in laws many numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister-in-law Norma Kelleher and brother-in-law Butch Francis. Viewing will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Livingston on Tuesday, October 21st at 9:30AM, Rosary at 10:30AM, Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM with Interment following at 12:00PM at Park View Cemetery. A reception will be held beginning at 1:00PM in the St. Mary’s School gymnasium.