Joseph Allen Champagne

Joseph Bob Allen Champagne, 64, of Great Falls, a retired caregiver, died of cancer Tuesday, Oct. 16, at his residence. Rosary services are 7 p.m. Friday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Box Elder. A graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Highland Cemetery in Havre. Cremation has taken place under the direction of OConnor Funeral Home. Bob was born July 26, 1948, in Havre to Catherine (Salois) and Raymond Joseph Champagne. He graduated from Box Elder High School in 1966. In September of 1967, he joined the United States Army. After retiring from the Army, Bob moved to Elko, Nev. It was there he met the love of his life, Linda George. Soon after marrying, they purchased a home in Great Falls. Bob had many hobbies, but woodworking was his favorite. Bob especially loved to visit with family and friends. He enjoyed board games, playing cards, camping and keno. Bob loved his many nieces and nephews. He would have them screaming and laughing but wanting him to tease them more. He requested that his Grandma Salois and Grandpa George be mentioned. He said, They taught me to cook, work and love my family. These wonderful people were like parents to me. Bob loved and respected his stepfather, Mark, and his mother, Catherine, for their caring ways. Bob is survived by his wife, Linda Champagne, and their Boston terrier, Reno, of Great Falls; son Richard James Houle and his children Cole and Ricki of Rocky Boy; stepchildren Sunshine Gibson of Elko, and Chad (Lindsay) Gibson and their children, Lakaya, Vanessa and Ryan of Clinton, Utah; sisters Leoda (Ken) Oliver of Elko, Helen Wells and Linda Henry, both of Havre, and Rhonda McQuestion of Florida; brothers Frank Champagne and Dan Henry of Havre and Steve (Carol) Henry of Missoula. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Catherine and Mark Whalen; father Raymond Champagne; brother Les Champagne; and sister Patty Henry Morsette.