Kurt “Joe” Tolzien was born August 19th, 1938 in Glasgow, Montana, to Lawrence “Pete” and Marion Tolzien.
After growing up and graduating high school in Glasgow he joined the Army and spent time in Germany before working as a roofing contractor all over the country. He then made his way to Great Falls and landed at the refinery as a pipefitter/welder. One day while visiting friends at a dairy delivery plant he asked a young girl working there to go to lunch. They became inseparable and in just 6 weeks he married Mary Sue Getschel, on January 22nd, 1972.
In November of the same year they became Ma and Pa. In 1983 they decided they wanted to raise their family in a small town and moved to Scobey. Kurt was the butcher and jack of all trades at the family grocery store for 22 years. After his retirement he worked for the county and then spent two years working with Southland Construction. Again choosing to be closer to their son they moved to Stevensville where they have spent the last 7 years.
Kurt “Joe” was a football fan, the Grizzlies of course and the Packers although it was sometimes hard to tell since his wife and son were always given priority when the Broncos were playing. He loved to watch old westerns and play poker. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, attending auctions, garage sales and visiting with anyone and everyone along the way. Eventually he acquired the nickname Pokey Joe; we joke but we should all be a little slower moving and enjoy every minute of every day the way he did.
He took his family camping and boating many weekends to Fort Peck Lake until they eventually bought property at Duck Creek. He would spend weeks tinkering away and be so proud to share his progress. Building the cabin, the friendships, the family, the gathering place…this is what he loved.
Kurt “Joe” had an exceptional way of making everyone smile…his happiness was contagious. There is going to be a little something special for everyone in this part…as he would say; did you pack a cooler, I’ll get ’er, just a couple quick hands, shan’t be long, is it break time, are you ready, wouldn’t hurt you to smile, I’ll be jiggered, don’t forget your friend, you got a good one, I’m good’er than heck, one more wouldn’t hurt, you have a better one, you know the rule, love ya’. He was always picking on the ones he loved the most and was proud of it as it was generally followed by a ‘woo woo, I still got it’. There are just no words to describe the amount of love and happiness that he poured onto every person he ever encountered.
Survivors include: his wife Mary Sue; son Travis (wife Michelle); grandchildren Skyler Tolzien, Kayla Camden, and Derek Crowe; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, as well as an abundance of extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill; sisters, Rosemary and Dorothy and two infant siblings
Graveside services will be held Monday, August 31, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Montana. Bell Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday August 31, 2020
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday August 31, 2020
Highland Cemetery
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Jennifer Robinson says
So sorry for the loss of your dad, Travis. I absolutely loved working with him at Getschel’s. Always had a smile on his face and was kind.
Carol Hanson says
Mary Sue: I am sorry to hear about your loss, May he fly high with angels and look over his family down below.
Gary and Donna says
Mary Sue, family and friends, I am so sorry we are not able to attend to help celebrate Joe’s life. What a character! You know that saying, “first impressions will last forever”, it’s true! He was the same person every time we saw him as he was the very first time we met him! He was like a big teddy bear!!! We never saw him without a smile. He is gonna be missed by so many! Hugs to you all. You too Dee Dee, Scott and Jill! I know you will keep your eye on Mary Sue during this tough chapter. Don’t forget to laugh! That will help get you thru. Love you guys!
June and Brett Jensen says
MarySue and Travis and family. Brett and I were so saddened to here of Joes Passing. We had so many fun visits with you both on the deck at the marina. Or stopping bye with Dan and Darci to use your potty. Never a dull moment when at the lake. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead. A great fun loving happy man gone to soon. I’m so sorry. June and Brett Jensen. Belgrade Mt.
Gina says
The world lost a little bit of sunshine when Kurt passed. He was so full of love and joy that people couldn’t help but be happy when he was around. Thank you Kurt for being the amazing man you were and loving so many people who really needed someone like you in their life. You will be deeply missed.
Bethanie Knight says
Oh the wonderful times we had visiting with you guys next door! Tenley LOVED picking all of your tomatoes- she still remembers it. Joe will be missed. Lots of prayers for your family.
Gary & Linda Hetrlck says
Joe was a great old friend, although we lost touch with him since we lived in Great Falls when he was a dairy delivery man, we knew him as a young man after he returned from the army, his mother worked many years for my dad at the famous Ken’s Nite Club as the head cook, I bought my 55 Chevy bel air from Joe and drove it during my high school years in Glasgow! What a character, I can still see that impish little grin he had! Was so sorry to hear of his passing. RIP