On May 21st, 2020 we lost our beloved dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. For anyone who knew Tony, we all know this world will now be less full of BS! He was the KING!
Tony Degele was born on July 31st, 1939 to John & Snodie (Saffell) Degele, the 9th of twelve children. As a child, Tony loved to play sports and claimed to be the “favorite” son, although he could never get his brothers to agree. Tony spent 3 years in the Army and in 1960 he married Irene Garsjo. In his early years, Tony worked on the railroad in Billings before becoming a truck driver for Ryan Havre in Havre, Montana delivering groceries up and down the Hi-line. It was then that Tony met many, many people who became lifelong friends. In 1970, Tony moved his family to Glasgow to run the Husky Café. When that adventure ended, Tony worked for Elletson RV, Dick Fisher Motors and Newton Motors before remarrying and moving to Lewistown to work for Dean Newton Olds and owning his own Degele Auto and RV.
In 2010, Tony moved to Glasgow to be closer to his children and worked for Rock’s Auto Mall until he was 77. It was there he celebrated his 80th birthday in 2019. He always said, “if I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself”. Tony was extremely proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his day was not complete unless he got to see any one of them. In return, his grandchildren found him hilarious and defined him as the “Gold Standard” meaning of “Grandpa”. He loved Fort Peck Lake and told many stories of taking his children and grandchildren skiing and tubing.
Tony is survived by his children, Rock (Jeanne) Degele, Rhonda (Dan) Bilbruck, Roberta (Charles) Hopstad. His grandchildren, Nathan (Taylor) Hopstad, Sheena (Jacob) Lund, Shawn Hopstad (Jessica Sonsteng), Natalie Hopstad (Josh Partridge) and Chaz (Taylor) Hopstad. His great-grandchildren, Hank and Porter Hopstad, Ava, Bella, Charlee and Dylan Lund, Silas Hopstad and Paisley Partridge. His brothers, Floyd (Chris) and Joe and his sister Clara Groover.
Tony also always had a special place in his heart for his many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren: Ashley (Luke) Nelson, Elliot and Avery, Jessica Vold, Erin (Jake) Aune, Aiden and Anders, Brianne (Will) Morgan, Brooks, Shannon(Spencer) Marsh, Mason, Travis (Teddi) Hopstad, Alesia, Reannah, Donde Fraser, Ecko and Ashur, Tyler(Samantha) Bilbruck and Danielle Bilbruck (Tyler) .
The Garsjo family was always his family too and we love that he was treated as one of them until the day he died. He loved you all very much.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents; brothers George, Paul, John and Jim; sisters Bertha, Daisy, Mary and Freda and great-granddaughter, Madison Faith Chatten.
There will be a potluck reception at Tony’s shop, 2 Kilty lane, starting at 5:00 p.m.
Ardis Jerome says
If ‘mischievous smile’ was a word in the dictionary, it would have Tony’s picture next to it! I will always remember at a big family event, he walked up to my mother, put a pair of Groucho Marx glasses on her – she walked around for quite a while , everyone laughing until Aunt Eleanor gasped and said “AGNES!”, to which mom, rubbed the end of the ‘nose’ and asked if it was dripping! Little did she know that it was NOT a nose, but a penis…. needless to say the room erupted in laughter… that was Tony….
Sending big love and hugs to all of his family…
May he rest in peace.
Ardis
Connie Bartram says
Rock, Rhonda, and Berta, your writeup of Tony hit the nail on the head! I especially smiled when you labeled him KING of BS! What a great way to sum up Tony! This obituary brought back many memories from the 1960s and 70s. Back in the late 60s, I recall having a bet of some kind with Tony but now I don’t recall what we were betting on, perhaps that I never would marry! I visualize being at the Garsjo homestead farm house while having this discussion, and of course, Tony had a toothpick resting in his mouth, grinning as he enjoyed arguing just for the sake of arguing, and his eyes sparkling and mischievous! As far as I could tell, Tony was truly a happy man and in his later years, knew that he had many blessings. Sending our condolences and peace to all the Degele families! Connie, Earl, Eric and Crysta
Cathy Doyon says
Rock, Rhonda, Roberta and families, I think Tony was born with a smile on his face which never left him. Certainly, never a dull moment when he was present. I’m glad I got to spend a few moments with him last time I was home, not knowing it would be the last. I remember him helping us get Uncle Victor up the Nashua hill cemetery road to his final resting place. Heaven has to be a Happier place now!!! My Love to All, Cathy Rae
Thomas Schultz says
So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy.
Bob and Jeanette Rannebarger says
Rock, Rhonda, Roberta, and families, our hearts are sad at this time as we celebrate the life of our dear Uncle Tony. There are many stories we could share about his remarkable jest for life! We cherish every memory we have of his zeal in torment and antics with his beloved friends and family. His North Dakota joke of pulling up socks will always be a family remembrance in our family. So know that you are forever in our hearts! Love you all! Rest In Peace Uncle Tony
Floyd and Chris says
Rock, Rhonda and Roberta and all your family, We wish we could be there with you. Uncle Floyd is so glad that Tony and John were able to attend our Anniversary celebration. We love having as much family as we can at our gatherings (Shindegele’s). We will always remember our last visit with Tony.
Ingrid Garsjo Allen says
I am So sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a the vey sweetest person and always made sure we were smiling. Tony was a part of some good memories of family. Love you kids!
Lisa Baxter says
You are in our thoughts. I loved his stories. He is missed.
Brian Chatten says
I am sorry for your loss. He is a one of a kind guy with a big heart. I just seen this today or I would have came to see the family.i will be thinking of you
Roberta Hopstad says
Thank you all for the stories please keep them coming I check this site regularly just for that!
Myron Malnaa says
Can’t hardly believe that the “Reverend” has left us. I played a lot of softball tournaments with Tony and it was always an event. On one trip to Great Falls somehow it came up that he said that he was “holier than thow” and from that time I always referred to him as the reverend. Even at the last every morning coffee at the Oasis the rest of the crew would laugh when I called him that and of course it would bring that sly grin and sparkling eyes to life. Rook out, they may hit it down the Reft Frield Rine. Rest in peace friend.
Michael Mitchell says
Dear Degele kids. Sorry to hear that Monsignor Reverend Anthony Degelera passed away. That is what I always called him. Tony provided me with some of the best laughs I have had in my lifetime. Never a dull moment when he was around. Will miss him.
Tim Connors says
To the Degele Family,
Sorry for the loss of a legend. Every time I see a cottontail rabbit I think of Tony. When I was a kid, Tony use to always call me “Cottontail.” I saw him last summer for the first time in years in the store buying ice cream and he looked at me and said; “Cottontail.” We had a great visit and he never skipped a beat. May the memories, time, and faith help all of you in these times.