Daniel Louis Mandelko

Daniel Mandelko, 70, of Missoula passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the First Lutheran Church in Missoula. Donations may be directed to AniMeals and/or First Lutheran Church both of Missoula and online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com.

Daniel Louis Mandelko, son of Neal and Gladys (Hubert) Mandelko, was born on October 1, 1951 in Missoula, Montana. He graduated from Sentinel High School in 1968. He soon took a job with the railroad and worked until he enlisted in the Army. Daniel served in the Army Rangers until he was honorably discharged. He was united in marriage with Jeannine Willison in 1975 and a son, Reed, was born to this union; the couple later separated. Daniel met the love of his life, Terri Hosick, working in North Dakota and the two were united in marriage in 1982 at First Lutheran Church in Missoula. He adopted Terri’s daughter, Sierra, and settled in as a family.

Daniel was a member of the UA Local 459 Plumber’s & Pipefitters working as a welder and pipefitter for most of his working career. He had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed hiking and hunting. Daniel took great pride in his taxidermy hobby. He was always fabricating and welding things together, constantly staying busy. He had an innate ability to make people laugh and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be missed by all.

Left to cherish Daniel’s memory are his wife of 40 years, Terri Mandelko; children, Reed (Holly) Mandelko; Sierra Mandelko; grandson, Finn Mandelko; siblings, Nancy (John) Mason; Lee (Julie) Mandelko; Lois (Rick) Steinberg; Marcia DeBruin; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Neal and Gladys Mandelko; step-mother, Iren Mandelko; brothers, Chuck and Marlin Harris.