With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Joanne Frances Froehlich, 88, of Missoula. She passed away on July 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Joanne was born on April 24, 1938, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to John and Catherine Gross. She was the second oldest of eight children. When she was three years old, the family moved to Missoula, where she attended St. Anthony Grade School and later graduated from Missoula County High School.

At 16, Joanne began working at the Missoula Truck Stop Café and the Fox Theater before starting her career with Mountain Bell in 1956. She married Gerald R. Bush on June 1, 1957, and together they raised five children. While caring for their family, Joanne also helped run the family appliance repair business. They later divorced.

In 1974, Joanne joined Champion International in Bonner, where she was one of the few women working in the mill. Through hard work and determination, she earned the respect of her coworkers and formed many lifelong friendships. It was there she met Jim Froehlich. They were married for 10 years, and Joanne welcomed his three children into her family.

After retiring in 2000, Joanne spent more than 20 happy years with her partner, Floyd Heitzman. Together they enjoyed fishing in Alaska, attending Cowboy Poetry, hunting, and traveling.

Joanne was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and an active member of the Catholic Church. She was a strong and fiercely independent woman who never wanted to be a burden to others. She spent many years caring for her parents and other family members whenever they were in need.

Nothing brought Joanne more joy than her family. All food was home-cooked, all bread home-baked, and cookies never ran out. She lovingly sewed everything from everyday clothes to prom dresses and costumes, often on very short notice. She always had words of wisdom for her children and made each grandchild feel special by spending time crafting with them. An accomplished knitter and crocheter, she created treasured blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and donated countless hats for newborns at Community Hospital.

Joanne is survived by her children: Gerald (Jeanie) Bush, Randy (Rod) Leibenguth, Jim (Kathy) Bush, Cheryl (Jim) Wright, Christy Wicklund (Dan), Jeff (Dawn) Froehlich, Doug Froehlich, and Jayme Froehlich; her grandchildren Ashley, Cody, Jessie, Jeremy, Travis, Ryan, Kailey, Kelsey, Quinn, Amanda, Megan, TJ, Megan, and Serena; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Joanne looked forward to being reunited with the family and friends who passed before her. We can only imagine the joyful celebration as she was welcomed home!

Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Parish, 217 Tremont Street, Missoula, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Missoula.