Joe Willie Simanton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joe Willie Simanton on July 2, 2026, at the age of 51. Surrounded by his loving family, Joe passed away peacefully at his home after a courageous 10-month battle with esophageal cancer. 

Born on October 26, 1974, in the small town of Malta, Montana, Joe was the beloved son of Dwayne and Roxann Simanton. He was the epitome of warmth, kindness, and a true embodiment of joy. Joe carried with him the rich legacy of his family, cherishing the memories of those who preceded him in death: his dear mother Roxann, grandparents Dan and Harriet Broadbrooks, grandparents Dwayne Simanton Sr. and Sheila Simanton, his uncle David Broadbrooks, and his beloved dog, Katy Jo.

Joe's life was a testament to the power of love and family. He welcomed his son, Rhett, in 2001. In 2009, Joe married his best friend and the love of his life, Julie. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, adventure, and love.

Joe was a proud graduate of Malta High School's class of 1993, and he continued his academic journey at MSU Billings, where he graduated in 1998. His career was marked by dedication and innovation, spending 25 years at Computers Unlimited as a Product Owner before his most recent role as Manager of Product and Business Analysis at KOA. 

His professional life was paralleled by a deep passion for sports, particularly Griz Football and Yankees baseball. Joe's zest for life extended beyond work; he found great joy in travel and music, attending concerts and sporting events across the country with Julie. Inspired by their many trips to New York City, Joe developed a newfound passion for pizza making, determined to perfect the art of New York-style pizza.

Joe was known for his fun-loving and easy-going nature. His laughter was infectious, and he had a unique ability to make everyone feel at ease. His friendships were very important to him, and he was blessed with many close friends, including Dennis Oxarart, Kevin Lundstrom, Donnie Kaufman, Bill Hanson, Sean McNamara, Bryce Olson, Todd Carver, Brad Walsh, and Chad Hasler.

Joe's legacy lives on through his surviving family: his wife, Julie Simanton, his father, Dwayne Simanton Jr. (Twilla), his son Rhett Simanton, his brothers Erik (Shayley) Simanton and Kris (Stacie) Simanton, nieces Tessa, Brooklyn, and Holly, nephews Mason, Collin, and Luke, aunts Janine Stiles (Craig), Danette Broadbrooks, Linda Reeb (Pat), uncles Darryll Broadbrooks and Dennis Broadbrooks, father-in-law Paul Tarmann, mother-in-law Connie McCall, sister-in-law Suzanne Wong, numerous cousins who were very special to him, and Jayce Jensen.

A service to celebrate Joe's life will be held on July 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Malta Lutheran Church, located at 316 S 3rd Ave W, Malta, Montana. Following the service, there will be a gathering at the Lucky Bullet in Malta. The family extends a heartfelt invitation to all who knew Joe to join in honoring his remarkable life.

"The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end, that's all there is." Joe's life was indeed a beautiful tapestry of cherished memories, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

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