Gerald Joseph Noel

Gerald "Jerry" Joseph Noel peacefully passed away July 12, 2012 with all of his family by his side. Jerry, a CSKT tribal member, was born in St. Ignatius, MT on January 2, 1939 and grew up in Polson until his graduation from Polson High School in 1958. In the same year, Jerry joined the California Army National Guard and served 6 years. He also completed training in Diesel Mechanics in Berkeley, CA. It was during these years that Jerry met and married his wife and partner of 51 years. Mae and Jerry had three children: Bill, Sharon, and Fred.

In 1970, Jerry and his family moved back to Polson where he worked for over 30 years with the Kicking Horse Job Corp Center as an Auto and then Diesel Mechanic instructor. He was very proud of these years of service and had a major positive impact on hundreds upon hundreds of primarily young Native American men who completed his course.
Upon retirement from Job Corp in the year 2000, Jerry would spend much of his free time working on his many rental properties. He eventually found work as the 'Princess' tour boat captain and then, later, worked for the Tribal DHRD Transportation Department as a driver.

Jerry's many interests over the years included Christmas tree and firewood cutting, inventing, gardening, hunting, fishing, camping, visiting friends and relatives, reading, carpentry, mechanics, politics and supporting the Democratic Party, spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren, and, enjoying mom's always delicious home cooking.

Funeral services celebrating Jerry's life will be held Thursday, July 19th at 11:00 AM at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson.

Read Gerald Noel's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.