Daniel Dale Maloney

Daniel Dale Maloney, a deep-rooted northern Phillips County rancher, passed away peacefully with his wife Helen, of nearly 70 years, by his side. Dan was born in Dodson, Montana, on June 11th, 1931, to Christy and Mary (Andrews) Maloney. He joined two older sisters, Rita and Agnes. The family was complete when the youngest sister Dorothy arrived.

Dan attended the Sunnyslope School in Loring, Mont., until the 8th grade. He then moved to Malta with his two older sisters to attend high school. The three kids lived in an apartment above what is now known as Art's Furniture. Dan graduated from Malta High School in 1949. During his time in the city, he worked for Bill Pray at Dodson Motors on the weekends.

Dan met the love of his life, Helen Reed, on a trip to get groceries at the store in Turner. It wasn't long after their first encounter that Dan asked Helen on a date to the movies. Luckily, there were two showings that night, because Dan was running a bit too late to catch the first. Dan and Helen united in marriage on December 16th, 1954, at the Catholic Church in Harlem, Mont. They purchased the Horning homestead and lived there while they welcomed their first two children into the world: Valerie Susan in April of 1958 and Randy Chris in July 1961. Later that fall, after Dan's father passed, Dan and Helen moved to the Maloney home place. Dan and Helen thought their family was complete until they found out God had other plans. In July 1975, along came another son, Christopher Robert.

In his early years, Dan was a member of the Knights of Columbus and belonged to the NFO. He enjoyed raising exotic cattle and always had sheep roaming the ranch. Dan admired his sheep and knew they had a way of teaching his boys patience. Randy and Chris were happy to see cattle eventually taking over their livestock herd. Dan had a passion for moving dirt with his Caterpillar equipment. He enjoyed maintaining dams and roads on the ranch. It didn't matter which big job Dan had planned for the day, he always seemed to leave the house just as Helen had lunch ready. Lunch was never something high on Dan's list. As long as he left with a jug of water and a Salted Nut Roll, he was good until sunset.

One memory that most of the family has in common are the life lessons Dan taught all the kids that came to the farm. Dan's kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews recall many memories of learning to drive, how to shoot a gun, doing mechanical work, or just simply learning a good work ethic. For this, they are all forever grateful. Dan was also well-known for telling stories. His stories included hired men and characters from the past. Never did one hear the same story twice.

In the winter of 2010, Dan and Helen moved to Havre. As their years were increasing, they chose to be closer to conveniences as well as their daughter Val, who remained at her dad's side until his last breath.

Dan is survived by his wife, Helen, of 69 years 11 months, his daughter Valerie (Roger) Golden of Havre, sons Randy (Diana) Maloney and Chris (Brenda) Maloney all of Turner, grandsons Erik Golden, Garrett Maloney, Gavin Maloney, and Carson Maloney, granddaughters Shania Maloney and Laci Maloney, great-grandson Braxtyn Golden.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents Christy and Mary Maloney, sisters Rita (Jack) Lang, Agnes (Don) Chase, and Dorothy (Jim) Reed.

The Maloney family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Northern Montana Care Center for taking great care of Dan. He built many relationships during his seven-month stay.

Services will be held at 11:00 on Friday, November 8th at the Turner American Lutheran Church in Turner, Mont. A burial will take place at the Turner Cemetery with a luncheon at the church to follow. Memorials can be made to the Turner American Lutheran Church, Blaine County II Ambulance, or an organization of your choice.

Wilderness Funeral Homes have been entrusted with arrangements and services.