Tileo John Forcella, 83

Tileo John Forcella passed away peacefully at his home in Whitehall on September 23, 2024, at 5:40 PM, at the age of 83.

Tileo was born December 18, 1940, in Butte, Montana. In about 1955, the family moved to Whitehall, Montana. He graduated from Whitehall High School, where his skills earned him High School FFA awards.

He married Joan Forcella on July 28, 1983, in Whitehall.

His early career was based in ranching, and he was the owner/operator of Pleasant Valley Dairy. After Tileo and Joan were married, they switched to a sheep livestock operation. He also owned a Peterbilt (Pete) and hauled whatever he could to make ends meet. Several years later, they opened their Forcella Meats, a state-licensed, of course, meat processing business. Tileo won many awards at Meat Packers Conventions in meat processing, particularly in sausage, ham, and most famously, his bacon - there was none better.

He also found time to play, as well, and loved camping and fishing with loved ones and the most wonderful friends a person could have: BV, his beloved Schnauzer; Ross, Ray, Larry, Tink, Lou, and Pat and their wonderful families, and so many, many others. You all know who you are and that he cherished your friendship and the great memories we made. He also enjoyed hunting, woodworking, and having a drink of Black Velvet. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

The last of the REAL Cowboys is gone and headed for the great range in the sky to help those already there herding God's livestock. The Almighty could not have picked a better cowboy to tend his flock. Though he leaves behind all of us and is missed and loved so very much, we all know God needed him more than we did. Our love and prayers go with him so sad are we, he knows. He lived his life to the fullest, wish he didn't have to go. He worked hard and gave his fullest in all he did, whether it be cowboying, milking cows, herding sheep, driving trucks or running his own business. He was the BOSS, and everyone knew it.

Tileo is preceded in death by his parents, Tileo and Althea (Grefig) Forcella; brother, Fred Forcella; in-laws, Joe and Ann Booth; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Forcella; children, Joe (Lyn) Forcella, Dana (Shane) Escott, Julie (Travis) Brayton, Rebecca (Wil) Dubielczyk, and Daniel (Karla) Dolan; grandchildren, Calder (Kerri) Forcella, Dawson (Reina) Forcella, Wes (Sara) Dubielczyk, Rachael (Curtis Johnson) Dubielczyk, Bailey Escott, and Cole Escott; great-grandchildren too numerous to mention but all very loved; niece, Tamora (Rick) Henderson; and many more relatives and great and wonderful friends.

We want to thank you, one and all, for coming to share in his life with us. We love you all.

Many, many thanks to Senior Solutions Hospice for your wonderful care. We would not have gotten through this without you, Paula, Wendy, Riley, Robin, Chris, Arthur Marlou (Chaplain), Ashly, and all you fine people. Father Crutchfield, thank you for coming to our home with the sacrament of the sick; it meant so much to us.

Services will be held at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, 109 2nd St E., Whitehall, MT 59759, beginning with visitation at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, October 9th. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10 AM, followed by a reception at the church hall.

Donations may be made to Senior Solutions Hospice in Butte, MT. Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or share a memory of Tileo.