Claude Roger Birkeneder

Claude Roger Birkeneder, 87, of Hamilton Montana, passed away from natural causes on May 6, 2024 at his son’s home in Stevensville, Montana, with loved ones by his bedside.  He was born March 15, 1937 in San Francisco, California.  Claude was the son of Joseph and Olive Birkeneder.

Claude is survived by his son, Joseph C. Birkeneder (Martha) of Stevensville, Montana; daughter, Mary Hudson (Russell) of Potomoc, Montana; grandchildren, Michael Birkeneder (Leann Depee); Wyatt Hudson, Mikayla Hudson, Julia Hudson Murnane (Luke); great grandson, Quinn; step-grandchildren, Kaylene Hudson Nelson, Danielle Hudson Bledsoe and Alexa Hudson, Dwain Bethel, Andrea Van Zant, (Zach), Allison Silbernagel (Kent); step great-grandchildren, Kara, Kylie, Samara, Kyle, Kadance and Kaleigh; sister Judy Stoddard (Michael) and niece Alvina Boothe (Tim). Dad is also survived by his very special sweetheart, love and constant companion, Madonna Moess of Hamilton, Montana. Dad will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. We would like to extend special thanks to Dad’s friend, Russ Bethel, of Hamilton who helped him with various projects over the years, especially during the last weeks of his life. We would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the excellent caregivers provided by the Veterans Administration and Home Health and Hospice of Missoula, Montana.

Dad proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 until his honorable discharge with the rank of corporal in 1957.  He was assigned to a VMF squadron as a fighter jet mechanic and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan.

After the Marines he married Alice Mae Creevan of San Francisco in 1960. Dad was preceded in death by Alice in 2006.

He was employed with Pacific Gas and Electric Company of California as a gas service man for several decades until his retirement.

Dad moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1985 where he resided until his death.

Dad was an avid scuba-diver and was thrilled by all the time he spent diving in Hawaii, Japan and California, especially around Monterey Bay and in the channel separating the Pacific Coast from Ano Nuevo Island. While diving he loved his numerous encounters with marine life, including great white sharks. When asked if he ever felt scared, he said he didn’t. He simply respected their space and they let him be. He was once attacked off Ano Nuevo Island by several bull elephant seals but escaped unharmed with the only losses being his new rubber raft and diving equipment. He especially enjoyed spear-fishing and diving for abalone. Dad also greatly enjoyed photography, winning many ribbons at the Ravalli County Fair and being published in a nature magazine.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and reading scripture every day. He was a licensed pilot and owned a light plane for many years.

My wife, Marty, and I had the distinct pleasure of assisting Dad during his Hospice care which began at his home in January of 2024 through March 13, 2024, at which time we moved him in with us for what became the final weeks of his life.  Dad was cremated and his ashes will be interred next to his father at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.

In lieu of flowers, we humbly ask that you make a donation in Dad’s name to the Hospice care provider of your choice.