John Joseph Meuchel

HAMILTON - John Joseph Meuchel, "Mayor of Lost Horse", "Papa John", "Uncle John", 67, of Lost Horse City (Hamilton) passed away Monday, January 3, 2011 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. He was born August 16, 1943 in Hamilton the son of Vincent Meuchel Sr. and Thecla (Wetsch) Meuchel.
After graduating from high school John enlisted into the US Navy and served for 3 years. He marred Delores Lovely on February 19, 1966. They traveled and lived where John's work took them. But soon came the babies, Lori and Hope, and they settled on Lost Horse to raise their girls, a garden and some cows. As time rolled on, John worked his 41 years of road construction while Delores was the ranch foreman.
As the sons-in-law, Steve and Jug, and the grandbabies came along it was a new adventure for them. Luke, Jeremy, Miles, Jessica and Mindy were all special to papa. Papa loved his wife, his girls, his grandchildren and so many family members and his many friends. John enjoyed story telling to anybody, anyplace and anytime they would listen. He also enjoyed football, the grandchildren's activities, hunting, fishing and drinking beer. As John would say, "Get your speedboats out of the pool!"
John was a member of the Search and Recue. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Eddy, Jerome and Bob Meuchel; 1 sister, Betty Olsen and his parents. John is survived by his wife Delores Meuchel of Hamilton; 2 daughters, Lori Hanson and husband Steve and their children Miles and Mindy and Hope Campbell and husband Fred and their children Luke, Jeremy and Jessie; 3 brothers, Vince Jr, Tim and Jim Meuchel; 4 sisters, Josie Swanson, Elaine Severson, Tecky LeFeve and Tina Fausett; and too many nieces and nephews to count.
Honorary Pallbearers are Mindy Hanson, Jessica Campbell, Miles Hanson, Jeremy Campbell and Luke Meuchel.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial's be made to a fund that has been set up in John's name at First Security Bank, PO Box 393, Hamilton, MT 59840. The fund has been set up to help the Eddie Meuchel House in Hamilton.