Daniel Kandilas

Dan Kandilas, 85, of Great Falls passed away on Monday, April 15 2024 at the Highgate Assisted Living with his loving wife by his side. A Funeral Service with military honors will be held on May 4 th at 1 pm in Croxford Funeral Home’s Rose Room Chapel. There will be a reception to follow at Croxford’s.

Dan Kandilas was born June 13 th , 1938 to Dennis Kandilas and Anna Dechant in Great Falls, Montana. He attended Great Falls High School, later graduating with the class of 57’. He met Roberta Mee by chance at a Belt dance. They were married on June 20 th , 1959 in the Belt Methodist Church. Shortly after their marriage, he went to work for the City of Great Falls Water Distribution department and worked his way up to become the Water Utility Branch Chief and retired after 30 years. He also enlisted in the Air National Guard working mainly in the welding shop and retiring as a Master Sergeant after 24 years of service. He received various achievement awards while working at the City and the Guard. Roberta and Dan were married for 64 years and lived in the same house for 63 years on the Westside of Great Falls. Together they created years of wonderful memories for their family to share in the years to come.

Dan enjoyed working with his hands and could fix anything. He loved playing cards and camping with family and friends. Roberta and Dan traveled to many places during the retirement years. He was a talented welder and he shared this skill by teaching other adults for 2 years. He was a huge fan of auto racing. Dan watched all the races at the stock car track for many years along with attending all sorts of races across the country. This inspired him to join the Central Montana Timing Association and the Skunk Wagon Car Club. Dan and Roberta were very active members when it came to the church. They attended Westside Methodist Church for many years and he sang in the choir every Sunday. Most of all, Dan loved his family. His wife, children, grandchildren and their dog Toto were the light of his life, and he spent a lot of his time sharing his skills with them.

Survivors are wife, Roberta Kandilas of Great Falls; sons, Mark (Renee) Kandilas of Great Falls and Mike (Heidi) Kandilas of Helena ; sister Mary Thorne Raff of Tennessee; numerous nieces and nephews; 4 Grandchildren Courtney, Amy, Ryan and Erik; 5 Great Grandchildren Hudson, Octiva, Maxine, Logan and Braelynn. Those who have preceded Dan Kandilas in death include parents, Dennis and Anna Kandilas; and his sisters, Ida Sweeney, and Agnes McNeil.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in his name to the Westside Methodist Church or simply do something kind for someone else.

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