Joseph Robert Bachini

Joseph Robert Bachini

Joseph Robert Bachini, 91, passed away Thursday evening, Feb. 9, 2012, at Northern Montana Hospital of natural causes.

His prayer vigil will be 7 p. m. Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel, with his funeral Mass 2:30 p. m. Monday, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, with Father Daniel Wathen officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Joseph's honor may be made to a memorial of one's choice. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Joseph was born March 22, 1920, in Havre, Mont., to Alfredo and Alessandria (Cappelli) Bachini. He attended St. Jude Thaddeus School and graduated from Havre High School. Joe worked at Vitmorelli's Grocery Store to learn the grocery trade. In 1939 he went into the grocery business at 510 2nd St. He married Bonnie McGill on Dec. 31, 1941, in Havre at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church. Together they raised their five daughters. In 1942, they built a new supermarket and operated out of that building. He turned the grocery store over to his brother, Fred Bachini, in 1962. Joe and Bonnie's daughter, JoAnn, and son-in-law, Jim, took over the grocery store and kept it operational until 1991.

On March 21, 1942, Joseph was drafted into the United States Army for four years and served in the European and Asian theaters in England, France and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1945. When Joseph returned from the military, he began expanding his business and opened a smaller grocery store in West Havre and in 1947 a larger store in Chinook, Mont. Joseph and Bonnie sold the stores in West Havre and Chinook, and built the Siesta Motel across the street from the grocery store.

Joe and Bonnie enjoyed working and spending quality time together with family. Joe enjoyed his hunting and fishing trips and was proud of his military service. He was a member of the Rotary, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Eagles.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 70 years, Bonnie Bachini, on May 13, 2011; his sister, Eleanor Bear; and his son-in-law, Earl Courtnage.

Joseph is survived by his five daughters, Marilyn (John) Doner of Van Wert, Ohio, JoAnn Bates, Janice Bachini, Judy (Mickey) Geldard and Debbie Courtnage, all of Havre; his brother, Fred (Linda) Bachini of California; nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.