It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph R. Yellow Robe, of the Assiniboine Peoples and an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Reservation, on April 16, 2025. Joe died at Northern Montana Hospital while surrounded by his loved ones. Born on August 29, 1939, Joe was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

As a young kid, Joe was sent to the Montana Industrial School for wayward boys. Joe said it was the seven-year discipline of going to bed at 8:30 and waking up early every morning to feed the cows that saved his life.

Joe had many employment roles throughout his life; to name a few, he worked as a boss at Havre's Community Action, played an important role in the creation of the Indian Alliance, served a term as the Director of the School Board, and his final work was as a brakeman for Burlington Northern Railroad.

Joe was always there for his family. He took great delight in the outdoors, hunting, politics, and sports, following his favorite teams and the news of the day meticulously.

Joe had an authentic gift as a storyteller. Whenever he shared a story or told a joke, one couldn't help but become captivated. He had charm, a handsome smile, and a contagious laugh.

A lifelong resident of Havre, Joe cherished his town. Any time he left, it was always temporary.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Tina Blatt; father, Leo Norman Yellow Robe; mother, Daisy DePasquale; brother, Richard Avila; sisters, Clara Rodriguez, Delores Brough, and Joanne Madsen; daughter, Patricia Yellow Robe; and grandson, Daniel Whitford.

Carrying on with Joe's legacy and memory are his Yellow Robe children: Rona, Michele, Sheldon, Nathan, LuAnna, Shevin, Marissa, Calen, and David; Tina's children, Crystal Blatt and Laurence Bauer; and sons-in-law Charles Walsh and Rex Castle.

Joe wanted to acknowledge the mothers of his children: Lucille Yellow Robe and Peggy McCartney, along with a special recognition of his devoted love and companion to the very end, Shirley Gorman.

The family will be having a Celebration of Life the first weekend in August. More information will be provided for his family and friends who would like to attend.

Our family would like to thank you for reaching out with your kind thoughts and prayers during this difficult and sacred time.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.