Robert Daem

Robert William "Bill" Daem passed away on July 7, 2026 in Billings, Montana. In his words:

"I am the first American-born in the Daem Family, the son of a share cropper, a boy of the soil. It happed at Custer, Montana, 50 miles down river, in 1935. I attended school in Custer . . . “GO COUGARS!” A proud custer kid, I’m proud of and glad for other kids from Custer. I am sure you recall good school memories: athletic, academic, or just ”cruzin’ the point”.

A fair athlete in a small school, I lettered in four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track. I graduated in 1953 with three scholarships: Carrol, Gonzaga, and St. Thomas. The next year I join the Air Force for an eight year commitment and on November 3, 1954, I married Evelyn Kuntz. We shared 65 years together, until her death in 2019.

“My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime.” ~Luke 16:35

I worked in the oil fields and farmed around Hysham from 1958 to 1963. I joined the Billings Fire Department on February 2, 1963, and retired as Assistant Chief in 1985. Then, in February of 1972, I finally connected with Gonzaga for Deacon Training. I was ordained into the Permanent Deaconate on September 26, 1976 in the gym on the north side of the parking lot. During my time there, I coached the Saint Pius Cardinals. After 37 years of service, I retired."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lois Daem; his beloved wife, Evelyn Daem; his infant sons, Timothy and Patrick, who passed away at birth; a beloved grandson, Timothy Daem; and his brother, Jerry Daem.

Family was the greatest joy of his life. He is survived by his four sons, Robert Daem, Ronald Daem, Christopher Daem, and John (Tracy) Daem; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

His family finds comfort in knowing he has been reunited with the love of his life, Evelyn, and those who went before him.

We take comfort in knowing he has heard the words,

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A Vigil Service will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday July 30, 2026 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday July 31, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.