Monte Lane Van Daele

Monte Van Daele passed away on October 7, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Monte was born on December 11, 1960, in Stanley, North Dakota to Henry (Hank) and Darlene Van Daele.

In 1967, the family moved to Hardin, Montana where he grew up. He attended all Hardin schools and graduated from Hardin Senior High School in 1979. He was an athlete and avid sports fan while participating in football, basketball, and baseball. He also excelled in academics and played the drums in the high school band. His love of sports continued into adulthood whether he was watching, participating, or coaching. He was a Miami Dolphin fan.

In April of 1981, he became an employee with the Sweetheart Bread Company as a bread truck delivery driver. He was a dedicated employee for 32 years retiring in 2013.  Always one for adventure, this job took him and his growing family to many locations. Miles City, Montana as well as Cody, Wyoming to name a few. The family finally settled in Billings, Montana.

In June of 1981, he was joined in marriage to Cathy Moore. They were married for 36 years, and 3 children were born to this union.

In 2016, God's plan brought him back to his hometown of Hardin. He was hired as the Head Custodian at the Hardin High School, and he had found his true calling. The staff and students along with the job duties were a perfect match for his personality. He was a people person, a helper, and a do-er. He would get the job done above and beyond expectation. He reconnected with many past friends and made numerous more.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Darlene, brother Jim, an infant son Monte Lee and grandson Xavier. He is survived by a daughter, Amber (Larry) Jones and family, sons, Josh (Jennaca) and family, Marshall and Morgann Van Daele, his children's mother, Cathy and families, 4 grandchildren with another due in November, a brother Steve, and his sisters, Julie (Robin) Schneider and families, and Stacy Neeser and families, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving Monte is his beloved Irish, his fiancée in the Philippines.

Rest in Peace. See you there.

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