Daniel Theodore Regan

Daniel Theodore Regan, 77, of Wise River, Montana, passed away on July 4, 2026, in Anthem, Arizona, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dan was born in Butte, Montana, to Emmet and Celestine (Caron) Regan. He was the seventh of eleven children and grew up amid the love and laughter of a large family. Dan graduated from Boys Central High School in 1967. In 1968, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy as an aircraft mechanic and served faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1971. During his military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star.

Dan was a skilled carpenter who worked for various construction companies in Butte throughout a 35-year career. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Union and retired in 2004. Retirement didn't slow him down, though. Whether he was working on his own home or helping family members with projects, Dan was happiest when he was building, repairing, or lending a hand.

Dan had an incredible gift for fixing just about anything. Family, friends, and neighbors alike knew they could count on him whenever something needed repair, and he never hesitated to jump in or teach a skill. He enjoyed mounting antlers for family and friends and took pride in teaching others how to do it. Dan was especially proud of the home he built himself, where he lived for 37 years. During retirement, he handcrafted cedar chests for his daughter and each of his granddaughters. These treasured gifts, made with countless hours of love and care, remain lasting reminders of his craftsmanship and devotion.

Montana always held a special place in Dan's heart. He spent many years living in Wise River, where he embraced the beauty of the outdoors and the lifestyle he loved. An avid outdoorsman, Dan found joy in hunting, snowmobiling, hiking, and exploring the mountains he knew so well. Family often joked there wasn't a mountain or trail in western Montana that Dan didn't know. In recent years, Dan also enjoyed spending time in Arizona with his daughter and her family. He was always ready for an adventure, whether it was a drive to Sedona, a day trip to Tombstone, watching his grandchildren's sporting events, attending veterans' events, or simply spending time with those he loved.

Dan was a devoted member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Mission in Melrose, Montana, where he formed many lasting friendships and was blessed by a caring faith community. Dan was devoted to the rosary and enjoyed watching Mass on EWTN once he was no longer able to attend in person.

Dan was preceded in death by his partner, Martha Redman; his parents, Emmet and Celestine Regan; his sisters and their spouses, Marie and Mike Vye, Celine and Robert Byrnes, Julia and Jim McGrath, and Fran and Robert Rader; his brothers, Patrick Regan and Michael (Jeanette) Regan; and his stepsons, Chuck Deputy, and Butch Girard.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Celestine (Robert) Becky; his son, Brian (Amanda Hochmuth) Coffey; his beloved grandchildren, Brandyn Coffey, Zach Morton, Regan Coffey, Quinci Becky, Peyton Becky, Ian Becky, and Zane Coffey; his sisters, Ellen Kerns and Margaret (Terry) Franklin; his brothers, Jim (Doris) Regan and Tom Regan; his stepchildren, Lisa (Scott) Tessum, Georgia (Doug) Pettit, Ruthann Rouse, and Laurie Girard; his daughter-in-law, Sandy Girard; and many cherished nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and dear friends, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Dan will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering willingness to help others, his devotion to family, and his deep love for Montana's mountains. He quietly showed his love through his actions: fixing what was broken, sharing homemade sausage with family and friends, creating his beloved Christmas treat boxes, or taking those he loved on one more drive through the mountains. His legacy lives on in the traditions he created, the lessons he taught, the things he built with his hands, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick's Catholic Church followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at 12:15 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte, Montana. A reception will immediately follow at the Copper Bowl in the Finlen Hotel in Butte.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared in Dan's life. They ask that he be remembered each time you lend a helping hand, explore a mountain trail, or gather with loved ones to share a meal and create lasting memories.