Joseph Stong Chance II
BOULDER, MT ‒ Joseph Stong Chance II, 67, of Boulder, Montana, passed away on July 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Joseph was born on December 16, 1958, in Portage, Wisconsin, to his loving parents, Virgil and Gladys (Abbott) Chance. He spent many years working in the family sign business in Wisconsin before moving with his wife to Idaho, in 2000, where he worked as a fly-fishing guide. A few years later, they settled in Montana, where he worked as a finish carpenter.
Joseph was a hardworking, honest, and deeply loving man. He cherished his family and was an incredibly gifted artist with a passion for woodworking. A lifelong outdoorsman, he felt closest to God while standing in a river with a fly rod in hand, the water flowing around him, and one of his many beloved dogs waiting on the bank to hear him call out, "Fish on!"
A purist in all things, Joseph hunted with a bow and arrow, tied his own flies, and crafted furniture using traditional joinery methods. He never cut corners and showed extraordinary commitment and loyalty in everything he did. His kindness and integrity touched the lives of many. He was a great man who will be deeply missed.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters, Rebecca (Joe) Schauf of Montana and Allyson Chance (Benjamin Gladwin) of California; grandchildren, Neve Alexander (Luis) of California, Dylan Alexander (Kara) of Montana, and Autumn Schauf of Montana; parents, Virgil and Gladys Chance of Wisconsin; sister, Linda (Larry) Klosiewski of Wisconsin; and a special nephew, who was like a son, Joseph (Katie) Jahn of Wisconsin. He is also remembered by many other close family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Chance; and sister, Marilyn Jahn.
A service will be held on July 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Life Church, 502 Jackson St., Boulder, Montana. An additional memorial will be held in Wisconsin at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Mayfly Project, a 501(c)(3) organization, that uses fly fishing as a catalyst to mentor children in foster care.
