Obituary for David Joseph Wanchena
David Joseph Wanchena
David Joseph Wanchena joined his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 9, 2026. He passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Dave was born the only child of Joe and Dorothy Wanchena, on January 30, 1946, in Roundup, Montana. Dave graduated from Roundup High School in 1965. Growing up, Dave loved spending time with his family, fishing on the Boulder, and hunting. Dave and his Dad were known to bring home their trophies in the family’s sedan. Soon after graduation, he joined the service, U.S. Navy, where he found his love for cooking on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga, CVS-14 “The Guardian of Freedom.” He served from 1966 to 1970. Upon returning to Roundup, Montana, Dave went to work at Johnson-Nicholson Bottling Works. In the fall of 1970, he met the love of his life, Ranae Nichols. Dave and Ranae wed in December of 1971. To this union, their two children were born, Shawn and Michele. Throughout his life, Dave was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus and St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. In addition, he volunteered with his wife, Ranae, head coach for Special Olympics, often driving the Special Olympians to events. Every fall, the marriage was interrupted during hunting season. Dave loved his time in the outdoors, chasing big game. On one of Dave’s most memorable hunts, he returned with a trophy bull elk, that proudly hung on the wall, remaining a conversation piece throughout his life. Every summer, Dave enjoyed taking his family camping and fishing on the Boulder. As Dave’s children grew, he shared his love of the outdoors with them. The focus of his life was always his family. Dave was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. His happiest moments were when he was surrounded by family and loved ones. Dave enjoyed a very special friendship with Steve and Sara Stahl and all of the families of the Kilby Butte Colony. Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Joesph and Dorothy Wanchena, cousin, Virginia and Mike Naglich, and Gaylen Kline. Dave is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ranae; son, Shawn (Meghann), grandson, Damon (Corrie), and great-grandchildren, Weston and Wrenley; daughter, Michele (Brian) Cockerham, grandson, Walker (Callie) Cockerham, great-grandchild, Jenna, granddaughter, Brittany (Qwint) Stroh, great-grandchildren, Sloan and Hattyn; cousin, Joanne Kline; three sisters-in-law (and husbands) and numerous nieces and nephews.
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Previous Events
Graveside
Wednesday
14
Jan
11:00 AM
Roundup City Cemetery
17059 US Highway 12 East
Roundup, MT 59072
Luncheon
Wednesday
14
Jan
11:45 AM
St. Benedict's Catholic Church
503 Main Street
Roundup, MT 59072
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