On the morning of Saturday, April 4, 2020 our loving Husband, Dad, and Grandfather, Joseph Pete “Doddie” Culbertson passed away at the Poplar Community Hospital, with his son and wife at his side.
Doddie was born on June 14, 1946 in Poplar, Montana. He was the sixth child born to the late Albert “Howard” Culbertson Sr. and Flora Culbertson (Gladue). Doddie attended Poplar Schools throughout Grade School. Doddie was a baseball player as long as we can remember. When he was very young his coach wanted to send him to pro baseball camp, but our parents wouldn’t agree to him going. He often wondered how his life would have been if he had been able to have that experience. He then went to high school at Immaculate Conception in Stephan, South Dakota, where he was active in sports (Basketball and Football) he also played baseball in the off season. He also became a golf enthusiast, and enjoyed the game of golf. He graduated from high school in 1965. He went on to Drafting school in Denver, Colorado. Doddie joined the Army in 1966, where he served as a MP, stationed in Turkey and Japan. After being discharged from the Army, he returned to Poplar.
Doddie started working for C&M Construction. During that time Alpheus Bighorn took him under his wing and taught him how to do plumbing, with a lot of hard work, he went on to open Culbertson Plumbing and Heating and get his Master’s Plumbing License. Doddie was also in partnership with Doc Swanson, his father-in-law.
Doddie married the love of his life Charlene Swanson in 1980 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Doddie traveled to many places for sport fun, Costa Rica to fish, along with going to Canada to do what else? FISH. He was an avid hunter (killed a 207 inch whitetail buck). Doddie, Charlene and family also took fun trips to many places in our country, Disneyland, Las Vegas, Hawaii, to name a few.
Doddie loved his family and his home was always open for get togethers when a holiday rolled around or any special occasion and everyone was welcome.
Doddie leaves behind his beloved wife, Charlene; sons, Alexander J. ‘AJ’ (Jamie), and James J. (Daisy). Doddie also leaves behind his much beloved granddaughters, Alexus and Bella, also Doddie was patiently awaiting the birth of his grandson.
Doddie is also survived by brother and sisters Albert “Greek” Culbertson Jr. of Littleton, Colorado, Jackie (Pete) Sandoval of Poplar, Sandra (Warren) Albertson of Rapid City, South Dakota and Carol (Rodney “Dudsi”) Azure of Poplar, as well as his nieces and nephews, Scott K. (Wendy) Azure, Floyd G. (Jeri) Azure, Howard D. (Debbie) Azure, Michael J. Azure, and Luanne Azure, Albert (Buzz) Culbertson, Kay (Jim) Culbertson, Janet (Adam) Fredericks, Brenda (Brian) Sandoval-Homeyer, Keith (Denise) Albertson, Bret (Meghann) Albertson, Kirk Albertson, Jay Albertson, Jackie Azure, Rodney (June) Azure Jr., John (JD) Azure, Dodi (Dale) Bernard, Dennis Christiansen and Debra Mason.
Doddie was preceded in death his mother and father, granddaughter Scarlett and sisters Louanne, Zelma and Gloreen.
Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, public officials have strongly recommended to keep Joseph’s services to immediate family. We ask that if anyone is not feeling well to please stay home and get feeling better. Joseph would have wanted his friends to be in a safe environment during this time of uncertainty. His family understands and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences can be left for the family by using the form below.
Service Schedule
Private Services
to Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, public officials have strongly recommended to keep Joseph's services to immediate family. We ask that if anyone is not feeling well to please stay home and get feeling better. Joseph would have wanted his friends to be in a safe environment during this time of uncertainty. His family understands and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
,
Service Schedule
Private Services
to Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, public officials have strongly recommended to keep Joseph's services to immediate family. We ask that if anyone is not feeling well to please stay home and get feeling better. Joseph would have wanted his friends to be in a safe environment during this time of uncertainty. His family understands and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
,
Luanne says
Journey well Uncle Doddie, to the big hunting grounds in the sky. Sending hugs across the miles to Char, Jamie, AJ, Lexi Lu, Bella, Jamie. Luv you all
Beverly Bad Moccasin says
My deepest condolence to the family of Doddie. I’m sorry for your loss. Those we hold closest to our hearts never leave us, they live on in the kindness they shared with you. Someone special like Doddie will never be forgotten and wonderful memories of him will live on forever. With deepest sympathy, a 1965 Immaculate Conception classmate at Stephan, SD
Donald Boyd says
Condolences To Mrs. Culbertson And Family In The Days Ahead…
Dodi Bernard says
Auntie Charlene and family our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. I made a lot of memories with Uncle when he was in rehab in Billings that I will treasure. Wished we could be there. Love you all.
Laurie Shafer says
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Barbara (York) Padilla says
My thoughts and prayers to the entire Culbertson family. Your dear Doddie left all of us better for knowing him.
Charles Trinder says
Our prayers are with all the Culbertson’s and their family. Dodde was a good man and a good friend. Our Condolences.
Kay Culbertson and Jim Roberts Families says
To my uncle Doddie’’s children and wife, I offer my sincere condolences and peace for you. It’s such a shock to all! He was loved by his sisters and brother. I pray that our family is protected during this time!
Lynette Fisher says
Charlene, i am so sorry to hear about Doddie. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tina turner says
I’m so very sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you!🙏🙏🙏💕
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the families during this difficult time. Sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother. Doddie was a good man he did a lot of work for BIA Facilities when I worked there. Hugs and prayers for you all. God Bless you all.
Shannon Murphy says
My prayers and sincere condolences to Charlene and family.
Shannon Murphy says
My prayers and condolences to Charlene and family.
Pastor Steve Smith says
So sorry to hear Doddie’s passing. Blessings to Charlene and family. We will miss your dad immensely A.J. I recently called and talked to him and apologized for misplacing his bill for service A.J. Had done for me. Sent it in the mail that same day. Had an opportunity to pray with him for healing. He sounded so good I told my wife Ada. We both had worked for Housing so spoke with him often. Never an issue working with him. I found Doddie to be extremely honest, efficient and of great character. He was as contractor and businessmen should be. Still can’t believe he’s gone to his reward.
Linda Atchico says
RIP Doddie. Condolences to Charlene and family. He was a good friend to my husband John.
Leon & Sue Frantzick says
Charlene, Leon & I are so sorry to hear about Doddie. Sending our love, hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Pauline Azure-Feurvay says
The Emily Azure family would like to wish Charlene and family heartfelt condolences along with his siblings. May he enjoy heaven with his parents and other relatives. God bless the family.
Art and Veronica St Germaine says
James and family sorry for your loss God bless
Dale Buckles says
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Rest In Peace Uncle Dodi. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dale M Buckles
Terry Lindsay-Barron says
Charlene and family, my deepest condolences !
Veda Azure says
My condolences to the family and deepest thoughts and prayers, Dodi was a very nice and happy guy, he will truly be missed, RIP Dodi
Bede Baldry says
Sad news. Charlene you and family are in my prayers. Brother Bede Baldry fsc
Bede Baldry says
Sad news. Great guy wonderful family. Thanks for the meal you two bought for Sr Barbara and myself the last time I visited Poplar in February. Prayers for you Charlene and your family. Blessings Peace and Prayers. Live Jesus in our hearts. forever. Brother Bede Baldry FSC
Cindy Alpert says
Charlene and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred A. Buckles, Jr. says
Fred A. Buckles, Jr. says
May I extend by condolences, blessings, and prayers to the Family and Friends of Doddie.
I received a call from my nephew Kevin Buckles letting me know that Doddie passed away today. I personally felt a sense of emptiness and a lonely feeling at the loss of a real good friend. I shared with Kevin that Doddie and I were both born in Poplar the same year, me in May, him in June. And I mentioned to him that Doddie was a very good baseball player. Now that I see it mentioned in his obituary, I would like to share a little about our boyhood and youth experiences of playing baseball together.
We played in the Poplar Little League, starting around 3rd or 4th grade. Teams were chose at random and sponsored by local businesses. Sometimes Doddie and I ended up on the same team. He played 3rd base, and I being left handed played 1st base. Doddie played 3rd with a lot of energy and he could throw to 1st with accuracy and speed. I know because I felt the sting of those throws if I didn’t catch it in the webbing.
We later went on the play with the Poplar Babe Ruth League. Doddie played 3rd, I mostly played right field and sometimes played 1st. We played teams along the Hi-Line and others as well. Doddie became a real seasoned 3rd baseman during this time and when I played 1st, I knew he threw hard, accurate and on-line, so I made sure to catch those throws in the webbing. We went on to play in the Babe Ruth World Series in Glendive, MT. During our second game, I played 1st. There were some hot hits to 3rd, but Doddie handled them well and threw to 1st showing little effort. He had the ability to play 3rd with an easy and fluid motion. Some of the coaches from those other teams would tell our coach (Ray Whipke) how impressed they were with the play of Doddie and how easy he made it look to play the hot corner. Ray mentioned to our team that Doddie had the skills and ability to play 3rd at the college level and even higher. Having had the chance to experience playing baseball with Doddie, I know without a doubt he could have excelled to a higher level in baseball and become a top notched 3rd baseman.
I could go on sharing a lot more about our baseball playing days, but now in spirit I can remember them with my good friend in mind. God Bless You Doddie, and Thanks for the memories. You will be missed.
Karl Eder says
My condolences to Doddie’s family, Dust and I were sadden to hear of your dad’s passing AJ. Your dad was a good friend to my dad, Ray K. Eder. Dad enjoyed running into him and always had respect and good things say about him. Doddie helped me out too in the past, he is definitely a good man!! I’ll miss seeing him around town. Our prayers are with you and the family.
.
Fred A. Buckles, Jr. says
May I extend my condolences, blessings, and prayers to the family and friends of Doddie.
I received a call from my nephew Kevin Buckles telling me that Doddie had passed away today. I personally felt a sense of emptiness with a lonely feeling at the loss of a real good friend. I shared with Kevin that Doddie and I both were born in Poplar the same year, me in May and him in June. Then I mentioned to him that Doddie was a very good baseball player. Now that I see it mentioned in his obituary, I would like to share a little bit about our boyhood and youth experiences playing baseball together.
We played in the Poplar Little League, starting around 3rd or 4th grade. Teams were chosen at random and sponsored by local businesses. Sometimes Doddie and I ended up on the same team. He played 3rd base and I being left handed played 1st base. Doddie played 3rd with a lot of energy and he could throw to 1st with accuracy and speed. I know because I felt the sting of those throws if I didn’t catch them in the webbing.
We later went on to play with the Poplar Babe Ruth League. Doddie played 3rd and I mostly played right field and sometimes played 1st. We played teams along the Hi-Line and others as well. Doddie became a real seasoned 3rd baseman during this time. And when I played 1st, I knew he threw hard, accurate and on-line, so I made sure to catch those throws in the webbing. We went on to play in the Babe Ruth World Series in Glendive MT. During our second game, I played 1st base. There were some hot hits to 3rd and Doddie really handled them well and threw to 1st showing little effort. He had an ability to play 3rd with an easy and fluid motion. Some of the coaches from those other teams would tell our coach (Ray Whipke) how impressed they were with the play of Doddie and how easy he made it look to play the hot corner. Ray mentioned to our team that Doddie had the skill and ability to play 3rd base at the college level and even higher. Having had the chance to experience playing baseball with Doddie, I know without a doubt that he would have excelled to a higher level in baseball as a very good 3rd baseman.
I could go on sharing a lot more about our baseball playing days, but now in spirit I can remember them with my good friend in mind. God Bless You Doddie and Thanks for the memories. You will be missed.
Trudy Fox says
Charlene and Family
My heart goes out to all of your during this tough time. May Doddie Rest In Peace and may you find peace in sharing with your family all the great memories you have.
Jamita & Jadene Loya, Alexander & Pompia Farrelly and Marcie Farrelly says
All of our thoughts and prayers for Uncle Dodi as he begins his new journey. And all of our thoughts and prayers to his family, that will begin theirs with their loss. Our deepest sympathies to all our aunties and uncle for the loss of your brother. We must all stay safe and strong at this time in this world. I pray for my Montana family every day. God Bless.
Mary Ellen Frislie says
Sending my sincere condolences to my Uncle Doddies family. My heart and prayers are with you, I’m sure going to miss seeing him and visiting with him. May he rest in peace.
McAnally Family says
Our condolences and prayers during the loss of Doddie. May the Creator wrap all of you in loving arms as you all move through this time of grieving.
Roseann Shields says
Condolences to all family members. So sorry for your loss of Doddie.Prayers for your comfort at this sad time. RIP
Bill B Zimmerman says
Joe was a great classmate & plumber who would unselfishly drop everything
he was doing to help a friend in need 👍 Rest In Peace brother
Dani Lee McGowan says
Dear Cousin, Charlene and family. I am so sorry to hear of Doddie’s passing. He and I were classmates for a short time in grade school in Poplar. He was always so kind and friendly to me. May he rest in peace.
Gay Pennington says
Charlene and family you have my deepest Sympathy for the loss of Dottie. He will be miss by everyone. He always had a smile on his face, May god bless you all and his memory will live on. From Gay (Paulson) Pennington
Emily Patch says
My condolences to all of Doddie’s family. Charlene, I am so sorry. I was in Greek, Doddie’s older brothers’ class in grade school in Poplar. His picture resembles Greek, Zelma, Glorene and the whole Culbertson family.
It will be rough and you’ll always miss him, but you will pull through. Charlene, I remember your mother, Arlene fondly.
My best wishes,
Emily Patch
Portland, Oregon