Robert E. McInerney 1936-2026
Thundering across the prairie on a pony named King, staying in step to the drill sergeant’s cadence, hopping girders to rivet for Boeing, catching a few big ones at the dredge cuts, always starting a greeting with Howdy, have you heard the one about and never being afraid to tell you that he loved you filled nine decades of Robert (Bob) McInerney’s life.
Born in Glasgow, Montana in August of 1936, as the second eldest to Everett and Irma. His big sister, Jean, was his forever protector and partner in crime. In his teens two more siblings, Kathy and Jim, joined the crew and kept the McInerney legacy of shenanigans and pranks alive on Mahon Street.
Enlisting in the Marines after high school with some of his best buddies showed the pride he had in his country. Trying college and a few different occupations out of state just proved that Montana was where he wanted to be. Law enforcement was an easy choice and led him to the gal he would later put a ring on. Janis Koski worked in the same building that housed the prisoners, had jet black hair and drove a Camaro. He loved telling people that he met his wife in jail. They married in 1971, lived in Fort Peck, Montana and welcomed two kids, JuDee and Tim. Dad priorities were always making sure kids had ears covered to prevent ear infections, try at least one bite of dinner even if it looks hideous, bb guns by age 10, it’s ok to keep a secret or two from Mom and laugh. As his kids grew, he transitioned to a career with the Army Corps of Engineers and moved to Helena, Montana. He finished his career with the Corps and was thankful for the friends, opportunities and service it provided him.
Grandkids, lap dogs, and Hofbrau fried chicken made him smile after retirement. Celebrating grandsons, Connor, Michael and Liams birthdays was an annual May highlight. The Durango could barely carry the birthday gifts but the time reading books and getting hugs made the cramped ride to Boise worth it.
After Jan passed Bob moved to Billings, Montana but still stayed in touch with friends back on the highline and Helena. Less chances to greet with a Howdy but email was a perfect way for him to share his latest joke. The Game Show Network became his ultimate entertainment in most recent years. He said Jeopardy “kept him sharp” but Family Feud kept him chuckling.
Faith, family and friends is what he leaned on the last few months of his life. Hospice and the West Park staff treated him with dignity and allowed him move on to his next address in the sky. Bob is survived by sister Kathy (Kent) Bell, brother Jim (Cheryl) McInerney, daughter JuDee (Kent) O’Donnell, son Tim (Michelle) McInerney, grandsons Connor, Michael and Liam McInerney, and loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
A gravesite service will be held at Highland Cemetery, Glasgow, Montana on September 21, 2026 at 1:00pm. In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the Newfoundland Club of America NCA Charitable Trust, mynca.org or St. Judes Children’s Hospital, stjude.org.
