Joel Michael Grovner Scallen, 88
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 day, 10 hours AGO
Joel Michael Grovner Scallen, 88, passed away Jan. 25, 2026, four days before his 89th birthday. Born Jan. 29, 1937, in Minneapolis, Joel served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Turkey and Germany.
Joel attended both MSU in Bozeman and University of Minnesota. He was a civil engineer whose career spanned the United States, from building power plants to preserving the Going to the Sun Road. He had a great love of nature, spending a lot of time outdoors. He particularly loved Hyalite Canyon in Bozeman and Lake McDonald in Glacier Park. A gentle man and tireless youth hockey volunteer, he famously helped push the Zamboni.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judith Ann (married Oct. 30, 1965); sons, Michael (Andrea) and Matthew (Tresha); grandchildren, Emily, Aiden, Garrett, Allie and Olive; great-grandson, Ander; and sisters, Kathy Wilde and Mimi Goplen.
Joel was preceded in death by his father, Joel Francis; mother, Doris; "Mom" Ruth; and sister, Janie. He will truly be missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2 at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. To send online condolences please visit columbiamorutary.com.