Joseph “Joey” Howke, Schlinger, Foster, Buck, 23, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Feb. 21, 1985, in Kalispell.

Joey lived in the foster home of Kenneth and Jessie Schlinger for the first 12 years of his life, where he was lucky enough to gain some foster brothers and sisters - namely, Anna, Rebecca, Bonnie, Merisha, Kenneth Jr., Jeff, Brendon, Lynette, Samantha, Norma, Raven and John.

After losing his foster mom and dad he became the foster son of a young man by the name of Ron Foster, which then gave him two more brothers and a sister, Tarin, Mitchel and Blake, for the next four years.

Later, due to unforeseen circumstances, he became the foster son to his nurse, Nyla Buck, and her loving husband Berl, where he has been for the past seven years. This gave him two more foster brothers and four more foster sisters - namely, Forrest, Lowel, Teresa, Rebecca, Dawna and Annalynn.

All of these families gave Joey their total loving care and he loved each and every one of these foster families with all his heart.

During these years he had lots of skilled nurses caring for him. He could name two very special ones besides Nyla. They were Louise and Betty. He also received special respite care by Kate, Charlotte, Anita, Debra and Linda, all who gave gentle, loving care to him.

He thoroughly loved his therapy with special therapists, Leslie and Julie. Dr. Wilder and his wonderful staff looked after him and help make his time on Earth a better place.

Thanks to Home Solutions, Randy Kenyon CEC, and Noreco they were always there with all the things needed for my support and care.

When Nightingale Nursing and Ron Foster brought Nyla Buck on board and Outreach Alliance Services, Joey was able to continue his nursing care after turning 21 years old. Joey's foster brother Forrest "Frosty" took over guardianship of Joey so he could continue to live in a home he loved so much.

One of the things he enjoyed was talking on the phone, especially to one of his favorite special ladies, Gail. He also loved music and dancing with sing-alongs with his uncles, Louie and Jay, who played their guitars and sang to him.

Because of USANA helping his mom and dad, Joey was given the best quality of life possible for his special health circumstances. Joey brought love and joy to all who cared for him and he will be missed so very much.

He is survived by his foster parents, Berl and Nyla Buck, of Columbia Falls, and many others foster family and friends.

Memorial services for Joey will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on 1780 Talbot Road in Columbia Falls. There is no visitation.

Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Joey's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Joey's guest book.