Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

John Celander, age 43, of Miles City.

March 7, 1979 – July 10, 2022

On Sunday, July 10th John Micheal Celander passed away peacefully at home. John suffered from end stage renal disease and was hoping for a new kidney. He was 43 years old.
John was born to Ronald and Susan (Root) Celander in Baker, MT. He was his mother’s special gift as he was born following the death of his older sister. He adored his mother and the two were inseparable even into his adult life. John, his siblings and his mother moved all around eastern Montana in his early years while his Dad worked in the oilfield. He attended many schools in their travels including in Glasgow, Bozeman and Miles City where he graduated from high school. John worked for many years at the Miles City Star where he met the love of his life, Kristi Randall. The two were married in 2010 and welcomed their son, Clayton, the same year. John got a certificate from MCC for heavy equipment operation and began a career to support his family.
“Big John” had a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone and loved fiercely. He made lifelong friends wherever he went. John loved spending time with friends and family around a campfire after he prepared a delicious meal. Cooking was his passion and he was so good at it. He was teaching Clayton how to cook for his college roommates someday. His second passion was fishing. He spent many weekends camping and fishing with his loved ones. John’s third passion was telling jokes. He loved to hear a good one and loved to repeat it even more.
John is survived by his wife Kristi, their son Clayton, his mother Susan, his siblings Stephanie (Joe) Moog, Jason, Jeffery and Tammy Elliott. His uncles Roger (Darlene) Root and Ed Root and an aunt Beverly McGuire. He is preceded in death by his older sister Heidi, his father Ronald, and his bonus dad Patrick Landers.
Not a day will go by that his family and friends don’t miss him. He was a big man with a big personality and left us with a giant hole in our hearts. His son says he was the best dad ever.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Kidney Foundation or Wake Up Lace Up.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday July 14, 2022

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday July 14, 2022

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

Share your photos

Reader Interactions

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Kristy and Clayton, We are very sorry to hear of your loss of John. Our prayers are with you at this time.

  2. Precious Friend, our hearts are broken for you and your family. Sending all our love and deepest sympathy to you and Clayton. Rob & Kathryn

  3. I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved John. What a difficult time for all of you!
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  4. To John’s family we are so saddened to hear of John passing he was a good man. My husband and I have been friends with him since grade school.

  7. Kristy, I just saw John about two weeks ago as I was walking out of Walmart. We had a good visit and he told me he wasn’t doing well. I was just thinking about him and his paddle fish fishing. I will miss all of our fishing conversations. My heart aches for you and Clayton. I am so sorry to hear this loss in our community. May our memories of his fun stories keep him in our hearts and to ease the pain in your hearts.

  8. Kristi, Clayton, Susan, and Celander family, our hearts ache deeply for your loss. John was a remarkable man with a heart of pure gold. We will remember his smile and watch him live on through his son.

  9. I’m so sorry to hear about John. He was a wonderful person & will be greatly missed.

  10. We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing, he was a good guy. Alway friendly, we would talk at times but he always said Hi,Susan. Prayer for all the family.

  11. Oh my!! I was so saddened to hear about John’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him. I liked the way John got to the point and never sugar coated it. You just knew where you stood. He always talked about his love of his wife and son. RIP John! You will be missed

  13. Oh Kristi and family,
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Allow God to wrap his loving arms around you and hold you tight to bear the burden of your grief and bring you strength.

  14. Oh this is so so sad to hear. We loved you Johnny!! Prayers to your family…he will be missed greatly.

  15. Kristi,
    We’re so sorry–there are no words. Please know our thoughts are with you and all of John’s family.

  16. Kristi and Clayton, I am so sorry. Please know I am praying for you both. Nothing will ever replace John in your lives but may God bring you peace in time. He loved you both so much. My deepest sympathies.

  17. Kristi, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Tammy Helmuth

  18. Kristi – I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Hugs to you my friend.

  19. So sorry to hear of John’s passing, He was a real genuine person that put many others before him. He will be greatly missed by many.

  20. Kristi, I am so very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Many thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
    Janice Klempel

  22. Kristi and Clayton

    My heart is breaking for you all. So thankful I was privileged to meet him. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers

  23. Krissy and Clayton,
    Again, I’m so sorry for your loss of your dear husband and dad John. I’m praying for your strength and peace during these trying times. Lil man, give your mama lots of big hugs.
    John was always so kind and genuine. I remember being so happy when the two of you met and fell in love, Krissy. No two kind hearts deserved each other more. Then when you had Clayton…I knew you’d both be amazing parents. The love you all have for each other is so easy to see
    John was always there with a good conversation in the store or at the very least a quick hello in passing. He was a sweet teddy bear, with a heart of gold… that loved his family dearly. He will forever be missed.
    I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏 Love and hugs. 💜

  24. To the Celander family, my prayers go out for you to find comfort in dealing with your loss of John. He is with his dad, now. That was a tough an sudden loss also. I am sure Kristi, Susan, and Clayton will form an even deeper relationship as they continue on without John. Jan

  25. Kristie and Clayton,
    I met John when he became a co-worker many years ago. He was a great guy, always had a smile or positive word for anyone that looked depressed. Always helped with sharing the work load. I had the honor of knowing his parents and brothers when we worked together. I met Kristi soon after they married, John was so happy, Kristie glowed with pride and love.
    John would even come over do snow removal for me a couple years ago.
    John will be missed by all who knew him. It has been awhile since I’ve seen or talked to John and Kristie.
    I know that life is short, I am so saddened by the passing of John. May God help with your healing, sending you thoughts and prayers.

  26. Susan, Kristi, Clayton, Jeff and family
    We are so sorry for your loss and know he will truly be missed by all. God Bless you all at this time and our prayers are with you.

  27. So very sorry for your loss. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Prayers to all.

  28. Oh Kristi and Clayton –
    I am so sorry to read this! Our thoughts and prayers are with the both of you!
    ((Hugs))
    Kendra & Aniya

  29. Kristi, my heart goes out to you. I am so very sorry that you have lost your beloved husband. My prayers will be for you and your whole family.

  30. Susan I was so heart broken to hear of jonnies passing❤️🙏 i have such wonderful memories of your family at trails west ❤️❤️❤️ I loved being part of your family as a kid and absolutely loved babysitting johnnie Stephie and Jason😍my heart and prayers are with you all 🙌 all my love Chee Chee

  31. Kristi,
    I am so very sorry friend. May you and Clayton be comforted by many good memories!!

  32. Sorry to the family for the loss of a loved one may God keep you all safe and bless you.

  33. Kristi and Clayton,

    Please accept our condolences for the loss of your dear husband and father. May God give you rest and respite during your grieving. Such a heartache. Hugs, Kristi.

  35. Aunt Susan, cousins, Kristi, and Clayton my heart breaks for you all. Sending much love and many prayers in your time of grief. May God bring peace to your hearts🕊

  36. Kristi,
    My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. So very sad to hear this.

  37. Kristi and Clayton, I am so sorry to hear of John’s death. We really enjoyed meeting him in 2020 when we were all at Tongue River Reservoir State Park. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Barry & Denise Craigen

  38. Kristi: my prayers are for you, hoping for healing and strength during this difficult time.

  39. Kristi, you and your son are in my prayers. May God give you comfort and peace in the many wonderful memories that you have. God Bless you both.

  40. My heart goes out to Susan and her family, to John’s wife and son, so sorry for your loss.

  41. I’ve known John for many years, hearing about his passing has been a tough one to accept. He was always super kind and caring. Watching him fight for his life was such an inspiration, everytime I ran into him he was so positive about life. John will certainly be missed.

  42. Kristi and Clayton,
    We are all thinking very deeply of you guys and are very sorry to hear about John’s passing.

  44. There aren’t enough words to convey my empathy and sadness for you all, he was such a kind man . Many hugs and prays for you Kristi and family, and May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort! God bless you!

  45. Denise and I are sad to hear of John’s passing at far too young an age. When we were neighbors he was always pleasant and we had many good talks. I’m sorry I didn’t realize he was as ill as he was as we hadn’t seen him for quite a long time after you folks moved. Our deepest sympathies and condolences.

  47. Kristy and Clayton, I have no words to describe the way my heart hurts for you and the rest of the family. My prayers are with you and all family and friends.

  48. My heart goes out to all of John’s family. Kristy, I have been thinking about you and praying for your whole family. God give you strength and everyone’s support. You are so loved and have many wonderful memories to remember. Sending you many hugs. Hope to see you soon. Love Tami Mitchell

  49. My heart aches for 1 of my best friends growing up. John was a great man and that he loved his family beyond measure. Not only did we go to school together but we got another chance to go to college also. So proud he graduated and went to work for Sanjel. Thank you GOD for allowing me to know you John. RIP my friend 😢 💔 😞

Add your thoughts and memories. Upon approval they will be added.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *