John Paul Grywusiewicz, age 71, of Miles City passed away on July 26, 2020 at his home in Miles City.
John was born in Wildflagen, Germany on his older brother Iggie’s thirteenth birthday on December 27, 1948, the son of Peter and Kazimiera (Zubkiewicz) Grywusiewicz. When he was four months old, his family moved to Ashland, Montana. In 1952, he moved to Miles City and he attended school at Sacred Heart. He enlisted in the Army, serving during Vietnam and following his honorable discharge he returned to Miles City where he was a logger and carpenter. He taught carpentry college in Dillon.
John had a love for horses and guitars, which guitars won out in the end! He was also an avid fisherman. His passion was guitars, playing in numerous rock-n-roll bands around Miles City. His love for playing in bands never died. He was a guy who taught his nephews and nieces how an uncle should behave. He will be loved and missed by all his family and friends who knew him. John was a lifelong member of the VFW. One of his favorite quotes: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that’s why it is called the present.”
John is survived by his brother Iggie Grywusiewicz; and numerous nieces and nephews: Roxanne (Paul) Wright, Steve Grywusiewicz, Donna (Joe) Johnson, Mike (Elaine) Marrow, Gary Grywusiewicz, Dave (Pinky) Grywusiewicz, Terry (Mike) Federer, Sherry Stagemeyer, Eric (Kate) Grywusiewicz, Ed (Christa) Grywusiewicz, Susan Stargeon & Tom (Kristin) Grywusiewicz. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Teddy, Jerry & Al; a sister Lee; and the love of his life Kim Hurley.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military graveside services will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors. A luncheon will follow at the VFW. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 10, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday August 10, 2020
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 10, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday August 10, 2020
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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David Harasymczuk says
Oh John, my old friend.
I think of you often, your magic fingers playing bass, makin up ditties and having a great time. Laughing about our Ukrainian last names and teasing people on how to say them, let alone spell em. I still tell stories about that. Although I haven’t seen you in some time, it always brings a smile to my face when I think of those days.
The FreeLance Band days were some of the best, heady, full of good times, and we all had such camaraderie! The songs you made up on the spot…’Payin the Mini Mart Back’…the AWESOME roadtrips the band took and the gigs played in most all the dive bars around. Opening for the Montana Band at the World Famous Bucking Horse Sale was nothing short of epic! You always had the wry kinda grin on like you knew something no one else did. You probably did.
Thank you for serving our country in Vietnam, you made it thru one of the toughest jobs over there and your stories were descript and telling. I have so much respect for you and all who served.
I hope those around you find peace and solace in their time of need, John, and as for me I’ll have a ditty in the back of my mind that’ll remind me of you.
Godspeed my friend.
Say hello to my folks.
Diane Welbes says
So sorry to hear this, may it comfort the loved ones to know that I care,
Linda Hodgson says
John, so glad I got to see you last week!! I’m so sad you are gone. You find a dog band up there and play that guitar for all to hear. RIP my friend. 😥🙏
Linda Hodgson says
Auto correct made a big mistake. I meant to play in a BIG band not dog band! 😟
Kelly Walker says
John you will be missed by many! Lots of memories were made at The Trails Inn! Loved all the woodwork you done in that bar. Your bass playing was AWESOME! R.I.P. my friend!
Vikki Bradley says
To John’s family, he was such a great guy. He is at peace and in a better place with some of the old gang. You will always be in my heart. Bright Eyes.
Joe Fredrickson says
In will miss our talks john. From day one when you found out I was from Miles City when we met selling cats in Billings. You and I became best friends. You help my son with his music and just about anything else I needed. Say hi to my mom and dad I know they will be happy to see you. Gone to soon my friend I will love and remember you forever. You changed my life and I’m so much the better for having you in my life. I love you Johnny G . I’ll see you when it’s time again until then Rest Easy my friend. Rest Easy
Linda Walker says
So many talks of life. So many laughs. Rest in Peace my friend.
ronald lala says
RIP John. I will always remember you and all the good times we shared. You always had a way to make others happy and make them laugh.Good bye my friend.
phil ewalt says
I never got the chance to talk over the good old times in the sixties with you. Now it will have to wait. R.I.P., my friend.
Dione Leidholt says
So sorry you left us too soon John. I am remembering the 12 years we shared at SH and the fun we had growing up with our class mates. I especially recall the fishing trip that you, Bob Bradley, and I had. May you and Bob rest in the hands of our Lord.
Steve Preston says
So sorry about John. He was a good person.
THOMAS E MASA says
R.I.P John G
Dan Lorbiecke says
God Bless you John and your family hopefully you are now at peace with the Lord
Daniel Lorbiecke says
After reading John’S obituary and his favorite quote reminded me of my favorite quote of John’S (The wind may blow in many directions but only God can make a tree) from our high school days.
Shawn Armstrong says
I am stunned John. Although your health worsened the last few years, your departure seems so unexpected. I so enjoyed our meetings, even as few and far between as they occured the last few years. Never a dull moment or reminisce of the years spent driving nails, slinging paint, putting down roofing, knocking holes in walls or hanging wood product down at the trails for Bob. The best of times my friend. So many things I had the opportunity to learn from you. I had no idea you passed John. For this I am deeply sorry. The regret does and will run deep. Rest easy my friend.
Barbara Ashley says
John my friend-now you can have a long visit with my aunt Onie and Cousin Mike and his son and play some music together. Such a kind friend to me and and Spencer. Will miss you. Rest In Peace.
Jay Spehar says
Rest in peace old friend. We all love and miss you! See you on the other side….
Jay Spehar