John Kenneth Woitkielewicz, age 50, of Miles City passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2022, at his home with his family by his side, after a fierce battle with cancer.
John was born in Miles City Montana on December 12, 1971, the son of Philip and Holly (Combs) Woitkielewicz. He grew up in Miles City with his younger sister and brother. While John was attending Custer County District High School, he enjoyed working the summers with Fish Wildlife and Parks at Hell Creek. He always took pride in making people happy with his genuine personality and sense of humor. He was always proud of how he kept the campgrounds clean and enjoyable for everyone.
After graduating high school in 1991, he continued working for FWP both at Fort Peck and doing block management. John attended Northwest College in Powell Wyoming in 1993. Next, he moved to Townsend to work for Townsend Marina as a marine mechanic where he enjoyed working on boats and ATV’s. During this time John met his wife of 21 years. John definitely proved to everyone that when he sees something he wants nothing could come between him and his goals in life. Soon after meeting his wife, they had two beautiful daughters that he loved more than life itself.
John moved back to Miles City after his first daughter Kaitlin was born. Less than two years later his second daughter Megan was born. When he wasn’t spending time with his family you could often find him spending his time gaming with his good friend Tim and his brother. His favorite hobbies were fishing and hunting with his friends. It was like clockwork during the winter months he would be out hunting and once it got warm enough, he would be out at Twelve Mile Dam fishing with his family and friends. John always looked forward to when his childhood friend Kevin came down for fishing and hunting trips.
If he wasn’t out hunting, he would be processing meat with his brother at Custer Processing. John found a lot of happiness working at the meat shop. His pride in his work for processing meat shined through. Even when the cancer got bad, he insisted on going out and helping in the shop. One thing John was always proud of was when he helped process meat for the veterans and seeing the impact it had on the people and families.
John left behind his mother Holly Woitkielewicz, wife Shauna Woitkielewicz, two children: Kaitlin and Megan Woitkielewicz, two siblings: Tammy (Eric) Elton and Robert (Dellia) Woitkielewicz, and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father Philip Woitkielewicz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in John’s name to the Veteran’s Meat Lock or Wake Up & Lace Up, Miles City.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Garth Sleight says
Megan had been keeping me posted on her dad’s condition. My heart breaks for the entire family. John’s passing was much too soon. My condolences to the entire family.
Dan and Linda says
Holly, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family
Laurie Claypool says
Shauna, Katlin and Megan I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband/father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time!
Aliceann Carlton says
I am saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was good-hearted, and loving to family and to friends. Be at peace, John, you stood strong until it was time to leave. Now you are free to bring your light to all who love you. It has been an honor.
Al Homme says
John we’ll miss you
Tracy Bloxom Riola says
My heart breaks for Holly and the family. John was my big brother growing up. I have many great memories and learning experience with John. RiP and give dad a big hug for me.
Mark and Lauri Olin says
We are so sorry for your loss. John was taken way to soon. We regret not making the family reunion happy this year. There has been so much loss in our families this year. We will continue to lift you up in prayer to our Father and ask that He wrap all of you up in his loving arms and bring a total peace and comfort to your hearts and minds as you walk through this valley. He promises to never leave or forsake us. I have experienced this first hand especially this year. Sending our love and prayers to the whole family.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
We are so so sorry. John always had a smile but we had not seen him for a long long time. Sending hugs and prayers for all John’s family.
Denise Harvey says
We are so very sad to hear of John’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Margaret Brown says
Holly and family, I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man. I had him as a student my first year teaching. He was 12 and a delight to have in class. As the years went by, I kept up with him when I would see him and his family shopping or through his mom and brother. He sure loved his family and was so proud of his daughters. Megan and Kaitlin, know that he will always be with you and watching over you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
April Thompson says
Shauna, Holly, Megan and Kaitlin,
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My prayers are for peace and comfort during this heartbreaking time. I know he is at peace and will be watching over you all.
Aubrey Drebes says
Holly, I am so sorry to see this. You are in my prayers. I love you. Aunt Aubrey
VERONICA MEANS-BAKER says
Shawna, I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss. I lost a mother, grandma, and grandpa to cancer. I am glad my family is not in any more pain, like John. Heaven has gained another angel. He was always s kind and funny. Always cracking a joke when he was around. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.