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 Mangen, age 66, of Broadus

August 29, 1955 – October 24, 2021

John Mangen of Broadus, MT died Sunday, October 24, 2021 at the Billings, MT hospital at the age of 66.

John Jay Mangen was born to Chris and Loretta Mangen on August 29, 1955.  John grew up on his family ranch with his older brother, Chris and younger brother, Dan. Even as a little kid, he always wanted to go with his Dad, even if it was just to sit with him on a tractor plowing on a hot, dusty afternoon.

John graduated from Powder River County High School in 1973 and moved to Miles City to study electronics at Miles City Community College.  He graduated with his Associate of Applied Science Degree in 1975.  His father told him that he had to work for someone else for at least a couple of years before he could come back to the ranch.  He worked as a mechanic along with numerous other duties at Mac’s Frontierland.  During his time in Miles City he met Pamela Hewett and the two were wed on August 7, 1976.  A year later in December, they welcomed their first daughter, Melissa.  Shortly after that, John moved the family back to Broadus to work with his father and continued to build Mangen Angus Ranch.  In August of 1980, he welcomed his second daughter, Amanda.     John was a devoted father to his daughters.  He was always proud to tout (and maybe slightly exaggerate) their accomplishments.

John Mangen married Mary Alice Bilbrey (Snookums) July 2, 2005 at the ranch.  They made a home together at the homeplace in Broadus, MT.  Between the two of them they have five children, Melissa Reinhardt (Kevin), Amanda Lewis (Hal), Josh Bilbrey (Jana), Jiggs Bilbrey (Marlee), and daughter-in-law Trish Bilbrey.  Grandchildren, Amelia, Oliver, Sam, Claira John, Hayle, Leighton, Ashley, Jaxon, Shaylee, Rickee, Randen, Ridger, Jace, Jeret, J’Ann, Jaxcee, Quinn, and Mallory.  Brothers, Chris Jr (Shelly) and Dan (Ramona) and their children.  Brother-in-laws Keith (Edith) Slovek and Doug (Sandy) Slovek. Sister-in-laws Diane (Charlie) Gittings, Kathy (Greg) Arthur and Laurie (Ron) Mann. Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of many other relatives and friends.

Together with his dad they built the Mangen Angus Ranch that is known across the Tri-State area for their outstanding black angus cattle.  John had a smile that was contagious, his honesty was impeccable and his love for his family, friends and customers was above and beyond.

Throughout John’s life, Masonry was very important to him.  He was inspired by his dad Chris and his Uncle Pete Mangen to join the Fraternity.  He became a Master Mason in 1992.  In 1999 John was asked to become a part of the Grand Lodge Line of Montana.  This was a journey of eleven years, ending with him being the Grand Master (Pooh-bah) of the Masons of Montana in 2010-11.  This was a proud moment for John and his family.

In 2018 John and Mary Alice purchased land at Keyhole Reservoir. There they created a second home, The Lake House. John was the first to say, let’s go to the Lake House, Snookums. This was where they went to relax and make memories, memories Mary Alice will cherish forever.

Loved ones gone before him, parents Chris and Loretta, Uncle Pete Mangen, Cousin Doug Mangen and step-son Judd Bilbrey.

Visitation will be Friday, October 29, 2021 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Stevenson Funeral Home, Broadus, MT. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, 2:00 pm at the Congregational Church, Broadus, MT.  Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

Service Schedule

Visitation

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday October 29, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

101 Wilson Street

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Funeral Service

2:00 p.m.

Saturday October 30, 2021

Powder River Congregational Church

309 Wilson Street

Broadus , Montana 59317

View map

Interment

Immediately Following The Funeral Service

Saturday October 30, 2021

Valley View Cemetery

Broadus , Montana 59317

View map

Service Schedule

Visitation

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday October 29, 2021

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

101 Wilson Street

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Funeral Service

2:00 p.m.

Saturday October 30, 2021

Powder River Congregational Church

309 Wilson Street

Broadus , Montana 59317

View map

Interment

Immediately Following The Funeral Service

Saturday October 30, 2021

Valley View Cemetery

Broadus , Montana 59317

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

No photos have been submitted yet.
Click here to share yours.

Reader Interactions

Memories

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

  2. Mary Alice and all the families. So sorry for your loss! We considered John one of our special friends! His humor and twinkling eyes will be missed by many?!? Sending hugs and prayers?!! Deb and Bob

  3. Our Dear Friend, MaryAlice and family. Our hearts are broken for all of you. JOHN will surely be MISSED. LIKE SO MANY, HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND. WHEN HELP WAS NEEDED. JOHN WOULD SEND ALL. THE PRANKS HE DID WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO READ ABOUT IN OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER. OF COURSE SOME INCLUDED MY HUSBAND.
    I PRAY GOD WILL HELP ALL THROUGHTHIS TRYING TIME.

    WITH ALL OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS
    DON AND PENNY PEARCE + PLUS ALL OUR KIDS

  6. Mary Alice i am so sorry to see the loss of John. I did not know him well, but he was such a nice guy. thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

  7. Mary Alice, Melissa, Amanda and families—For once in my life, I’m at a total loss for words. John will always be that person in all our lives that leaves a lasting impression that we’ll talk about for years to come. His sense of humor was second to none. Jami Jo and I will definitely miss him walking by our counter and pointing over at us “two ol’ heifers” in his infrequent visits to the IGA. Hugs and deepest sympathies to you all in the hardest days to come.

  9. MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO MARY ALICE AND ALL YOUR FAMILIES–I DID NOT KNOW JOHN PERSONALLY BUT AM SURE I SAW HIM FROM TIME TO TIME. LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL AND MANY PRAYERS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

  10. Mary Alice, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my prayers as you go through the days and weeks ahead!

  13. So sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you all Mary Alice, Melissa, Mandy and the rest of the family. John was one of a kind. Full of pranks and jokes and a big heart. He will be missed. Hugs and Prayers for you all.

  14. My heart goes out to all those that John left behind. He was a great man, who will be missed by all who knew him. Hugs and prayers.

  15. Condolences to all the family. John was a good man and we will miss his bright smile and that twinkle in his eye.

  16. Mary Alice & family-
    So sorry for your loss – our thoughts are with you. May your memories bring you comfort.

  17. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Prayers for comfort and healing. Hugs.
    Dan & Sheri

  19. Mangen Family. Sorry about Johns passing. His jovial manner will be missed. He was a highlight in any day we talked. Great memories and visits.

  20. We are so sorry for your loss. Enjoyed working with John and his up beet personality. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you and the family.

  21. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Mangen family. He was pretty special.

  24. Very sorry to hear about John. My thoughts and prayers to MaryAlice and the Mangen Family.

  25. To all the Mangen family we are so sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was a special man and will be greatly missed by many.

  27. Mary Alice and family, words are not enough to ease the pain in your hearts. John was such a great person and deeply cared for by all who knew him. Know that we are praying for comfort for all.

  28. Mary Alice and Family, we are so saddened to hear of John’s passing. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

  29. Mary Alice and family, we are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He had such a warm smile and infectious laugh! Know that he is at peace and free from earthly discomfort. Sending prayers for understanding and strength.

  31. Mary Alice and family I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

  32. Mary Alice and family, our hearts grieve with you. So very sorry for your loss. Many prayers for your comfort. With sincere condolences.
    Kenny, and Kelly Babb and family

  34. Mary Alice and all the Mangen family. My heart grieves with you all. I have known John since he was a blonde little happy boy. It is hard to understand that we will never hear that jovial laugh with the twinkle in those blue eyes. May God Bless all of you at this difficult time. May your memories give you peace in the days ahead.

  35. Mary Alice and family,

    So sad to hear this news. John was so adorable and I’m so glad I got to know him. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Words cannot express how heartbroken I am for all of you. Big hugs!🙏❤️🙏

  36. Mary Alice and family,
    We are so sorry to hear about the loss of John. We are praying for strength and comfort for you and your family during the days ahead.

  37. We are so saddened with the loss of John. He was a great guy. We always enjoyed our visits. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will be missed.

  38. Mary Alice and family, so very sorry for your loss. John was a kick and will be remembered for his fast witted comments and hug smile. May God be with you as you proceed through your loss. We will be thinking of you all.

  39. So sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was a great guy, so enthusiastic. He will be missed.

  41. This world seems a lot duller and darker today with John’s passing I know God has a plan but I’m going to ask Him about this one. Our love to all the Mangen family.

  42. He truly was a jolly good fellow. As friends of Loretta’s, our prayer group had lotsa laughs as she told us the latest shenanigans of son John. And no one laughed harder than Loretta — before, during, and after the tale–, once she was able to spit out the story…..
    I expect there’s some fierce cribbage games going on between the two in Heaven already. Dee & family

  43. Mary Alice and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. An awesome man gone before his time. Will be missed by all.

  45. Mary Alice and family,

    We are so very for you loss, we are sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. He will be missed

    The Aye’s

  46. Mary Alice and family,
    Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family on the loss of John. He was such a kind man who had a smile on his face every time we talked to him. He will certainly be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers for you all.

  48. John was one of a kind, he will always be remembered for his hearty laugh and joking ways. Praying for all the family and I look forward to seeing again someday on the other side.

  49. Melissa and Amanda, so sorry for your loss. Will always remember John along with his happy demeanor and kindness. He will continue be in our thoughts.

  50. Mary Alice and family
    Our hearts and prayers go out to you. We did not know John personally but through Kathy and Greg come to know him as a great guy.
    Jim and Lana Elshere

  51. All of the Mangen Family – we are so sorry to hear about John. You are in our thoughts & prayers.

  52. So very sorry for your loss.. he will be missed dearly. What a wonderful man. Love and prayers.

  54. I love the man that made my girlfriend from high school so happy – what a special man. And my sons loved you both when they had the opportunity to share fish stories with the two of you! The two of you complimented each other, worked together, and made so many happy memories together in the last 15+ years. I pray that those memories will bring you comfort in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. Please know that I am always here for you – love you so much – Trudy

  55. Visiting family annually over the years I had the pleasure of first meeting John’s parents and later himself walking out of the shop with a hard day’s work written all over him I was shocked when he said his name the respect was instant his smile and kindness will last forever ! the foot print he left in your community was enormous. This loss your loss shook me to my core ! God bless him and all of his friends and family. Especially those beautiful grandkids. RIP John.

  56. I never got to meet John but I know he made you very happy. I am so sorry for your loss. You have so many memories to hold on to. Treasure them! Sending you and your family prayers. Love you my friend.

  57. Cousin Mary Alice, you have my deepest sympathy and condolences. I have heard very highly of John from Dad over the years and have planned to meet him and visit you both some time after my new bride and I return to the U.S. next year. May God’s Blessings be with you at this time. Cousin Jeff.

  58. Mary Alice & family – Our sincerest sympathies to you all. John will be so missed.

  59. Alas My Brother, Your infectious personality and sense of humor will be missed by your family and friends. Your Masonic Brothers across Montana and Wyoming will miss you and remember your dedication to the fraternity. My personal condolences to all of your family. They should feel some comfort knowing that you are still with them in spirit.

  60. Mary Alice and family, We are sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you in your time of sorrow.

  61. We can’t even begin to think of appropriate words to express our sympathy to you Mary Alice and family. John was one of a kind. We thought the world of him. Our sympathy and prayers are with all the family.

  62. Mary Alice my prayers are with you and your family, John’s smile and laughter will be missed!

  63. Mary Alice and family,
    This news is heartbreaking. John was such a character and I just loved visiting with him and his laugh. Hugs to all of you and may you find some peace in your memories. Love you, Mary Alice.

  64. To all of John’s family,

    Well the picture captures John perfectly! John and I became friends while John was working here in Miles City at Mac’s Frontier. When John asked me to be his best man at his wedding I was honored. John had a great idea for a bachelor party……he bought an 800.00 toyota and we drove for 3 weeks visiting the southwest but stayed just to the north of Mexico! This trip resulted in a lot of stories over the years……most larger than life! Many years later he was the best man at my wedding. As lives move on didn’t get to see him much over the years but when we ran into each other he always had a a big hug for ya, a joke or two an sly twinkle in his eye! Last time we talked he spoke so highly of his wife and of course his girls! Will miss him a lot. Scott and Jenette Denson

  65. Mary Alice and family, I am so sorry for your loss of your Husband, Dad, and Grandfather. I hope you can find peace with all your memories. Rene Konst-Philip

  66. To Mary Alice, the girls, Chris ,Dan and families,
    We are truly sorry to hear of John’s passing. I knew him mostly through the stories his mother told of him and their competitive Cribbage games after lunch. She always spoke of him with a twinkle in her eye and I’ve seen that same twinkle in his once or twice. Our prayers are with you.

  68. Mike really talked very highly about John and Mary Alice he was glad to meet him and very sorry about your loss

  69. Mary Alice sorry about your loss Mike talked very highly about both of you he was glad he got to meet you

  70. My Prayers and Love go out to the Mangan family. May God Bless you with the memories he has left with us all as John was a wonderful man . God Bless ” Keep Looking Up “

  71. Mary Alice:
    My condolences on John’s passing. Mangen family were great long time clients and more importantly good friends for which I am most appreciative. Never saw John much, mostly Chris, Loretta and you. Assume John was more the outdoor workman, and not the “books” person. Anyway, you all made an excellent team. Best wishes.

  72. The loss of John will be a big adjustment to his family and friends. We have all been blessed with the time we had with him. He will be truly missed by all.

  73. MARY ALICE AND FAMILY
    SO SORRY ABOUT LOSSING JOHN. MAY THE GOOD LORD HELP YOU AND YOURS THRU THIS TIME OF NEED GOD BLESS YOU ALL

  74. Mary Alice & Family:
    John’s quick wit and infectious smile will be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

  75. Dear Mary Alice and family:. You have been, and will remain, in our thoughts and loving prayers. He was a good man. May God give you comfort and peace and wrap His loving arms around you. Our love, Mike and Shar

  76. Mary Alice and family.. we’re so very sorry for your loss.. John was such a joy to visit with and his smile was unforgettable ❤ our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time..🙏❤❤ Pat and Monte Herzog

  77. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers! John had such a great sense of humor and love for the lifestyle he lived. He will be missed! My prayer for you is that God’s peace and love comforts you through the pain you’re feeling right now. I also pray he helps you recover and heal, in time, from this heartbreaking loss.

  78. Our family has lost such a special person. My deepest condolences to his wife, my family and his friends. He was such a capable and generous person. Mostly he will be remembered because he was a giver of sunshine to others through his joy, laughter and smiles by just being his kind sweet self. So remember John by smiling and laughing a little more often to bring that joy to others. Our hearts are broken because he is already so missed.

  79. Mary Alice and all your families,
    Sending our sincere condolences in the loss of your best friend, and such a “Special Guy” to so many, by all the loving comments!
    We didn’t know John, but Dusty spoke highly! May God Bless you All!

  81. So sorry Mary Alice for your loss, John was my close friend through school and beyond. It was good to be able to spend some time with him this summer on the ranch. He is missed. Don and Evelyn Carter

  82. So sad to hear this. His grandmother lived next door to us and he was the cute smiley little boy who visited her. His mother and our mother were great friends.

  83. I thoroughly enjoyed being around John at Masonic get togethers. He was always smiling and liked to visit with everyone. He was a people person. I will miss him at masonic appearances.

  84. I’m writing this on behalf of my mom and dad and I. I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember John as a great guy. I think my wonderful memories were of all the Mangen family. Good friends, good neighbors and always being there for others. I remember John and his involvement in serving at funerals as a member of the Masonic lodge. My prayers are sent from my house and my mom and dad at the manor. God is has John in the palm of His Hands.💞🙏

  85. Mary Alice and all the Mangen family, We are so sorry for the loss of John. He always had a smile on his face and quite a sense of humor. God bless you in this difficult time and in the days ahead. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

  86. We are so very sorry for your loss. John’s humor will be missed by all. Condolences to the family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

  87. That picture is just perfect! Exactly how we remember John. A great guy and a great sense of humor. So sorry for your loss, gone way too soon.

  88. Mangen family: heard about John and wanted to send our condolences. John was a great prankster and friend to all.
    We loved to visit with him and his family whenever we came to Broadus. He always made people feel at home and never left anyone feeling like they hadn’t just made a new friend. God’s peace to you and your family.

  89. Southeastern Montana makes men. Men like John make southeastern. He leaves this country for a better place, but those he leaves will miss him until the BIG Gathering. God rest him.

  91. Mary Alice & families, Sure thinking of you at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts & prayers! Love & hugs!

  93. We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing away. You are in our thoughts and prayers. John was one of those people who put a smile on your face and in your heart every time you met. He was one of the good ones and will sorely be missed.

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

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