John William McKerlick, age 80, of Jordan died Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Billings Clinic Hospital after three weeks of Inpatient Cancer Care for acute myeloid leukemia. John and his son Kenny were out feeding their livestock when Dr. Dan called with the possible diagnosis.
John William McKerlick was born February 2, 1934, in Miles City to parents Margaret (Milroy) and John McKerlick of the Big Dry. He was raised on the family ranch and sent to live with his Grandparents Milroy and Aunties in Jordan for grades 1 – 7. He graduated 8thgrade at Van Norman School, and back to Jordan for High School, graduating in 1952. The family had moved to Kinsey and John spent a year at Miles City Junior College. He spent a second year at Eastern Montana College, where he played on the basketball team. In 1954-55, John and his parents returned to the Big Dry to operate the family ranch. He faithfully saw to the ranch and cared for his parents as he lost his father in 1972, and his mother in 1982.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s John continued to run sheep and cows on the Big Dry. He often traveled from home to enjoy country dances, concerts, Caledonian Society gatherings, and the local bars. John greatly enjoyed a ballgame and he went to many a high school basketball contest to watch Barbara Jo Harbaugh and the Mustangs.
On November 16, 1984, John married Edla Billing in Miles City. They were blessed with their son Kenneth Howard on August 18, 1985. The family spent most of 30 years raising livestock, traveling to local events, and helping each other out while making their home on the Big Dry amongst neighbors, friends and relatives.
John William was an active community member playing basketball and attending all sports, serving on Predator, Livestock, BLM, Republican, Hospital and School Boards, and was committed to being an Election Judge. He and Edla were always very involved in the neighborhood; from going to pancake suppers to fixing up the country schoolhouses, their helping presence was appreciated by all. John was always happy and proud to support Kenny, and his peers too, in all their activities. We all know John’s strong opinions on good livestock, good boiled cowboy coffee, oatmeal breakfasts, and real butter, being honest and responsible, being loyal, being on time, and keeping up with news and politics. His enjoyments of good social visiting, music and dancing, getting out for an evening among friends “kept his motor running”. He was a great host and an appreciative guest.
John was active right up until his stay in Billings for chemotherapy. He drove the feed pickup most every day this winter and spent a whole afternoon plowing with the Ford tractor just over a month ago. John’s happiest day in Billings was being Baptized and Confirmed on April 16 by good friend Father Tony Schuster, who provided all the comforts of the Church with Communion and Last Rites. He goes to the Lord with the full confidence of a faithful servant ready to meet his Maker.
John is survived by Edla, Kenny, Barbara Jo Morgan and her family, brother Tom (Marvel), sister Jeannie, sisters-in-law, Pat Neiffer and Margie Foster, his brother-in-law Leo (Judy) Billing, nieces and nephews and his Milroy cousins. Special recognition is given to Sterling Brown and Dean Milroy for a lifetime of great friendship and dependability. John cherished the many who worked on the ranch over the years. John is preceded in death by his mother in 1982 and his father in 1972, loving aunts Helen Milroy, Emily Milroy, Minnie Brown, Bun McLeod, uncles Bill Milroy and Fred Milroy and cousins William and Freddie Brown and Donnie McLeod.
Eighty good years of life blessed John with a special place in the hearts of many. Many have gone before him. Those of us who remain say; go in peace, rest in peace until we meet again.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City from 2:00-4:00 p.m. followed by a Vigil Scripture Service at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will begin on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Garfield County High School Gymnasium in Jordan with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Jordan Ambulance Service or to a local charity of one’s choice
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday May 4, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
4:00 p.m.
Sunday May 4, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday May 5, 2014
Garfield High School Gym
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday May 4, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
4:00 p.m.
Sunday May 4, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday May 5, 2014
Garfield High School Gym
Jordan, Montana 59337
Share
Muff Engdahl says
Edla and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. John was a wonderful man, I will never forget his big smile it lit up a room. Hold your memories close in your hearts, may they help you heal and lift you up during this sorrowful time.
Love and prayers – Muff and family
Diane Welbes says
Edla–Was so sorry to see John had passed. He is with Our Lord now, and what a great place to be. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this time.
Allen and Karen Barnes says
Edla and Kenny, Our deepest sympathy to you in your loss. Hold all your memories close and may they give you comfort in the days to come. God Bless you
GARY AND PAT HELM says
Edla and Kenny, So sorry about John, he is at rest. our prayers are going out to you and yours. God Bless You at this time of sorrow.
Dale and Ruth Bond says
Edla,Kenny and family–Ruth and I are very sorry to hear about John,s passing.John was a great friend and we have many good memories in the years we had to be around each other.Lean on family and friends at this time.Our prayers are with you.Love-Dale and Ruth.
Dodie Paxson says
Kenny, Edla & family, It is with a very heavy heart that I post this! JW and your grandparents, Daddy Kerlick and Margaret, were my first remembrance of anyone including immediate family. I was a baby when we moved to the “McKerlick Ranch” and what wonderful first memories I have. Your dad was one of a kind in every way! He was a great man and always a gentleman. I called him John Uddem when I was little. He touched & enriched many lives and will be missed by all. Prayers to you and your mom at this trying time in your lives. Cling to your memories and know that he will be keeping a close eye on you. He was so proud of you Kenny. I can still hear him saying “You need to be a little nicer Dode.” If I can do anything please call me. Hugs to you and your mom! You are so blessed to have had such a great man to walk beside and call your DAD and HUSBAND!
Joe and Bev Murnion says
Our deepest sympathy to you both There was only one John McKerlick and he will be missed
Nick & Betty Clauson, says
So sorry about John Edla, I don’t believe John ever knew a stranger! Prayers are offered for you.
BONNIE CURRAN says
I am so sory for your loss. I always liked to have a chat with John. My heart goes out to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Call if you ever need anything, even if it is to talk.
Hope to be seeing you soon. Cousin Bonnie
Carol Rath Raschkow says
To Edla, Kenny, and all of JW’s family……..
Thinking of you during this very difficult time. John was a great guy and always treated everyone with respect….I have so many memories of JW in the late 60s..early 70s…had some great times with him and will never forget those times. May you be comforted by knowing how many people were touched by him. I will never forget a couple of the Burns celebrations that John insisted I attend with them…What wonderful memories…
God Bless,,,
Carol Rath Raschkow
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
Edla, Kenny and Family, We were so very sorry to hear that John had passed away as he was such a wonderful man we always looked forward to visiting with. We know you will miss him so very much. He was a blessed man to have been loved by you and how lucky you were to have been loved by him. We are keeping you in our prayers for comfort and peace beyond all understanding.
Kelly Childers and family says
Edla, kenny, and family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Having known him most of my life, I know that your loss is tremendous. He will most certainly be missed by many. It won’t seem the same not being able to see all of you together. Be comforted that he is in good hands and will continue to be your guide through your hearts and thoughts and never be far away. Kelly Childers and family
Jackie Currey says
Dear Edla and Kenny…. I’m so sorry to hear that John passed. He was a gentle kind person… with a big smile…. a rock for his family… He’s gone from this earthly life…. I know he will watch over you from heaven and wait for you there…. God bless you… I keep you in my prayers…
gary and elaine evertz says
God bless as you go through the next few weeks. So many have expressed our thoughts of such a kind loving man. We were blessed to have him join our family!!
Terry Billing says
Dear Edla and Kenny,
So sorry to hear about John. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Phil and Darlene says
Condolences and Prayers are being sent. John will be missed by all. He was a pillar of the community and I for one will always remember what a great dancer he was. Always enjoyed a waltz with him.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Edla, Kenny, and Family,
Sorry to hear about John’s passing, he always had a big smile for everyone, he will be deeply missed, You are all in our thoughts and prayers…
Dennis Haughian says
John William was one of my favorite people — he will be missed by us all — God bless you John, Edla Kenny and all your family — my Love to All
Dennis
Jenny & John Frady says
Edla & Kenny ,
we are so sorry for your lost,we prayers and thoughts with the two of you.
John and Jenny
Jennifer O'Connor says
Edla, Kenny & Family,
I was so sorry to hear about John. He will be missed in the Jordan Community, at ballgames, and at tournaments in Miles City. Thoughts and prayers to you all in this trying time.
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you folks. John was a special fellow,so polite, always had that big smile, and yes, quite a dancer. He will be truly missed by many.
Connie Nielsen Blonigen says
Edla, Kenny and Families – I am saddened to hear of John’s passing. I hope that the many wonderful memories you have of him will help ease your pain during this difficult time.
Lee and Michelle Gibbs says
So Sorry to hear of the passing of John. May God give you the Strength and Comfort in this difficult time. Lee, Michelle & Paige Gibbs
FritZ Trumbo says
Prayers for the McKerlick family. May God bless you and keep you in this time of grief and always,
Fritz and Diana Trumbo Libby Mt.
Mark Monteith says
In the few times I’ve spent with John, he was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.my thoughts and my prayers are with you Edla. He was a very sincere person.
Jack Shawver says
Edla, Kenny, and family- So sorry for your loss. He was a great man. I always enjoyed visiting with him. May God bless you all and watch over you all forever.
Cathy Byron says
Edla –
We lost a true gentleman with John’s passing. My thoughts, heart and prayers are with you and Kenny.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Edla and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Cherish the many memories. Sending prayers.
Nedra Drew Vander Vorste says
Edla and Kenny! I am so, so sorry about your loss of John! He was a one-of-a- kind sort of guy! He was so proud of you, Kenny! And Edla, you were so lucky to have him in your life! I did not know he was sick, or ailing. So sorry about all of this! My condolences, and may knowing that he is with Jesus in Heaven, make your loss easier! Ned
Jo Coldwell Smith says
Edla, Kenny and family- I was sorry to hear of John’s passing. May God’s love comfort you in this time if sarrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Delphine Coon says
So sorry to hear of John passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrw.
Steve & Brinda Pluhar says
Dear Edla and Kenny,
We so enjoyed getting to know John as Kenny and Joe went to school and played sports together. We have so many good memories of him. May God bless and comfort you at this time of loss and sorrow.
Randy & Amanda Tunby says
Edla and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you hold your memories close and take comfort in them.
Harv & Patrice Kountz says
What a life John had! Celebrate. Hugs, Edla. Harv&Patrice
Kistia (Johnson) Golie says
Edla and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Johns passing! What a great man. I can still hear his laugh from when I was a kid (Sterling and John) would pick on Deana, Darci and I! Some very good memories! Prayers for god’s strenght to help you all during this difficult Time!
Kistia (Johnson) Golie
mariah mclaughlin says
Edla and kenny
So sorry for your loss. You were all part of my childhood. Dad and John were good friends.
Les Gapay says
Dear Edla and Kenny,
So sorry to hear about John’s passing. It is a passing to a better place. I will keep you in my prayers. I always enjoyed visiting with you and John on my trips to Miles City and Jordan and at our high school reunions. He was a very nice guy.
Les
Glenn Crawford says
Edla and Kenny- My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss.
Mary Killen McCaskill says
Edla, So sorry to hear of your loss. Wish I was there to comfort you as you did when my mother died. We will be in Montana in July and would love to get together with you then. God bless.
Mary Ann Weigel/Clarence Wanner says
Clarence and I wish you strength and comfort, Edla and Kenny. We wish we could be with you these days, but perhaps later is better. I always remember John and the “big fella” from the Big Dry, and was honored to have known him these last thirty years with you.
Godspeed.
Mike Archdale says
Edla and Kenny, sorry to hear of your loss. It was always a great joy for me to watch John and Jimmy Archdale have a great visit. Sorry to write that I had couple of questions for John for the next time our paths would cross.
Gloria and DJ Milroy says
Our most heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to all of John’s family. May the Lord walk with each of you and be a comfort to you. Those we hold close in our hearts and memories, are never truly gone from us….John will be remembered and missed by many. We hold you close in our hearts and in our prayers.
Darla and Jed Wier says
Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers . Peace be with you and God Bless
Barb Stoler Seibert says
Edla, Kenny and family. I was so sorry to hear of Johns passing. What a fine man he was. My thoughts and prayers are with.
Gerome and Rita Wemmer and family says
Edla and Kenny , and family, We are so sorry at the loss of John. Will be missed by many. As was loved by many. May God be with you, our prayers to you. Love you all!
Cindy Stanton says
Kenny & Edla,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of John. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Candy Huseby says
Edla and Kenny:
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. John was a wonderful man. He will be truly missed as he was a friend to all.
Glen kelly says
Edla, so sorry to here about John.what a great person,and a good friend.my brother Earl admired him so much.He is in heaven for sure.And he is probably tying to get Earl out of pergatory.you are in my prayers. glen and Susan Kelly
Kevin & Lori Donnelly says
We are sorry to here of your loss. John was a good person and I enjoyed visiting with him. I am glad that I had the chance meet him. May the Lord be with all of you.
Kevin Donnelly