John Norris Raisler, age 59, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while training for this upcoming fire season. He was born to Warren and Dee Raisler on July 23, 1964, in Bozeman, MT. He was joined by his brother, Randy, on July 6, 1965, who predeceased him.
John grew up all over the country on various ranches and graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education in 1989. He moved to Plevna where he taught for 5 years before finishing his grades 7-12 teaching career in Fromberg in 1998. John was a proactive teacher as he designed several courses and initiated an agricultural exchange program between Russian and Montanan students in Fromberg. John loved to teach and spent the next roughly 26 years teaching fire courses to many individuals throughout Eastern Montana. He LOVED the Band of Brothers and Sisters! They shared a mutual respect and admiration for each other. John spent a total of 34 years in fire. He loved training others and found the Staff Rides very fulfilling because they applied the decisions made during historic battles toward modern firefighting tactics and leadership. Often, those same tactics bled into his parenting philosophies.
Being a volunteer was John’s love language to his Church and community. He was a 4th degree Knight and one heck of a “Pig Dad,” and grill master in 4-H! He spent much time “slinging hash” for the church breakfasts as well as delivering Meals on Wheels, “selling explosives (fireworks) to children,” at deeply discounted prices and was always the last to leave when it came to helping clean up after events such weddings or banquets. He would not be outworked!
John met his future wife, Lori, as a favor for a friend. It worked out that both couples were happily married for at least 28 years. He and Lori enjoyed being empty nesters and truly loved each other’s company. John and Lori have four children; Laina (Trevor); Joel, Katrina and Jill. His family was very important to him, and he made sure their vehicles all ran, their guns were sighted in, and that his home cooked “grub” would make the kids “squeal with delight!” He loved to nickname common items such as “stupid card” (smart card to scan and enter his place of work); “kid buckets” (car seats); “change the oil” (change a kid’s diaper with his yellow dishwashing gloves on); and the “fire children” were the “Tree Row Firefighters” who fought fire on severity. His favorite was the “used meat” section at Reynolds where he could find yummy meats on discount.
John is survived by his wife, children, his mother-Dee Raisler of Miles City, and his favorite one-eyed cat, Squeakers, as well as his notorious “Mafia Car.” He is also survived by his aunts, uncles, and cousins on the Raisler side as well as Lori’s parents, Mel and Lois Lawson of Arizona, his sisters and brothers-in-law of New Zealand- Beth and Kel Ritchie and Alex and Paula Lawson and his 5 nieces and nephews- Flynn, Peyton, Sophie, Pippi and Miles. He is preceded in death by his father, Warren Raisler, as well as his grandparents, many aunts and uncles and his younger brother, Randy.
Family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 120 N. Montana Avenue in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 20, at 10:00 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 120 N. Montana Ave. in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should anyone desire, monetary donations can be made in Lori’s name at Community First Credit Union at 2905 Main St. Suite 1, Miles City to support community efforts close to John’s heart.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 19, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 20, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 19, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 20, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Shane wheeler says
I was very saddened of the news of John’s passing. He was an awsome teacher, instructor, mentor, ect to so many people expeshally in the fire world. Spent a lot of time with him on fires. all around great guy.
Andy and Donna Mitzkus says
Really sorry to hear this. A good man.
Rebecca Gookin says
Dee and family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Billing says
Lori,So sorry to hear about John. If you need anything please reach out. You all are in my prayers
Sheila Hansen says
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff and Sheri Loughney says
Our hearts are broken hearing of John’s passing….Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you Lori and Family 💜🙏🏼💙.
LaRae Tangen says
Dee and Family,
Prayers to you and your family during this difficult and sad time. Please reach out if there is anything you need. Love you.
LaRae and Gage
Shirley A Rolf says
Lori and family. So sorry about your loss of John. He helped us in our state lands kitchen.
Dan Zetterberg says
(3) of my boys took a class from John last year. Devastating loss, way too soon. Nevertheless, his teaching will go on to help many generations to come. He will not be forgotten.
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
Oh Lori. So sorry to hear about John! So shocking! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids! Deb and Bob. 🙏🥲💕
Lou Raisler says
John taught me volumes about love when at his oldest daughter’s wedding he talked about his feelings for his wife and his baby daughter when she was born. He understood what is important in life and my time with him will be precious always. I love you John. 🌈
Louise de Montigny says
Lori, Dee, and family,
I am so sorry for this heart wrenching loss. My heart is with you all in these coming days.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Lori and kids,,
So, so very sorry to hear the news about John. Our hearts go out to you all . John was a good man, always enjoyed visiting with him. Hugs and prayers to you all now and in the difficult days ahead. God Bless you all.
Aaron & Brenda Kneeland says
Lori & family – Our hearts break for you all. John was a good man and will be missed.
Gene and Connie says
Big void in the Knights of Columbus with John passing. Always first to volunteer and take charge. Prayers and condolences to John’s family. Going to miss John, among all of the rest he did, serving the Knights of Columbus breakfasts
Tanner Schillinger says
To John’s family:
Not only did the firefighting world lose a great one with John’s passing, but the whole world lost a great person and mentor. Over the last several years I had the privilege of getting to know John, whether it was taking a class from him or sitting around listening to him tell stories at CAT Camp or out on a fire. We have one more looking down on us from upstairs eating his meat sandwich and watching out for us on the fire line. RIP John.
Glo Wilkinson says
This hurts my heart. Many hugs to the entire family. Love you all.
Denise Harvey says
I am so very sorry that such a great man has been called home so young. I know he will be greatly missed. Prayers and hugs.
Crystal Moore says
Lori and family,
John was such a good man. I always enjoyed our visits at work or the grocery store. He was a true gem! Wishing your family peace during this difficult time. 🙏Rest Easy John!🙏
Carol Bean says
So sorry to hear this. We all enjoyed his stops in the store and his visits in the street. You are all in our thoughts shed prayers.
Dustin & Trixie Muggli says
Lori and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of John. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Patrick Gilchrist says
I had the honor of teaching an S-290 class or two with John. He was a stand up individual and his passion for the fire community was always evident. We lost a good one. My condolences to his family.
Jeff Rader says
I was shocked to hear of John’s passing. We had recently corresponded and confirmed phone numbers for each other. I only have fond memories of John, both at work and in the field and on the lake. He is a great man.
Cindy Dickert says
Dear Lori, Laina, Joel, Kat, Jill & Dee, So sorry to hear such sad news. All of all of you are the best friends and neighbors. John was a great human being, we are going to miss him so much. We love you, thinking of you.
Jim & Cindy Dickert
Sue McQuillan says
John was a coworker of mine at the Fromberg School. In the years, he taught there he made positive and lasting impressions on students and anyone that came in contact with him. When he introduced Lori to our crew, finally understood what had made this young man so starry-eyed. Carbon County lost a good couple when they moved. Years have passed, but still enjoyed visiting with them
when running into them in Billings or connecting on facebook. Very sorry for the loss of this family man and community leader. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Jim and Carol watts says
Lori and family, so sorry to hear of your loss of John, he was a good man. You are in our prayers. Love, Carol
Jan & Steve Wilkins says
We worked with John for many years through DNRC. He was a funny and thoughtful man as well as a hard worker. Our condolences to Lori and family, his many friends and his DNRC family. He’ll be dearly missed.
Marshall Williams says
Had the pleasure of knowing and working with John when he taught in in Plevna. Always upbeat and fun, dont think I ever saw him get too excited over tight situations he just got the job done. So sad to hear he is gone, my condolences to his family. There will be a hole in everyone’s life who knew him.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Dee, Lori & all the family,
I’m so very sorry for your sudden loss of John. May your memories comfort and keep you in the days ahead. My sincere sympathy.
Duane Claypool says
Our deepest condolences to Lori & the family – our prayers & thoughts are with you. I knew John through working at the DNRC office – he was a great person & I always really enjoyed talking to him about his fishing & hunting trips, his family, & his wildland firefighting work. He was very well respected throughout the firefighting community & by all that knew him. God bless.
Lori Clark says
Sending my love and prayers to your family. Will always love you.
Tammy Harvey says
Lori and family,
I’m greatly saddened at the loss of John. I treasure the memories of working at school, playing softball and hanging out with the both of you, as well as the fun and memories of the cattle drives he organized for the exchange program. What a fun couple and family you two have made. My hugs, prayers and condolences to you all.
Tammy Harvey
Erin O'Connor says
The world has lost a true character. John was one of my favorite people when he’d come into my office. We’d always have to catch up on “the DNRC and FWP haps”. Like clockwork he’d be in every spring to get himself (and the kids when they were younger) their hunting licenses. He was so excited when he got his boat that he even brought it by the office to show me…and tell me his very detailed plans for working on it, which knowing nothing about boats i’m sure my eyes glazed over early in the conversation but John never lost his enthusiasm. Joel was one of the first kids in the Pheasants Forever youth program and John was so proud of how he’d done, and even attributed it to Joel’s success elk hunting that fall. Joel was one of very few kids that we received a thank you note from – a true testament to John’s and Lori’s parenting. But probably my favorite memory of John was sitting at the same table several years ago at the Custer Rod & Gun Club annual meeting. We were in the back of the room where it was hardest to hear the speakers (and conveniently closest to the bar). After not being able to hear much of what was going on for probably too long (and a toddy or 2), John proceeded to break into what he called “armpit music” (which is exactly what it sounds like), and everyone at the table ended up in tears laughing so hard. That still gets brought up every year when i see him at the CRGC meeting.
I will miss his good nature, goofy grin and witty humor. His service to the state of Montana is most admirable and will not be forgotten. My condolences to the Raisler family and prayers for you now and in the days ahead. Thanks for sharing John with us!
Mark Kauffman says
To Lori , Dee and family. I am so sorry for the loss of John. This saddens my heart deeply. I will always remember and cherish my friendship with John. We had great times working together at RCS and our weekend shenanigans. I wish I could be at the services but my medical at this time does not allow me to make the travel. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
John Novotny says
So sorry for your loss Lori and family. John was a great man and friend and fantastic firefighter. I will always remember the experiences we had together on many fires in many Montana counties and in Wyoming and Colorado He was always an upbeat fun-loving part of any situations we found ourselves in. He treated everyone so well and was a great person to be with in any situation. Plus he was married to one of my favorite students. He will be missed on so many fronts. Our hearts and prayers go out to John and his family and friends. He will be fondly remembered forever,
Greg Hanchett says
As a former volunteer firefighter in Montana and fellow U of A grad (BA 1983) , I am sorry to hear of Mr. Raisler’s passing. My family and I are praying for him and his family.
“Come, you whom my Father has blessed, says the Lord; inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34.
Kelly Janitell says
Lori and family, I am shocked and very sorry for your loss. Please know you all are in my thoughts.
Carla Hansen says
John was always so generous with his time and talent. Whatever he or his family participated in, you would find him and them helping. The tributes to him from the messages above are so worthy. He will be missed for his work ethic and contributions he made to his family, careers, church and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and for his eternal rest in peace.
Sheree Light says
Lori and Family,
My deepest condolences ❤️🙏🏻
Gayle Kallevig says
Lori & Family
I can’t imagine what you are going through. John was such a great man, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jim Raisler says
Lori and family,
I can not even express how sad I am over John’s passing. Lori, you and John were always my example of “how to” raise a family. To quote Abraham Lincoln, “It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
The testimonies above tell a great story to that. John will be missed by anyone who knew him.
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you (Psalms 55:22).
Jim
Scott Aye says
My deepest condolences to the Raisler family during this tough time. It has been a true privilege and honor of my life to spend essentially my entire career working alongside this good man. He was always a great friend to me and was willing to lend a hand whenever it was needed. His wonderful caring spirit and his incredible sense of humor has always been an inspiration to me. Whether we were spraying weeds, working on a fire engine, pulling out a stuck vehicle, planting trees or just telling stories in the “Tree Row” there was never a bad time. When most people have a conversations it is a simple formula of subject, points, resolution…. Not with John oh no, a conversation was an experience, because you never knew where it was going to end up….. “and that is why they don’t give badgers pilots licenses.” So farewell my good friend I will think about you whenever I am enjoying a “Meat Sandwich and Cookies!!!”, I will try not to step on any “Buzzworms” and try to “Keep my color crayons out of the sunlight”.
D'Ann Witcher says
Dear Dee and femily I am so sorry to hear the loss of your son me God bless and comfort you and your family at This Time and may Beautiful Memories sustain you Forever in deepest Sympathy
Melinda Tangen says
Lori and family, I am so very sorry for your los
Melinda Tangen says
Lori and family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Darbie Karch and family says
Keeping John’s family and friends in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time! 🙏
Dale & kathy Blumhagen says
Lori and family, we are so very sorry for your great loss. Our love, prayers, thoughts and hugs are with you.
Ben & Patty Blaquiere says
We were so sorry for your loss and just pray that you will have lots of memories, stories from friends and family, and hugs too. The ones we miss the most have had the deepest impact on our lives and it is such a privilege to be blessed by them. It is and will be hard but please know that we will always have a hug and a kind word when you need it. Love and God Bless!
Deb Schmeling says
Dear Lori and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you with love, comfort, peace, mercy, and compassion. 🤗🤗🤗❤❤❤
Amanda Tunby says
Lori and family, I was shocked to hear about John’s passing. I have fond memories of John while teaching in Plevna with him. He was always a delight to run into and visit with. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cookie says
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Although I did not meet him, I can tell by all the comments how well he is thought of. I’m ‘feeling’ for you and the grief you must deal with. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and comfort you.
Missy Thielen says
Mr. Raisler was my Ag Teacher/FFA advisor in Plevna. I have such great memories of him growing up. He always had to have his nasty black coffee everywhere he went! Mr. Raisler was a big influence in my dream of becoming a design drafter. He taught our class the basics of hand drafting. I was able to see him many time’s through the firefighting classes and my daughter had the privilege of presenting Sales to him at a FFA competition. Mr Raisler was always so giving and caring and I was grateful he was a part of our lives.
Cheryl Tonn says
Lori and family,
I know only too well your shock, disbelief and grief! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rick thought very highly of John.
Linda Anderson says
Dee and family,
So very sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories and faith sustain you.
Richie Crisafulli says
Your family and the fire world lost a good one here, thank you for sharing him with us over the years.
Ed Reardon says
Dear Mrs. Raisler, Lori and family
I have no clue what to say that may make a difference, but please believe that this comes from the heart and with tears in my eyes. John was such a great guy, as many here offering a tribute will agree to. There is no rhyme or reason that I should have been so lucky to be considered a friend to him. My connection to John runs thru Jim Dickert and my brother John Reardon. Before Jim moved to the great state of Montana, he had a dental practice here back East – where my brother met Jim. When in Montana Jim and Cindy were blessed enough to have John and Lori as neighbors in Red Lodge. John took Jim under his wing and showed how to kill Elk and more. On one hunt my brother was invited – not sure of lies vs. the truth but brother Johnny still enjoys telling the tale of that hunt.
Not long after that hunt… my acquaintance with John began with a phone call, nearly twenty years ago – and it ended also with another phone call from my brother today.
One of multiple trips out west eventually led me to Miles City and a face to face lunch with John and a very dear friend ship blossomed. Over the years, a short phone call would be between 45 minutes to an hour – one common bond was a love of the caliber 22-250 Remington and associated rifles. I always asked how Elk season went, as well as other opportunities to bring home wild game. Early on I guided John, Laina and Joel on a pheasant hunt with our English Setters, on a local farm – birds were there, but not sure if any where brought home that day. I had the chance to Elk hunt from camp on the boat on the Ft. Peck Reservoir with Jim Dickert or perhaps Joel. Another time was on the Terry Badlands; and I am real sorry that neither hunt happened. One year nephew Erik Mikklesen joined John for a successful Antelope hunt, while I hunted small game with our setters – John most often hunted public or public-access land, or private owned by friend or family, and rarely returned home empty handed.
If I made it as far west to hunt pheasant in Beulah ND, I would also make at least a day trip to visit with John and whatever family were home. Last year we met half way at Medora ND for a long lunch and to transfer some meat; farm-raised beef from the Beulah farm going to Mt. and some game headed East! Thank you my brother for that and for a very dear friendship.
John is home now, and as Paul says in 2 Cor 13:12 – “greet one another with a Holy Kiss” – I am trusting in the Lord that this will include Mr. Raisler and brother Randy, as well as many friends and family there waiting for him.
Safe Journey my dear friend – save a Holy Kiss for the rest of us.
Tim DeJaegher says
My deepest condolences to the Raisler family.
It was my privilege and honor to work alongside John in the fire world. This man always seemed to bring a sense of calm and order to a volatile environment . John was a wealth of knowledge and extreme work ethic He will be sadly and severely missed. John it was a Honor!!!
Carole Dighans says
Lori and family and Dee
I am so sorry for your loss of such a great member of our church and the K of C’s. It was just last Sunday when he was serving up the sausage and asking me which kind I wanted and we both laughed as to which would taste better the links or the patty 😂I’ll try one of each and let you know 😂. I never got back to him😢
After reading all of the comments it makes my heart warm of what a special person he was. Prayer are with all of you
Jeff Essman says
From the Essman family to the Raisler family, our deepest sympathy. We had fun working and hunting together. I’ll miss them social meetings. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Darla Farr says
So sorry for your loss, many prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Gary, Donna and Lisa Pippin says
Dee and Raisler family, So sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of John and Randy during our 4-H years.
John always had a great sense of humor and a smile that would light up the room. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Johns family
Steven Reitz says
Lori, Dee and 4 wonderful kids,
You have lost a great man and one of the best friends I have ever known. John was always the first to lend a helping hand and join in on any project I had as his neighbor. The last time I saw John was here in Sidney when he was on one his training runs through Eastern Montana. We had a great evening of conversation about all the things going on with his family and the community we shared for many years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Lori, Dee and the 4 wonderful kids I had the pleasure of watching grow up.
Eric Mikkelsen says
Sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your hospitality and allowing me to be a part of your lives
Thank you for allowing time for John to take me on my first antelope hunt, which was very successful for all
Even getting stuck in some mud couldn’t put a damper our day, but was thankful to see one of Johns coworkers and friends that helped us out.
But, maybe the best time was sitting on the tailgate of the white dodge listening to stories of Johns experiences in the field while sharing a very appreciated peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
he will be very missed
Jerry Collins says
Sorry for your loss. John was a great trainer and a great guy. As a Garfield County Commissioner I was in Johns fire fighting class. It was great to work with him. Garfield County Commissioners and Garfield County rural fire will miss working with John. Our prayers are with you.
Debbie Grewell says
Lori and family, we are so sorry. John was a wonderful person and friend to all. I remember the day Marley and I came to your house loaded with baby gifts for your first born child. I can still see the two of you. So in love and in awe at the miracle you both created.
Keep your memories close and know that you are loved.
Sending love, and prayers to all of you
Marley and Debbie Grewell
Joe and Lisa Yedlicka says
Lori, Dee, and families ,
John was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a laugh so contagious and a great sense of humor. He was so thoughtful and caring and would give you not only the shirt off his back but his boots as well.
We cherish so many wonderful memories, dinner’s shared, friendship, and help around the ranch and so much laughter.
John has touched so many lives he will be truly missed by so many.
May the Lord comfort you all and keep you close in prayer, he is definitely a Guardian Angel.
Our deepest condolences to all of you
Many Blessings
Joe and Lisa Yedlicka
Flynn Ritchie says
I will miss you a lot uncle john
Jill Ronan Ouren says
Dear Dee and family! I was saddened to wake up this morning and read John’s obit. I knew the boys when the were just kids in Laurel and Dee, to this day, every time I’m on Airport Rd and drive past your old home, I think of you and the boys.
I caught up with John on March 29th, 2015. The day after the Pine Crest fire. He was one of the calvary that came to heal us. He stopped his vehicle, got out and we renewed an old friendship.
He was a man’s man! Dee, you can be so proud of your boys. Lori and kids, I never met you, but you had the best! Cherish the memories. RIP John!
Seth Urick says
John was a good man, one of the most down-to-earth and kind and funny people I know. When I first started working in the Miles City office, he took me down to the Credit Union in October 2016 while they were having their customer appreciation lunch and showed me around and introduced me to folks, and that meant a lot. He always had the best jokes (John: He’s the sort of guy who’d name his chainsaw. Me: What’d he name his saw? John: Cyndi Lauper; It took me a few seconds to get that one), good stories, and he was always busy doing something good for someone else. It’s a real bummer that he’s gone and we’re all gonna miss him. It was pretty heartwarming to see how many people have responded to his passing. Thoughts and prayers with his family.
Elin Fretland Ahmadpour says
Lori and family,
We’re so sorry for the loss of John. You have our deepest condolences.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Elin, Naser, and Parsa Ahmadpour
Maria Monforton Hergenrider says
Lori and Family. Dear cousin Dee . We saddened hearts and with love for our Lord may John rest in eternal peace. The service and the love shown today for John shows how much he did for his family and the community and his work. Love and hugs.
Maria Monforton Hergenrider and family
Jill Morris says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all….God bless John for all that he did. Jill and David Morris….Moore Rural Fire department
Amie Taylor says
I am so sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Raisler as a teacher in Fromberg and have always remembered his kindness and patience. He was a great teacher and a very nice man.
Scott & Lisa says
Lori and family, we were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. And just wanted to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you all through these difficult times. We love you and hope to see you in a few months.
Ken Roberts says
I often think of John and the few years we had working together in Lincoln chasing fires on State initial attack engines in the early 90’s. He was always the practical joker and I’ll never forget the gorilla suit he purchased and the pranks he played. I am so happy we were able to reconnect on a fire in eastern Montana 10 years ago. Lori, I am so sorry for your loss and my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.