John Salazar, age 56, of Miles City, MT passed away on February 13, 2013 at Holy Rosary Hospital with his family by his side.
John Salazar was born on January 1, 1957 in Miles City, MT the son of John C. Salazar and Frances (Rangel) Miller. John grew up in Miles City and attended grade school at Kircher Elementary and high school at CCDHS. Shortly after school John enlisted in the active Army, August of 1975 completing his active service obligation in December of 1979 serving as a Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. He served in the USAR Control Group from December 1979 through August of 1981. After taking a 4 day break from the military, he enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard in Sept. of 1981. John remained in the National Guard for 28 years where he held almost every job and position until his retirement on January 31, 2009. John also worked for the Pine Hills Correctional Facility from 1980 to 1983 and the Miles City Police Department from 1983 to 1989. He had a deep love and passion for the military and no matter what job he had he made sure it was done right every time.
John married the love of his life Kathleen Ehlen in May of 1988 in Miles City. Together they raised three children Jason, Jessica and Jessica. John and Kathleen made Miles City their home until August 1994 when they moved to Kinsey, MT where they have remained since.
John loved riding his Harley Davidson, going fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife Kathleen on their place at Kinsey where they would do everything from putting up hay together to laying down in a field and watching the stars.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen, his mother Frances Miller; three children, Jason Carter of Livingston, MT, Jessica (Brian) Viker of Billings, MT and Jessica Ehlen of Miles City; one brother, Tom (Darla) Salazar; two sisters, Patricia (Monte) Herzog of Ismay, MT and Cecelia “sis” (Steve) Mills of Boyes, MT and numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father John and one brother James Salazar.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 18, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow with full military honors at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday February 18, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 19, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Tuesday February 19, 2013
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday February 18, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 19, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Tuesday February 19, 2013
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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James L. Arneson says
What a great loss to MIles City. Many soldiers were trained by John. I am honored to have been able to spend time with your family this past few weeks. Honored to be with you all yesterday at the hospital. SFC John Salazar is one of my two best friends, I will miss our visits, the times we got to go out and eat or just chat on the phone. The times we laughed, the times we trained as Soldiers together side by side. When we borded the plane in 2004 to leave you all for 18 months, we were both happy to be together to go do our duty. I know the heart ache you feel, the loss you have suffered, I am with you in them both. He was a brother to me, a leader and my Platoon Sargeant, my Brother-In-Arms. May God bless us all and keep us during this time of loss. John suffers no more, he is with his brother, grandparents and dad. Kathleen, Sis, Pat, Tom, Mom and all of the childern I got to meet yesterday, I Love you all and pray for Gods comfort. I am a phone call away if you ever need anything. Rest in Peace Big Sarge, go with God.
blake beeler says
john ,what a man you where , friend to all ,We had great times ,if we where fishing,our marching,i was so honored to be the best man at the your and kathleens wedding, to be able to travel with you back and forth to graurd drills,the fun we had at the bucking horse sales.i will so miss you ,rest in peace big sarge,jim and i will be looking for you.thank you john…….
Pam (Moths) Nisley says
My heart is so sad to see the loss of John. I have been praying for John – all of you and will continue. Sadly I did not know him, like all of you……….but there is strength in numbers. Hold onto one another, and the great memories. I pray too that Jesus will wrap his arms around you and give you peace and stength in the days and weeks ahead. We care so for all of you.
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
Kathleen & family, so sad to hear of sweet John. I have fond memories of our younger years, and respect for him as an adult. I pray healing upon all of you..Shannon
Jesse Knittel says
I met John in February of 2000 when he was a recruiter for the MTARNG. He was my recruiter my Readiness NCO and most of all my friend. He was the man that helped make one of the biggest and best decisions of my life. My prayers go out to all of Johns family.
Carmen Jablinske Knutson says
My heart is breaking for all of you- what a treasure you have lost. Cherish your memories!! Love and my prayers to all of you.
Ken Ridenour says
I worked with John during his time working at Pine Hills School. We became friends.
John will surely be missed by myself and many others. My prayers go out to Johns family and friends.
May the good Lord comfort you all in your time in need.
Rick Schreiber says
I am so sorry to here about SFC. Salazar. I served in the unit for 4 great years. I will never forget spray painting the jalapeno on top of the T.O.C. hummer. When I lost my Son, John was one of the first ones there with a helping hand. He was a straight shooter and a tremendous leader. He will be missed by many.
Nancy Walker says
Kathleen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. God bless.
grady watts says
Thoughts and prayers go out to you, Kathleen, John was a great friend and mentor. I treasured my time working with him in miles city. Our big ride to Ohio on our motorcycles, airsoft wars in the office, sending Lisa to dairy queen to get us ice cream. Pizza and beers at the tavern. We worked hard and played hard. Those are my fondest memories of Big Sarge. John always went out of his way to make sure our drills went just right, often paying out of his own pocket for materials needed. John always had time for everyone who came in and I never heard him say anything bad about anyone. He took good care of everyone on our deployment, putting their needs above his own. I’m gonna miss you Big Sarge, you are one of the best Soldiers I’ve ever known, and a great friend. Rest in Peace.
Lisa Watts says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathleen and your family. John was a great guy and soldier. He always made me feel comftable when I came into the office to see Grady. He made me laugh. He was good to Zach and enjoyed Zach hanging in the office that he made Zach their mascot which was cool. Grady would call me on drill weekends and have me bring food or ice cream for him and John and I actually enjoyed doing that for them two….even though they would tease me. I remember one night talking with john at the armory because I was having a hard time with Grady being gone…his words were comforting to me. John was a great guy and a good friend to me as well. May he rest in Peace and the pain he was enduring is gone.
Dan waits says
I’m truly sorry to here of the loss of one of the the best known men that one could have known or have the chance to serve with SFC Salazar was truly a kind hearted man! I never met a person that was so understanding and generous, I remember a few situations when I had to do a make-up drill and having all my TA-50 in Billings, John said “Dan even you 11-Bravo’s need some TLC (tender loving care) I got you covered”! And John once again borrowed me gear to get me thru the weekend! Thanks John! Your one in a million brother! My prayers go out to all his family and friends, bless your hearts!
KC Keith says
Thoughts and prayers go out you Kathleen and family. John was not only a great soldier, he was a great man and friend. I am proud to say I served with him.
MSG (Ret) James Carver says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathleen and family. I worked many years with John in the Guard (we were both readiness NCO’s) and John was always one who shared his thoughts with the team to get things done. John was a excellend NCO who excelled himself in taking care of the soldier. Things were always “dress right dress” with John. He was a great friend and I surly enjoyed my time spent with him over the years. Gods Speed.
Linda & RIchard Meidinger says
The Salazar family is in our thoughts and prayers. We did now know John and Kathleen well but met them when they moved to Kinsey just down the road from us. I knew most of the Salazar family that worked at the VA at some time when I did.
So sorry for your loss just pray that your wonderful memories help you through this time of grief. Linda & Richard
Stena M. Bushnell says
John was a wonderful person and superb soldier. Most noted for his leadership skills and ability to work and deal with all soldiers and “soon to be soldiers” alike. We truly enjoyed having him as a part of our Recruiting and Retention Team. No matter the mission or call of duty, he was always there to lend a helping hand. He lead by example, worked hard, and always brought his “great sense of humor” while supporting the team. SSG “John” Salazar you are deeply missed! Kathleen (and Family) our thoughts and prayers are with you. Fellow Soldier and Friend, Stena
Rick Raymond says
My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family. He was such a good person I enjoyed talking to him.
Sharon Gaughan says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Another good soldier has moved on to his next post. Godspeed. The Gaughan family.
Justin Ankeny says
SFC Salazar was one of the first people I met when I was only 17 and joining the Miles City unit whenever a question was asked he always made sure to have an answer. I am proud to have served with him while in the Miles City unit and will never forget his smiling face or humor that he brought to drill. My condolences and prayers go out to the family of SFC Salazar he touched and taught many people throughout his life and career.
SFC (Ret) John Owens says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Kathleen and your family for your loss. John and I quite often worked together during our military career. He was 100% for taking care of his soldiers; especially during deployment. John had a good attitude, a great sense of humor and a big smile! SFC John Salazar was a good Soldier who served his Country proudly. He will be missed.
SGM (Ret) Dave Hanley says
John was a Soldier’s Soldier. I am proud to have served with him. I joined the MT Army National Guard (MTARNG), Troop A, 1-63rd Armored Cavalry, in September, 1985. John was already in the unit and I as soon as I got to know him, I knew he was a great guy. I knew I could trust what he did and his military knowledge. He liked helping people. He was honest and true to his word. John and I went over to the MTARNG Active Duty Enlisted Rosters as new unit level Supply Sergeants. We had good mentors, Joe Bridges, Bob Carson, Ralph Dukart, and of course others. We were the new supply sergeants to make our units better for the missions we did not know we would face until after 9/11 happened. John always enjoyed life and his family. He was important to many Soldiers and his family and friends. John trained hard, worked hard, and played hard. He was a good Soldier for the MTARNG and had many assignments in his long military career. In 1997, I moved on to Helena and other tasks and missions for the MTARNG. I always missed John and enjoyed the times I could go back to Miles City and stop into the armory and visit him or to just call him up and visit. John and I got to ride our motorcycles together a few times. He loved Kathleen and his farm. I am so sorry for your loss, Kathleen, Frances, Tom, Pat, Sis, and all your family. John, I give you my Salute. God Bless You.
SFC (ret) Clark W Irion says
My thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family. It was an honor to call him my friend and I am proud to say that I served with john in the Miles City unit of the National Gaurd. I will never forget his sense of humor and his jokes he would share with me and the other guys. John, you will be missed by many and were loved by all brother. My condolances to the family, I am truly sorry about your loss and may the prayers of all who knew John ease the pain of losing such a great individual and all around good man.
Dan Decker says
God speed Big Sarge you are missed by all!
Kelli Klein says
I had the priviledge of working with John when he was a Miles City Police Officer and I was a dispatcher. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janelle Bramhall says
Kathleen and Jess,
My thoughts and prayers are with you so sorry for your loss. I have lots of fond memories from back in the day. God bless you and comfort you.
Patty Schreiner (Gierke) Ward says
Sending deepest heartfelt empathy for you Kathleen & the Salazar family. John was a wonderful , caring man. Always friendly and smiling when he would come into M&H when I worked there. May God wrap you in arms and help you through this very difficult time.
Karen Witt says
My condolences to the Salazar Family. John was our casualty assistance officer in May of 2004 when our son Owen was killed in Iraq. He done a great job and help us a lot. May the good Lord be with you all.
SFC (Ret) Jack Scotson says
John was a soldier’s soldier. A leader who cared deeply for those he served and those he lead. I will always remember when John, Fred and I rode motorcycles to LaCross. It was an honor to serve with John. My deepest condolences to his family.
Don & Rosa Neese says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you Kathleen and family.. Don & I are out of town and will miss the service. He was a great man.
Sandy Anderson says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Salazar Family. We are sad and so sorry for your loss. The Jack Parker Family.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Salazar Family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. My thought and prayers go out to all of you. May your memories and God’s love and comfort give you strength during this sad time.
Eric Losing says
We all lost a good friend and a great mentor. We’ll miss you Big Sarge
Bill and Jacob Janssen says
Kathleen, Jess, Jason, Sis, Pat, Tom and Gramma Pancha, We are so sorry for the loss of John. We are thinking of you in this time of morning. Bill and Jacob
Roy Simanton says
SFC Salazar was my mentor, and a great friend. I will miss him and all of his great wisdom that he was so willing to share. RIP good friend!
Scott Steppe says
SFC Salazar you will be missed my friend. Godspeed!
Janice O'Reilly Henrichs says
Kathleen – My mom called and told me about John. I am so sorry. I think of you very often, and will certainly keep you in my prayers.
David B. Smith says
John, was one of those friends that you didn’t have to see every day to maintain your friendship. You might not see him for six months. John would make you feel like you saw him yesterday. John and I talked when he started Chemotherapy. I hadn’t talked to him in 4 months. John and I were both taking Chemo and realized what a nice man to worry about me while he had his own health issues. I will miss John and how kind of a man he was.
David Smith
Zane Curtiss says
SFC Salazar was my recruiter, and he was the first to call me and come talk to me about joining the military, hence the reason I am in the National Guard, approaching 14 years of service. Since then, we have shared many laughs and training events, and I know he has touched the lives of many with his compassion. Before the 260th departed for Afghanistan, he came in to visit several times. I know the Guard was a big part of his life, and conversely, he played a big role in the Guard. Rest easy John. You will be missed by many!
Sherman Kirby says
SFC Salazar will be greatly missed. He was an outstanding NCO, mentor, and friend. He made everyone feel important. He helped all that he came across and made sure no one felt left out. Even before I transfered to the Miles City unit he made me feel welcome and I was in the HQ. He was a great example and always knew how to have a great time. You can tell he loved life as he was always smiling. Most of my memories with him are of laughing so hard that our guts hurt! My prayers of comfort go out to all of his family and friends. RIP Brother!
Rick ottoy says
my thoughts and prayers to all the salazars,johns wife and children. I have so many great memories of john growing up with him. I feel very blessed to have been a small part of johns life. what a great man he was! I wish I could have seen and talked to him before he passed on to a better place. I know I will see him again someday. He will be watching over all his family from heaven. Rest in peace john!
William Bentley says
Rest in peace SFC Salazar. Even though I only got to work with you for a short time you made the guard a very enjoyable place to be.
David and Bev Grauman says
Salazar Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss.I had gotten to know John a little through his brother Jim. I will miss them both, great guys.
J Johnson says
Dear Family and Friends of John Salazar, even though I did not personally know Mr. Salazar, the loss of every human life is significant to me and should be valued by all. From reading his obituary, it is clear that his life affected many people. The Bible book of Hebrews reminds us that God does not forget all of the love and fine works shown by John Salazar(Heb 6:10). We are also promised that there will be a time in which pain that we now experience with this loss “will not be called to mind” (Isaiah 65:17) The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God intended for mankind, will be fulfilled (Ps. 37:11). Meanwhile we have the opportunity to follow Jesus’ instruction to continue to take in Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life (John 17:3).). Hopefully faith in these Bible promises will ease the pain from this loss as you look forward to seeing John Salazar again. Please be comforted by these thoughts.
Vicki Hess says
I am so sorry to hear that John passed away. He was a really great guy; allowing me to do my Reserve drills with his Guard Unit; helping me when I’d call him from Ft. Lewis with questions. He was always so ready to help anyone and did it with a big smile. He will certainly be missed by many, many people. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family.
SSG Mike Mangen says
John was a great guy, always had a great sense of humor. He was also know as Sgt Slaughter, I am proud to have served with him a long time ago. When I would go back home I would sometimes stop at the Armory and get caught up on old times, motorcycles and life in general. I know we tankers used to kid him and the other scouts. Your will be missed my friend.