John Richard Tooke born June 25th, 1950 to parents Mary (Mariana) and Frank Tooke passed away December 3rd, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Growing up John excelled in both wrestling and football. After graduating from CCDHS in 1968 John attended St John’s University on a wrestling scholarship. After wrestling for the Johnnies he attended and graduated from the University of Montana. In 1972 John married Catherine Carr and moved to Cleveland Ohio where he was an accountant for Standard Oil. John and Cathy welcomed their first son Johnny to the family before moving back to Miles City and later welcoming sons Robert and Kevin. John truly enjoyed his “day job” as he called it, practicing as a CPA and serving his clients in eastern Montana over the last 44 years. His relationships with his clients were very special to him.
John also had his “hobby” and opened the Golden Spur with his friend and business partner Gary Mathews. He was not content with just being a bar owner and served multiple terms as president of the Gaming Industry Association and also served on the Montana Gaming Advisory Council. John also served on the advisory board to the Bureau of Business and Economic research at the University of Montana. He had a love for politics on both sides of the aisle. John was an avid golfer and had the proud accomplishment of two holes in one. John also had a great passion for horse racing both as a horse owner and a fan. John enjoyed going to different tracks around the country especially his favorite track Saratoga. John was also a long time MOA official reffing both wrestling and football for many years. One of his favorite past times was discussing calls that were both right or wrong with his fellow reffing buddies. John could always be found in the end zone watching his sons football games. He was really looking forward to watching his son John coach in the state title game this year but his health prevented him from being there in person. John will be greatly missed by his boys and their families.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joyce and his nephew John David Friend. He is survived by his sons John (Amy), Robert (Brittani), Kevin (Jen) and his grandchildren Greta, Zoe, AJ, Jack, Roan, and Remi. He is further survived by his twin brother Frank as well as his nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019 with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A Rosary and Vigil Service will follow the visitation on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will be held in the family lot of the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Scholarship Fund, John Friend Scholarship Fund or Wake Up and Lace Up.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 6, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday December 6, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 7, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
110 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 6, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday December 6, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 7, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
110 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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The Horner Family says
So sorry to hear of you loss. May the Lord bless you and help you through the up coming days.
Teri Zook says
I remember John so well. I babysat for John and Frank Tooke for several years, even though I was only three years older than they were. I loved both those boys ~ and their mother Mary and sister Joyce.
I was saddened today to hear of John’s passing.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Teri Zook
The Hom’s says
Kevin and I are so sad to hear John passed away, hugs and prayers to all the family.
Amber Rainey says
I was saddened to hear of the loss of John. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Samantha Hellyer says
I’m so sorry for your loss…Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
teeny mcmunn (wells) says
Omg. He was in our class. I’m sorry for your loss. I remember him well. May he rest in peace.
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our sincere sympathy to John’s family.
Janet Klein says
Johnny, Robert, Kevin and families…John was a very special friend to me during school years and beyond. Conversations will be missed with him as he was quite the conversationalist with him reminiscing about the “good old days” or politics! I treasured the times that we took one another our to dinner or when I had him come over to eat. He was a wonderful friend to me after my husband passed and spent time with me to cheer me up! As his disease was progressing, he seemed to suppress and I honored that. I will remember him as the healthy person he was in the old days and cherish our friendship and times togerher… you were very blessed to had such a wonderful devoted father.
Melanie M. Patch says
Love and prayers to you all.
Mel
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I’m glad the fight is over for John. He did not want to go out this way, but God spared him from any more suffering. We will miss this colorful classmate, but he & Rick are probably trading wrestling stories right now. My sincere sympathy to Frank, John’s boys and all the rest of John’s family & friends. RIP
Kim J Gillan says
I, along with my two adult children, Hank and Claire want to express our tremendous sorrow at John’s passing. He was a great guy and although we did not connect much since July, I will remember the frequent conversations I had with John–especially during my days in the Montana Legislature. Those telephone conversations were numerous and diverse; my son, Hank remembers texting with John and was shocked at the news. John was a staunch advocate for all things “eastern Montana” and his strong committment to his family was noteworthy. It is with tremendous saddness that I send my sympathy to his family.
Penny Fernandez says
Uncle John will be missed. An amazing man he is and a mentor. A class act! Peace, prayers and love to the family. Love to all, Penny
Melody R Berg says
I knew John as he was married to my sister Robin for nearly 30 years. I had the opportunity of visiting a couple of times a year and John was always fun to be around. John was a funny, kind and generous man and though he and Robin divorced a few years ago they still shared a strong bond of friendship. He will be missed by our whole family. Rest in peace John.
Angie King says
Rest in Peace John! My condolences to the entire Tooke family.
Sharon Volkman says
To the Tooke relatives I am sorry for you loss
Jim says
Our sincere condolences to the Tooke family. We always enjoyed visiting with John.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Jim Altenhofen says
SO SORRY GUYS-I WAS HOPING HE WOULD LAST A BIT LONGER. WHAT A GREAT GENTLEMAN AND FRIEND.
Alroy, Tasha and Devin Solle says
I am so sorry to see this. Please know my hugs are going out to all of your family!
Ray Batey says
So sorry to hear about John.
Mark T Kennedy says
What a Prince of a guy…I remember his smile.
Caroline and Jack Fleming says
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a fine man, so community-minded and helpful to so many. He will be missed.
Doug Ellingson says
Family, Our condolences on your loss of John. John always took the time to stop and chat whenever we ran into him. As a fellow football official for many years I enjoyed working games with John. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all your family . Sincerely, Diane and Doug Ellingson
Ellen McKenzie says
To all who are sorrowing over John’s passing, especially Frank, and John’s sons and families, I’m sorry not to be there with you as you celebrate John’s life. You are in my thoughts and may your memories comfort you. I know he will be greatly missed. He had quite a life and lived fully! His obituary is rich with examples. Take care of each other, and my condolences are with you.
Larry Grant says
The very best to John’s family. He will certainly be missed. He was a good man and a trusted friend. Larry and Janelle Grant
Dale Woolhiser says
John and his twin brother, Frank, were the first two kids I met when my family moved to Miles City in 1960. My first memories are of playing GI Joe with rubber soldiers, hiding them in various camps in the vacant lot across the street from their home and throwing dirt clods at each others forts and then of climbing on top of the medical clinic next to their home and using the gravel from the flat roof there for ammunition for our slingshots and of John shooting pumping up their pellet gun, of John accidentally shooting Frank and taking Frank on the handlebars of my bike to Holy Rosary Hospital to get the pellet dislodged from the bone in Frank’s upper arm. John was pretty hang-dog after the “conversation” with their mother, Mary, was finished! Next memories were mostly of sports. Baseball, football, wrestling and golf. John was good at all of them. He was accomplished and competed. He represented Miles City well. As a relatively young adult I remember walking into a building–Ok, a bathroom–on the University of Montana campus before a football game and hearing a very distinctive voice, “John Tooke … is that you?” “Yeah, fancy running into you here!” was his response. You didn’t need to see John to feel or know his presence. And I would bet most of us can feel it now. My condolences for those closest to John and know that Miles City and Eastern Montana have lost a favorite son.
Kathy and Jerry Sikorski says
Robin and family, it broke my heart when I heard John had passed away. We saw him recently and as usual discussed politics, Cat/Griz and everything else that came up. He was a wonderful caring friend/ accountant and co-conspirator. Please know you are all in my prayers. Be kind to each other In honor of John. We will be out of town for the funeral, please accept our apologies. Kathy and Jerry Sikorski
Douglas K Gedney says
To the Tooke family and especially Frank,
John, Frank, and I knew each other as kids on a High School wrestling team. Through these many tributes I have now come to know John as the special man he became. Cherish the memories of this good soul and know that a special place awaits him. I suspect there is a fantastic golf course with many “holes in one” awaiting John.
God bless you all and give you strength in this time of sorrow.
Doug Gedney
Renae Struck Helzer says
I went to school with John and Frank starting in 2nd grade at Jefferson School and through high school. I am so sorry for the family’s loss. RIP, John.
Kurt Alme says
I will miss John. I will remember him as being generous with his time and treasure. When we started the senior all night party in 1985 to keep all the graduates safe, john was not only one of the first to contribute, but he reached out to others to give. in the years that followed, I always appreciated his advice and enjoyed our conversations. Heaven gained a good soul. my condolences to the family.
Susan Tooke says
Uncle John,
Words can not express how much you will be missed. Your heart was huge, your smile contagious, your advice abundant. John loved many things in life, but nothing more than his sons and grandchildren. I am so sad for the boys and dad. You will be missed, but I know you have so much to tell Grandma, Grandpa, Joyce, and John David. May your laugh echo in our hearts forever.
Patrick Stoltz says
I am so sorry to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers to all of John’s family. It was always a great pleasure to play golf with John over the years. We had a lot of Pro Am trips and with those trips lots of memories. John had a great golf game and he loved the sport. He is probably talking to God about now and wondering what kind of golf game he can get Him in. God bless you all.
Leif ronnig says
I have lost one of my longest friends. I met the tooks when I was seven and stayed good friends since the. I can not attend the funeral as I a in Mexico. I will miss Jonny. Leif ronnig
Gary Coffrin says
John and I became friends at Washington Junior High. We played hours of ping-pong in my cramped garage, and sometimes skateboarded on the sloping sidewalks outside my parents’ business. The Took house was a fun place to visit, and you could expect to see Doug Moore, Dale Woolhiser, Leif Ronning, or other lads there.
John had a bright, extroverted personality. During our occasional chats in recent years, John’s eyes brightened and his energy increased when talking about his grandchildren. Love of his sons and of his grandchildren was there to see on his face.
John played football at CCHS, and was outsized by nearly everyone on the field. Years later John encountered Bill Chords, who for one year was an assistant coach in Miles City. Chords became athletic director at Marquette University. Bill Chords said that John was, pound for pound, one of the toughest and most talented players he had ever coached.
I am glad that John, during his final years, benefited from close friendships and caring attention from many, including the “Babes of ’68.” To all who lost a good friend or a close relative, I extend my condolences.
Doug Benge says
Our office always considered we were very fortunate to operate in an environment in MC whereby all of our fellow CPA’s and colleagues were so professional, and very amicable to client transfers, exchange of ideas, and just good friends. John and his staff were exactly that. He was intelligent, could be animated, but definitely an asset to the community. I never did figure out how he was able to be so successful at both his day job and hobby job. He will be missed. Best wishes to all family.
Pam Rogge says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Tooke family at this time and in the days ahead. I would echo Doug’s comments about the working relationship between firms. Condolences to the entire family.
Dixie Schaffer says
So sorry, I worked for Frank and John at the accounting office. There was never a boring day, John had many stories , dealing from life experiences to politics. It was a pleasure to work for him, he will be missed.
Laura Monasmith says
My thoughts are going back to many happy days and years. I learned a lot from John and Frank. My prayers are with you all.
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Sorry to hear of Johns passing ,We always enjoyed our time we spent with him ,. thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diane Welbes says
II wish I had words to lighten your agony but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Joe Lemire says
There is so much that comes to me when I think of my good good childhood and never forgotten friend, Johnny Tooke. We met at 5 yrs old…then first grade at Sacred Heart with brother Frank,…it was really hard at that age to tell them apart…and both of them had what I would call ”Heart”. John and Frank exited Sacred Heart schooling before myself and some the other Catholic boys left for Custer. I got schooled by the Tooke brothers soon after joining the football team there. I got a big lesson from John when I tried to block him on a play. He slapped my head so hard that I saw stars and my ear rang for the rest of the practice. In those days we never heard of the word concussion…it was just getting you bell rung. Well Johnny rang my bell big time that afternoon and I never made that mistake again in football. Funny the things you remember after 54 years. I have many Tooke stories all really worth a good listen, but let me just say this… Johnny had a big heart….wild and tough as they come, but never, never mean. He was as wide open as the big skies we grew up in and I am proud to say he was my friend. If I had known he was that sick I would have found a way to get back to see him. Johnny was special. He always gave 100% and if I was ever dug in and lying in a foxhole, he is the guy I would want there with me. Ride ’em high Johnny.
Lila K Greenwood says
My prayers and thoughts are with John’s family and friends. I’m so very sorry to hear this sad news. RIP John
Linette Huschka Donnelly says
Tooke Family-Thinking of you during this emotionally trying time. The memories will continue to keep him alive in your hearts.
Jeffrey A. "Scooter" Fretland says
Dear Tooke Family:
John’s mother and father were great friends of my parents for many years. John will be sorely missed. He always knew we Fretland children, and John always asked my parents about us frequently. Dad often mentioned this to me in passing.. John was so kind and gracious. True gem of a gentlemen! He’s in a much calmer place. God be with you, sir!
Jeffrey A. Fretland
El Paso, Texas
Carl Zabrocki says
Fair winds and trailing seas
Greg And Kathy Ugrin says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing and extending our deep and heartfelt sympathy to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg and Kathy Ugrin
Valerie Rowen says
I was so saddened to hear of John’s passing. I want to extend my deepest sympathy & pray for the Peace of God that transcends all understanding to the family.
Valerie Rowen
Addie Goodwin says
To Johns family I am so sorry to hear about John. He was our tax guy for many years. It was always a good day when we would meet to do taxes and had such a good visit about lots of different things. We usually had a politic discussion. He had such good humor and was always happy. I will miss him very much.
Addie Goodwin
michael Wohlgenant says
We were so sad to hear of John’s passing. I (Mike) knew him well in high school. Among other things, we were on the golf team together. John was very friendly and was a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed. His was a life cut short much too early. Our prayers go out to the family.
Mike and Peggy Wohlgenant
Bill & Betty Johnson says
Betty and I are deeply saddened to hear of Johns passing. He was a friend as well as our tax accountant. We will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Louise Payovich says
My prayers go out to the Tooke family. John did my taxes for 40 years, but more than that he was a very dear friend and I will miss him terribly. I am trying desperately to write this through tears. He and my husband are probably swapping stories. I was lucky to have counted him as my friend. Rest in peaceJohn, you fought a tough battle. I will miss our times together at tax time.