John Victor Wellems, age 87, of Miles City passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2017 at Spirit Mountain Hospice Care in Cody, WY. John was well known to the Miles City area. He had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed reminiscing about the past. He touched many hearts in his lifetime. John “grandpa” will be greatly missed by his friends, family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was born November 10, 1929 in Miles City, MT to Peter “Nick” and Adelaide (Barthelmess) Wellems. John attended Sacred Heart Grade & High School and graduated in 1949. In 1977, John married Luana King in Miles City at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
- Immediately after high school he worked on various ranches in the surrounding area. Cowboying was his passion. He broke many young horses in his day.
- In 1951 he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in Alaska. After being honorably discharged in 1953 he returned to Miles City.
- He worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for 37 years until his retirement in 1992.
- After his retirement, he went to work driving for Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home. During his time there he averaged 4 to 5 thousand miles a month. John will be remembered at the funeral home for always being a dependable driver; no matter day or night or what the weather was doing he never failed to answer his phone when the call came.
- He also spent many hours driving Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home Clydesdales for funerals, parades and weddings.
John is survived by his wife Luana “Lou” Wellems of Cody, WY; two step-daughters, Vicki (Ugo) Carrafa of Cody, WY and Penny (Les) James of Bridger, MT; one brother, Tom (Roberta) Wellems of Albuquerque, NM, seven step-grandchildren, seven great step-grandchildren and various nephews and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Adelaide Wellems, two brothers, Ed and Robert “Bud” Wellems, his Aunt Anna and Betty, Uncle Fred and nephew Bobbie.
John was a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and could be seen at the 6 pm service in the same pew on Saturdays every week.
In celebration of John’s life, visitation hours will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Church in Miles City at 1 pm. Interment with full military honors will take place at the Custer County Cemetery.
Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com. In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the Peace and Education Collation C/O Father Bruce Wellems 4610 S. Wood St. Chicago IL. 60609.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Mass of Christian Burial
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 28, 2017
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, MT
Rite of Committal
Following Services
Saturday January 28, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Mass of Christian Burial
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 28, 2017
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, MT
Rite of Committal
Following Services
Saturday January 28, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Share
Curtis Fillafer says
So very sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed the many years knowing and always thought he was a great person. May you be comforted during this time.
Cindy Johnson says
We are so sorry for your loss!! Hold all of your precious memories with him close in your hearts!! Hugs to all of you!
James Arneson says
I missed living by John and seeing that wonderful smile and his big wave. May God comfort you all, now and always.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins says
I have lots of childhood memories of John!! Such a Dear Heart. Was always so kind and soft spoken.
My sympathy to the family.
Take Care
Ruben aand June Opp says
Lou and family, So sorry to hear of Johns passing He was always such a pleasant man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and the days ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Paula Wildman says
So sorry to hear about John. Lou, I think he’s up with Randy now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Aunt Lou. Love you ❤
Roxie Schwartz says
So sorry for your loss Aunt Louie. Thoughts, prayers and a big hug headed your way.
Bunny Pembroke Nunberg says
We are so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. He was always so kind to my family. Dad really enjoyed his Sunday morning visits. We are thinking of you, Lou.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
Johnny was one of a kind. Always enjoyed listening to his stories and driving Stevensons teams with him.RIP Johnny.1
Verlin and Bernadette Miller says
We will miss John and all his stories. We enjoyed our Monday evenings watching Antique Roadshow and enjoying dessert together over the years in Miles City. He was a wonderful, kind hearted man. He will be missed by many. -Verlin and Bernadette Miller
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.5
Amy (Moore) LaBree says
I will always remember John fondly. When our Mother passed away he picked up my sister and I from the Billings airport.
He also brought our mother home with us as she passed away in Spokane.
He made our trip home very pleasant and calmed our hearts.
Will always love him.
Rhonda Erlenbusch says
John you will truly be missed! You were a great neighbor to mom and dad. The kids always loved visiting with you on your front porch. Make sure you give dad a big hug for me!! God bless!!
Rick & Dee Abbott says
We are so sad to learn of John’s death. You are in our prayers and thoughts of comfort and peace.
Ervin and Janice Laib says
Lou and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss John was a great man always a big smile and happy to see you. Every time I go by your house I think of you both and miss you. My many Prayers and Thoughts are for you
Lori Hall says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I met him numerous times when I worked at the funeral home in Baker. He was always so helpful and so nice. Rest in Peace John. Lori Hall
Fern Griggs says
Lou. so sorry for your loss of husband , John. My thoughts are with you at this time. Fern Carey Griggs.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Lou and family You are in our thoughts and prayers. Always enjoyed our visits with John.
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
John was a wonderful person. He met you with a big smile and a firm handshake. He loved to share stories about my parents and so many others in the Pine Hills. They worked together and shared many good times. God Bless You.
Steven Allen says
John has been my dear friend my whole life. As a kid living across the street, John would take the time to come a play basketball with me. As I got older I would go have coffee with John and Lu, enjoy cookies and catch up on life and just shoot “the Bull” so to speak.
I will remember you for the rest of my life and cherish our time together. I wish I could be there for the Funeral
But I unfortunately unable to make it. Lu your in my thoughts and prayer. Rest in Peace my Friend.
Betty Carter O'Brien6 says
I also remember John – we went to school together at SHHS – what a guy? Enjoyed his humor and am sure he will be missed by many people in Miles City as he seemed to be a staunch member of the community. God rest his soul and peace be always with him.