John Eric Wilhelm, age 81, passed away on October 18, 2018, surrounded by his family and loved ones, following a battle with failing health.
John was born on January 11, 1937, in Bad Charlottenbrunn, Germany. The son of Fred and Mary Wilhelm, he was the second of three children. John finished his schooling in Germany, working in a factory building furniture before the family began moving around after the war. In October 1953, John arrived in the United States with his parents and younger sister, Karin.
John was excited about seeing the Statue of Liberty from the boat when they arrived in New York, but was also excited about the brand new 1953 Pontiac his aunt, uncle, and cousin picked the family up with to drive them to Montana. The Wilhelm family was sponsored by John’s Aunt Winnifred and Uncle Jim Genty. Sponsors had to guarantee work for the family, so John began working at his aunt and uncle’s greenhouse once they arrived in Miles City. He worked in the greenhouse until he learned to drive, then delivered flowers using the greenhouse truck. It was during the years following his arrival that John and his friends worked to build their own hot rods, forming the Kingsmen Car Club.
John met Twila, the love of his life, in 1954, and they were married on June 28, 1959. He worked as a carpenter for Bergeson & Son’s Construction, but also joined the National Guard after he was married, serving for six years. During his six-month training, he spent time in Fort Ord, California, as well as Fort Knox, Kentucky. It was at Fort Knox that he took a mechanic class, and it was in his years in the Guard that he met many of his lifelong friends.
John and Twila’s daughter, Toni, was born in 1963, with Tracey following in 1967, and John Jr. in 1970. During these years, he worked for Carl Schneidt at Auto Electric as a mechanic, and also rented a space from Bill Bergeson. In 1968, John and Twila built and opened Wilhelm Auto Repair. John made many friends through the shop, but the most important time of his day remained his coffee times in the mornings and afternoons with his friends, and his “socializing” after work.
John enjoyed camping, boating, hunting at the Herzog Ranch, bowling, motorcycles, working on cars, and spending time with his family. All of his favorite hobbies became events to share with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His favorite times, though, were ones when his family could share a meal, beers, and stories together. Laughter was always present when John was present.
John is survived by his wife, Twila; his three children: Toni (Cody) Weyerbacher, Kinsey, MT; Tracey (Garve) Gierke, Miles City, MT; John Wilhelm, Jr., Miles City, MT, a sister Karin (Klaus) Speckan, Huntley, IL, as well as 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by special nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mary, infant-son, Michael John, and sister, Margot.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends or family desire; memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Church or Sacred Heart School in Miles City, Montana, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 26, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
102 North Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 26, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
102 North Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Carolyn Kimball says
Twila and family,
So saddened by this news of John’s passing.
Prayers of comfort and peace during this difficult time.
James L Arneson says
Twila and family, I am shocked to hear this. I have enjoyed many visits with John since I moved in next to you guys. I will sure miss seeing his wave, his smile and the visits. My 4 pups will miss having him call them over the fence to say hello and then sending them back home before I seen they were gone. I always enjoyed seeing Titan go over to visit. May God comfort you at this time with all the great memories. My heart goes out to you. May God bless you all, now and always.
Jim
Rick and Becky. Zawada says
Twila and Family,
We are so saddened to hear if John’s passing. Please except our sincere condolences.
Marcy Parks says
Twila, Toni, Tracy, John, and families, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat Blumhorst says
Twila , Toni and family, I so much enjoyed John. He was a great person to know . My prayers and love go out to you!
Randy Boutelle says
Twila and family, so sorry about John. He will be missed by all.
Terry becker says
Twila and fam. Will miss John ,he was a good friend to everyone he met.it will not be the same without him around here rest in pease good friend.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Twila and family, so sadden to read of John’s passing. I am so thankful I was able to recently visit with you and John. Prayers to all of you.
Slade and Lynnette Bumgardner says
Dearest Twila and family-
We are grieving your loss of your husband, father, grandfather and our friend. John was always fun to see anywhere around town but every time we were at coffee in the morning. I know he always said he was excited to see us (and especially the girls) but we enjoyed him talking about his family, his life and everything else under the sun.
Praying that God will hold you closely in the comfort of his arms.
Love, Slade and Lynnette, Katy and Ila
Kathryn L Walsh says
Tweedily, we think of you and Johnnie often and always with such joy and smiles. Such a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. We will always remember him as he was in the picture we took of you two love birds heading off on the motorcycle to Sturgis. Sending our love to you and the family… Don and Kathy Walsh.
Kay Carlson says
Twila, long before Bob Bergerson and I married I had known Johnnie as a very special man with a huge heart. I always loved seeing his smile, hearing his voice and getting his special hug. He will be missed.
Bill Wallick says
Wonderful guy. We always had some great visits. Go with God my friend.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers your way Twila and family during this hard time.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Twila, Toni, Tracy, John and families,
Mike and I were so saddened to hear about John! Our love and sympathy to all of you, remembering such special memories of our long time friends!
Linda Walker says
Tweedily and family, you know we all loved him. Thinking of you.
Burch Ray Palmer says
I hope John gets full military honors during his life’s celebration. Not long ago, at a fellow soldier’s funeral, he expressed to me how much he liked the ceremony that our friend was honored with and that he didn’t know he qualified for the honor. I told him that he certainly did. RIP John. Burch and Linda
Peggy Billing Logan says
John will be missed by many! So sorry! Loved that guy.
Larry and Leona Dann says
Twila, Toni, Tracy, Little John and families
So sorry to hear of John`s passing. He was a great man and a friend and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Thoughts and prayers to you all as you go through this difficult time.
RIP John, my friend
CarleneRoot says
Twila and families, Sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. Carlene Root.
RIchard E Meiidnger says
So sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was always so much fun weather you were close to where they were at the lake or if you came across them at a local gathering. I remember always getting a bear hug every time I saw him. Always enjoyed seeing photos from their family gatherings. He was always so happy and full of fun when he had his family close by. May he rest in peace and may your awesome memories help all of you through this difficult time. Your are all in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and Richard
Berta Cauthron says
Twila, I am so sorry to read about John’s passing. I guess I thought he would just always be there when I came home to visit. He was a good man with a big heart and will missed by everyone who ever knew him. My thoughts are with you.
Pat Herzog says
Twila,Toni, Tracy & John..so very sorry to hear about John. .I know that he’s in heaven having coffee with my brother Jim. .we’ll keep you guys in our prayers. .all our love Monte and Pat Herzog
Arlene and Dennis Corbin says
Love and prayers to you all. John was an awesome guy
Sandi and Jim updyke says
Twila and family, our hearts are saddened hearing that John has passed on. I hope all your memories help you through this difficult time. I’m sure he is watching all of us and giving advice. Rest In Peace my friend. You were and are loved.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry. John was such a god hearted guy, who loved his family with a giant love. Our prayers are with you and our love goes out to all of you!
Rhonda Bowers says
Tracy and family, so sorry for your loss. Many prayers for you.
Kim R Smarsh says
My deep sympathy to John’s entire family. He has a beautiful legacy in his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Alane Stabler says
Twila, Toni, Tracy & John
I am so sorry for your loss . John was such a joy to visit with. I was shocked when I heard. What a wonderful man with a great family. May God give you strength and comfort . In our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Ken & Alane
Bruce Wilson says
Twila and family, sadden and shocked to hear of John’s passing. I was privileged to call John my friend for over 50 years . John was this big hard-working teddy bear that everybody loved.
I remember when he opened his first shop on his own at that tiny little garage just off seventh Street . I was working for NAPA and would deliver parts to him .
I think he worked on almost every high school kids car during those days, sometimes he would get paid sometimes he will get paid late sometimes he would not get paid at all.
After I left Miles City I always look forward to the Buckinghorse sale and the highlight would be seeing John as I knew I would always get a big sloppy wet kiss !
John loves people and especially his family so much .
RIP you little Kraut!
Chris Choate Raible says
I am so sorry to hear about John. He’s always been dad Wilhelm to me. So many wonderful memories over the years with the family! What a one of a kinda man with a huge heart. IHe will truly be missed. Love to you all
Sheila Kale says
Twila and Family,
So sorry of hear of John’s passing. He was quite the guy. Prayers across the miles to you and your family.
Sheila Kale
Dolores Willson says
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our whole community will miss his kind and gentle presence among us.
My sincerest sympathy to you Twyla and the whole family. Cherish the memories.
Terry & Charlene Gunther says
Twila &family, We arr so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. He was a very special man who always greeted us with a smile & his famous bear hug. So many memories of times spent over a cold beer downstairs at the 600. He always made us laugh. His infectious personality lite up the room. We will truly miss him.
Deb Jerrel says
What a nice funny guy he was for sure. RIP john…I’m sure you’ll be zippin around in a VW bug all over heaven!
Kathy Damm Culy says
Twila and family
My heart is heavy for your loss.
John was always a happy man and a heart of gold
Thinking of you all..God Bless
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Twila and family, We were so sorry to hear about John. So glad that we were able to have such a nice visit at the fair. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May all the good memories help you in the days ahead.
Pam Rogge says
Twila and family,
My prayers and condolences are with you now and in the days ahead. I have many special memories of John that I will always treasure – lots of good times at the bowling alley and always a hug! RIP Johnny
Lynn S says
Our family was saddened to read about the passing of John. No doubt he leaves behind many fond memories that can brighten your day when you are thinking of him. As we look forward to the time when we are reunited again with our loved ones, think about what you would like to say and how big the hugs will be. My family is encouraged reading about this hope at jw dot org (hope). May the God of comfort bless and guide your whole family during this difficult time and in the days to come.
Terry Knodel says
Sincere sympathy from the families north of the border. It makes you realize how important it is to get to those reunions and such events. We always remember John as that guy with a big smile and laugh, and always time for everybody. Much love to you all.
Gladys, Keith/ Brenda , Myles/ Carol and Terry
Don and Gloria Gunther says
Where to begin. It seems like John was always a part of our lives from the bowling alley, 600 Bar and the Wilhelm Auto Repair. John always had a smile on his face and a “bear” hug for everyone. His love for Twila was wonderful to see. Prayers to the family during this difficult times. Don and Gloria Gunther
B Dean Holmes says
Yes, who could ever forget his bear hugs….. a bigger than life person that I’ll never forget. rip
Mary Rose Bovee says
Will miss seeing his smile when I deliver the Miles City Star !!
Randy, Janet & Rachel Stanhope says
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We send all our prayers to you and yours.
Doug Ellingson says
Twila and Family, Our condolences on your loss of John. A great character who will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Sincerely, Diane and Doug Ellingson
Lissa Power says
Twila, Toni, Tracy & John
I am so sorry for your loss. I never saw him but what he had a smile on his face. Most of the time that smile was for Twila. He proudly told me how he had met Twila and how she was the love of his life. John was so proud of his kids and grand-kids. He obviously loved you all deeply. May you find comfort in your memories of him. Prayers, Lissa Power
Kim Stanton says
Dear families,
So sorry to read your beloved father and grandfather had passed. Keeping you all close in thought and prayer today and in the coming weeks. Peace and prayers for you all as you grieve the loss of a very special man.
With condolences,
Kim Stanton
Cindy Scott says
Twila and family
Thinking of all of you and your loss. I can think of many times in my childhood our families were together. John brought great joy to many events. More recently in June watching you Twila, and John dance together. The adoration for each other was beautiful. He will be missed.
Lisa Marie Bastian says
Twila, Toni, Tracy & John,
Know that you & your family are in my prayers. John was a true gentleman & he also had a wonderful sense of humor. God Bless You All, I wish I could be there with your family. Wishing You All Big Warm Hugs.
Vern and Irene Brenner says
This world has lost a special person! Our family has so many good memories of motorcycle trips, nights around the campfire, Bucking Horse Sale, and the fun that we always had with the two of you. We’ll carry these fond memories forever.
DeEtta Walker says
My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you. I have very fond memories of my father (Alvin Maasch) bowling with John. I spent many bowling nights down at the alley with them and they were all so nice and kind. He was a very dear and special man!
DeEtta (Maasch) Walker
Ed and Melva Curnan says
Twila and Family
Our deepest condolences on the lost of a husband,father and brother. We will miss you and John at the 600 for coffee. To you John, “Ruhe in Frieden Mein Freund”.
Jennifer Brenner says
Twila,
So sorry to hear this news. I loved spending time with you and John. Even as a teenager, hanging around you guys was more fun than hanging out with my friends! I have great memories of our time on the bikes that I’ll never forget. John’s legacy will always live on through those memories.
Love to you all,
Jen Brenner
Mary Pat Brady Young says
Twila and family~ I was so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing! I am so glad that I got to see y’all last month at our class reunion and share time together. My family all knew him from his early days in Miles City and the Gentys. I am in sympathy with you, knowing just what you are going thru since I lost Ken this year also. I am told it gets easier, but there are times it is not easy. The holidays, birthdays and anniversaries are all going to be hard, but the Lord will keep you if you lean on Him. I will be praying for you today and as often as y’all come to mind. PSALM 18:2 ”The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Donald Hartgrave says
So sorry your going to be so missed i loved to deliver parts there n talk to Twila n John
Nancy Fillafer says
so sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was a very helpful guy. He worked on my first car I had.
Patty Hofferber says
Twila I am sorry to hear about Jonn passing – you are in my thoughts and prayers. Patty (Kenney) Hofferber
Dave Baldwin says
John always had a smile and a car story, and was always willing to help.
He is certainly going to be missed. Blessings to you all in this difficult time.
Rose Fritz says
Dear Twila,
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of John’s passing. We so enjoyed him at the past reunions and can only imagine the loss you must feel. There are few words that can comfort you at this time, but just know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love and prayers,
Rose and Bob Fritz
John and Penny Shevlin says
Our thoughts and prayers to John’s family!