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One of my fondest and most memorable memories is when Uncle John told me I was “acting like a Democrat” because I wasn’t taking accountability for my actions. At the time, I may have viewed it as simple name-calling, but as I grew older, I came to understand the deeper lesson behind his words. That moment became more than just a conversation; it became a lasting reminder of the importance of personal responsibility, honesty, and accountability. The lesson Uncle John taught me has become a core part of my values and has shaped the adult I am today. It is a lesson I continue to carry with me and instill in my students, encouraging them to take ownership of their choices and behaviors. Looking back, I appreciate that moment because it helped build my character and taught me that true growth begins when we are willing to acknowledge our actions and learn from them.  You will always be in my heart!

John Englund is and always will be Uncle John to our family. I have very fond memories of the vacations he made to Oregon to visit our family. I remember growing up he took us with him several times to the Jacksonville Museum. My Auntie and him later purchased my home that was on the ranch. I hope they had some great memories living there. He always showed up for special occasions for me. I remember they came to see me graduate from college in Utah (my sis, included) that was very special. It was always great to see him and the family when they would stop by on their way to or from Montana. Our family is very heartbroken with the loss of this amazing man. He was truly one of a kind.

Armed with a quick wit and sense of humor John Englund had a gift of making the ordinary day  unordinary.  He believed life and opportunity shouldn’t be taken for granted.   He approached any given task with a tenacious spirit.  Many  referred to it as “killing snakes”.   He believed in God; loved and cared for his family and friends deeply; and was always there for me.  I am proud to have known him all of my life and call him my Uncle John.  His  memory will forever live in my heart.

John was truly one of a kind. At 95, he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. John was a longtime friend of my husband’s grandfather, and over the years, that friendship grew into family when John married my husband’s grandmother, Bev. Before I came into the picture, my husband fondly remembers John dancing with Bev at his brother’s wedding and telling the family they would be married soon—a sweet reflection of John’s charm and confidence.

One of our special memories is visiting Anaconda, Montana, where we spent time with our families and enjoyed the breathtaking beauty of this part of the state. It was a wonderful opportunity to make memories we will always treasure.

Grandpa John was kind, incredibly smart, and seemed to know something about everything. His charisma, charm, giant smile, and contagious laugh made him unforgettable. Everyone who knew him adored him, and his presence made every gathering brighter.

John’s love also shone through in his devotion to Bev. He was an amazing caregiver to her, showing his love through patience, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

John will be deeply missed, but the laughter, love, and memories he leaves behind will live on for generations. We feel so fortunate to have known him and to have shared in a small part of his remarkable life.

My family became related to John Sr when my niece married his son John.  We have many fond memories of get togethers with this wonderful man who could light up a room with his presence, what a true gem.  My favorite memory was the event of his son's fire department retirement. I got tears in my eyes watching the fire fighters hover around Sr with great enthusiasm and respect.  He will be greatly missed.

A remarkable man who lived with kindness, devotion, and an enthusiasm that inspired everyone around him.

In loving memory of a wonderful man who blessed our family for so many years.

He was my dad’s close friend, and together they spent countless summers in Montana, sitting on the patio, drinking a glass of wine, listening to their music, and talking politics.

After both my dad and his own wife passed away, he married my stepmother, and he became my children’s “other grandpa,” Grandpa John.  My youngest grandson was named in honor of him. Through him, our family gained new family members.

I saw firsthand what a deeply loyal man he was, watching out for my stepmother, sitting by her bedside at every hospitalization, every day, all day and half the nights, even as his own health was declining.

He was the happiest, most positive man, and a beloved fire chief.  About five years ago, I drove him to the LA County Fire Museum, and I saw firsthand the respect and love the retired firefighters and attendees had for him.  I will never forget taking the pictures of him that day and how happy he was to be reunited with firefighters he had led and been devoted to.

He also gave my husband and me a tour of the town he grew up in, sharing all the history of the town and his family.  It was so fun watching him reminisce about his hometown in Montana. When he took us to his school, he said, “That's my school. I had three periods of study hall!”

I will miss his phone calls, especially when he laughed because I always answered, “Yes, Chief.”

My husband and I will miss dinners with him, talking politics, and his enthusiastic presence at every holiday gathering.

I cannot imagine him not being with us anymore.

We loved him so much.  We will see him again.

Jeanne & Michael Stokes

My grandpa, my confidant, my mentor. So many things you will always be to me. I'm grateful to call you my Grandpa, and blessed for the time we spent together throughout my life. Rest in Peace with our Lord and Savior now Grandpa, I will see you again. I love you forever, Thank You for your immense love and support.

On behalf of my mom Beverly Englund and her family we wish to express our love and respect for John “The Chief”Englund. So many wonderful memories-football games, traveling and spending time together at Georgetown Lake, Montana. We are forever grateful to John for the love and care he has given to Beverly. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.   Dan Ertel and Family

John Sr. came into my life when I needed him most, following the loss of my husband. Through his kindness, he gave our beloved dog a loving home and brought comfort during a difficult time. He graciously kept me updated on his life and adventures, allowing me to continue being a part of our dogs journey. I will always be grateful our past crossed. John Sr  was a wonderful man who touched my life and will be deeply missed.

Over all of the years, I saw a man who brought happiness to everyone, and a man who truly loved his family.  He's a wonderful man.

John was born on June 10,1931 in Anaconda, MT to Axel and Emma Englund. John brought so much joy and warmth to everyone he encountered.

Our family’s beloved patriarch, John's spirit was as vibrant as his support for his beloved MSU Bobcats. He had a unique ability to light up a room with his laughter and was always the heart of family gatherings, where his affection for family and friends shone brightly. John never met a stranger, and his firm handshake was as warm and genuine as his smile.

John is survived by his loving family who will miss his guidance, kindness, and the special way he made each person feel valued and loved. As his daughter-in-law, I will miss his hearty laugh, his wisdom and valued advice. Though he has left our daily presence, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

John's legacy of love, joy, and his unforgettable spirit will be cherished forever.

OBITUARY

John William Englund

June 10, 1931 – October 8, 2026

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory

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