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John Kumm Obituary
Great Falls —Dr. John Alan Kumm, 50 of Great Falls, died of drowning Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Tiber Reservoir. John lived his life to the fullest anchored by faith, family and friends.
A funeral service is 10:30 AM Friday, June 21, 2013 at Central Assembly of God. A fellowship luncheon will be held immediately after the service. Burial will follow the luncheon at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
John was born December 30, 1962 in Great Falls Montana to Phil and Gloria Kumm. John was the second of 4 children. John was raised in Great Falls spending a lot of family time in sports, hunting and fishing. An athlete to the core John played Little League through 8th grade, football through 9th grade and varsity basketball.
John attended Charles M Russell High School, where he met his high school sweet heart Tracy Maxwell. He graduated high school in 1981. John went on to graduate from Montana State University in Bio-medical Science major and chemistry minor. John and Tracy married on November 14, 1987.
John and Tracy moved to Forest Grove Oregon to attend Pacific University College of Optometry. John and Tracy welcomed their first daughter Brittany in 1991. John graduated with a Doctor of Optometry in 1992.
Upon graduation, John, Tracy and Brittany moved home to Great Falls Montana. John joined the Eye Clinic of Great Falls as an associate in August 1992 and became a partner in January 1994. John practiced with Dr. Pat Stibel and Dr. Paul Katherine for 15 years until Dr. Katherine retired. John and Pat continued the practice until Dr. Don Hager joined them in 2008. John practiced general optometry with special interest in fitting bifocal contact lenses, managing eye disease, and working with kids. John served on the Montana Optometric association board from 1998 to 2003 and was a member of the American Optometric Association for 25 years.
John's faith in Jesus guided everything he did. He loved the Lord then his family and then his profession. Taking care of his patients was John's passion as illustrated in several quotes in a local optometry newsletter "Patients have taught me to appreciate where I am in life and what's been given to me. There's no question - life's a gift!" "Little kids are a hoot! They're entertaining as heck! I feel so fortunate being in a career where I like what I do and enjoy coming to work every day. I take great pleasure in interacting with our staff, working with my patients and feeling like I am helping to make life just a little better for people." "If you treat a patient the way you would treat your own kids, parents or grandmother, you can't go wrong. We're all human and can make mistakes, but if you always do what is best for the patient, I believe that's what we're called to do."
John and Tracy were blessed with two more girls, Brandy in 1994 and Taylor in 1996. John and Tracy raised their girls united in faith, family priorities and goals. Both dedicated their lives to years of softball, basketball, music, church and college activities. John spent many hours loving and coaching softball and basketball for all three girls. He took care of all of the girls on his teams as if they were his own.
John's friends remained a priority throughout his busy life. They described him as dependable, loyal, disciplined, caring and smart. He was counted on for guidance in faith, family, sports, hunting and life in general.
John served as a board member for the Heisey Youth Center for many years. He was a regular playing noon ball at the Heisey with many good friends. John was also involved with city league softball and basketball for many years.
John especially enjoyed spending his free time with his brother Phil fishing for walleye, hunting pheasants, enjoying sport events and raising and training their Brittany Spaniels.
John is survived by his wife Tracy, daughters Brittany, Brandy and Taylor, grandmother, Anne Besich, parents Phil and Gloria Kumm, brother Phil (Kim) Kumm, sisters Susan Dolan and Marie Litostansky and many extended family, nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his grandfather John Besich.
Memorials are suggested to Central Assembly of God missionary fund, 2001 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59401.
Condolences for the family may be posted at www.schniderfuneralhome.com. SCHNIDER FUNERAL HOME
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Memories and Condolences
for John Kumm
July 17, 2013
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Cindy Olszewski Ellenbecker
July 15, 2013
To the Kumm Family,
My heart aches for you during this very difficult time. I was in the same class at CMR with John and Tracy and I also had Latin with Susan. John and I also went to the same optometry school.It was fun to visit with John at the CE meetings and I just saw him in May in Missoula. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Roxann Jung (Etzel)
July 9, 2013
Tracy and family,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your husband.
Dan & Edna Kleinsasser
July 2, 2013
To Tracy and Family Deepest Sympaty to the Kumm family. Sorry to hear about John. He will be missed alot. He was a real good doctor. We will keep you in our prayer!
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Dan & Edna Kleinsasser
July 2, 2013
To Tracy and FamilyDeepest sympaty to the Kumm family. Sorry to hear about John. He will be missed alot. He was a real good doctor. We will keep you in our prayer!
Jody Kidd
June 28, 2013
Mr. Phil Kumm (Teacher) Garrett and I are so sorry for the loss of your brother. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Phil and Lonnie Eve
June 27, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Such a tragic death of a much loved man. He had a wonderful "send-off". His funeral was beautiful. So many came to say their good-byes and to console the families and friends. Nothing makes it easier, but knowing you have so many people who care and who stand by to help must make you feel better. He will always be remembered. God has him in His mighty arms.
June 25, 2013
our thoughts and prays are with the family and his co-workers.
the York family
Chris Mouat
June 23, 2013
Heartfelt prayers and sympathy to the entire Kumm family from the MSU-Northern Skylight basketball family.
Dana and Tracy Whtmire
June 21, 2013
Kumm family, so sorry for your loss you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Bennetts
June 21, 2013
My sincere sympathy goes out to Tracy and her family at this time. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Kumm for the first time at my last eye exam because Dr. Stibel was out of the office. Dr. Kumm was a delightful man to meet. My thoughts are also with the entire staff of the Great Falls Eye Clinic. Love and prayers to all of you.
Paula Payne Kaufman
June 21, 2013
Taracy,
Prayers for you and your family.
June 21, 2013
No words can express the grief shared in this community with the loss of such a great man. John was a caring, patient man with nothing but passion & love for his family, friends,career and community. He gave of himself freely, a lesson for us all. Hearts go out to you Tracy, Phil and the girls
Bill, Ann-Margaret, Madison & Rylan Periman
Trueluck Family
June 21, 2013
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you all in this time. He was a great man of God and I am so blessed to have known him.
Shmitty
June 20, 2013
Gonna miss you. you are an excellent man, and a role model for my future.thank you for giving me the pleasure of meeting you and your brother, thank you for your advice on life. you have changed my life.
Patty Keith
June 20, 2013
Susan, Tracy and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of John's sudden passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Mills and Bill Thomas
June 20, 2013
Tracy and Family, I just wanted to take this time to tell you what a wonderful father and husband and friend John was and I know you know that.John was a unbelieveable man, his calmness,his wisdom and his inner being could not be matched by anyone. As you know me officiating all his sports I never had one conflict with him. He respected me and all the other officials that officiated his games and the games of the sports he coached. He had a way to take girls that he coached and teach them besides to win to be the persons they are today. His knowledge about the sports and how to be humble whether you win or lose.All of you have been there for me and my family and we want you to know if there is anything we can do for you we are just a call away. I want to thank you all for coming into our lives. Dont worry. John will still be watching and guiding all of you from where he is at.
Teresa Lang-Court
June 20, 2013
Susan,
I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I'll be thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Char Zimmer
June 20, 2013
Gloria and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of John. It has been a very long time since I have spoken to you and I am sorry it is due to such a sad event. May God bless each of you and know his loving arms hold John and all of you in love and grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Char (Wojtala) Zimmer and family
Jack and LeIsla Crocker
June 20, 2013
Our deepest condolences for your lost. John was a friend and my Dr. He was a great individual and many many in Great Falls will miss him and even some who never knew him due to the behind the scenes things he was involved in. God's blessings on all of you.
Banuelos Family
June 20, 2013
Our Deepest Condolences to the Kumm Family. May the Light of God Shine Upon John Always and Forever, God Bless....
Judy Ryan
June 20, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God hold and comfort you! Judy and Mike
June 20, 2013
To my Kumm Family,
Before marrying into the Kumm Family, my children and I were blessed to have John as an eye doctor. The pictures on his examine room wall of his girls playing sports was a sign to me of the loving, involved father that he was. John shared many stories of coaching his girls and fishing with his brother during those years of being his patient. After marrying his brother, Phil, (by the grace of God) I was blessed again to be a part of the family unit and watching his girls up close compete in the sports they love to play. Most importantly, I have witnessed the Love of Christ growing in Brittany, Brandy, and Taylor as Tracy and John have laid a strong foundation of faith in the Lord. John's love of the Lord has had a direct impact on my children, Calvin and Melissa. He was never shy about sharing with them the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ and what this meant to their salvation. I will miss my partner in the back of the boat and all the times we kept Phil guessing as to what special "jig" we were using.
Matthew 4:19 Jesus called to his disciples and said "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."
John was truly a fisher of men. A dedicated servant of the Lord.
~ Kim Kumm (wife of Phil)
Derik Senger
June 20, 2013
Kumm Family,
The Senger family would like to express our deapest sympathy to your family. You have all been in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss seeing John at the ball games. I also will treasure the memories of fishing with John and Phil.
The Senger's
Jim & Nancy Waldenberg
June 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Shelley and Brian Oswood
June 19, 2013
Our most sincere sympathies to you Phil and your entire family. God Bless!
June 19, 2013
Dearest Tracy, Susan , and family,
I am so sorry to hear about John. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Deb Nelson-Lins
John Blank
June 19, 2013
To PK and Gloria,
My condolences on the loss of your son. Although I never met John, it sounds like you raised a wonderful son.
Jessica Gehrett-Huggins
June 19, 2013
I am a former student of Phil's and if he is any indication of the kind of man John was, he was a good man. I am so terribly sorry for such a devastating loss. May the power of those around you carry you through this difficult time. Forever cherish the fond memories of this man's life and reflect on the happy memories through the hard times. My sincerest condolences to the entire family he has left behind. Remember, it is not goodbye, it is see you later.
Jim Nichols
June 19, 2013
I haven't been in contact with the Kumm family for many years. But we all played ball when we lived on Malmstrom. You are all in my prayers.
Kent & Joan Paulson
June 19, 2013
-To the family of Dr. John Kumm-Our heartfelt sympathies go out to your whole family during these toughest of times-I had the good fortune of coaching John in basketball both @ North Junior High & again @ CM Russell High School-I also knew Tracy as a student @ CMR & have had the privilege to watch daughter Brittany play basketball during her career as well-Words cannot describe the emptiness felt upon learning of John's tragic death-To Phil & Gloria, our condolences on the loss of a wonderful son that you raised so well-Our thoughts & prayers are certainly with the Kumm & Maxwell families @ his time-Just know that John was in a great place on Earth & is now in an even greater place in Heaven-God Bless!
Patricia Zale-Pullen
June 19, 2013
May the Light of God and Perpetual Light shine on John. The family of Mary A Zale, sends Prayers and Condolence's to the Kumm Family and the Besich Family in their hour of grief!
Mary A Zale: Great Falls Mt.
Jason and Dena Boggess:Belt,Mt.
Patricia Zale_Pullen Waterville Wa.
Barbara Brokl and family
June 19, 2013
To the Kumm family - John was a friend,a trusted doctor and a wonderful dad. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. John was my doctor for years. I trusted him with my children both in the office and on the softball field. Such a tragic loss. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy for Tracy and the girls.
Lori Hall Weyer
June 18, 2013
Tracy- my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob Smootz
June 18, 2013
To the family of Dr. John my deepest sympathy. Dr. John was my eye doctor at the Fort Benton Eye Clinic.
Brian Schmidt
June 18, 2013
Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Kumm family at this time. When I had to move from Great Falls, I missed the hotly contested pickup basketball games at the LDS Church with John and Phillip and my brothers. There is an eternal plan and John is with a loving Heavenly Father at this time. My two younger brothers who are also in Heaven and participated in the pickup games will show John the ropes and have a pickup game or two.
--Brian Schmidt family
June 18, 2013
Tracy and Family,
My thoughts are with you at this time. Take care and god bless.
Donna Gomke Harding
June 18, 2013
Gloria
My heart and prayers are with you. So glad he caught your faith! Your friend Jan Reagor
jean shea
June 18, 2013
My family had been his patients during our time in FB. We had many conversations over the years and what a joy it was to hear him speak of his wife and daughters. His whole face would light up when he mentioned them. He was a strong encouragement to me spiritually and each visit was filled with the great things that our Jesus does in people's lives. My heart breaks for you but know that you are being held in prayer and that Dr. Kumm's legacy will live on in and through all the many lives he touched. May you feel Jesus holding you in His arms.
Mark,Patty & Family Maxwell
June 18, 2013
Tracy,Brittany,Brandy,and Taylor,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. John will be missed by all. We are praying for you and the girls daily in this very difficult time. We will be there to celebrate his life this Friday.
Our hearts ache for you and the girls.
We love you and will see you soon,
Leesa Halcro
June 18, 2013
My thoughts and prayers have been with the family. I hope you can find comfort knowing John, your Dad, your brother, your husband and our friend is in a better place. Love and hugs out you.
Siri Connelly
June 18, 2013
Tracy, Brittany, Brandy & Taylor-I am so heartbroken at your loss, Dr Kumm was an important part of my life when I moved here in 1999, he was to me like a big brother I'm so glad I never had at times, lecturing me, advising me and picking on me. Working for him was like being at home with my family. The loss and hole that I feel cannot compare to you and yours. You and the Girls are in our thoughts and prayers--
Siri & Larry Connelly
Michele and Jimmy Dick and Cory, Chase, Mikayla and Marley Hunter
June 18, 2013
Tracy and family, John will be truly missed, such a nice person taken away much to soon. We will be thinking of you, and praying for you in your time of loss.
Mark Winters and Family
June 18, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tracy and the entire family.
Junior Fulp
June 18, 2013
May we meet again in gods house my brother. god bless Tracy and the family.
June 18, 2013
Love this family so much. You are in my prayers. xoxo
Love and Hugs to all of you Mary Wren and family
Clint and Kathy
June 18, 2013
Tracy and family, you're in our thoughts.... praying for strength for you and your entire family.
June 18, 2013
I had Dr. Kumm's brother as a teacher when I was in middle school. At the time, I was having a hard time seeing the chalkboard (and as a 13-yr old, i really did not want to wear glasses!) and my parents could not afford to pay for a new eye exam and contacts. Mr. Kumm arranged with his brother, Dr. Kumm, for me to come in for a full eye exam and receive contacts...at no charge! I have never forgotten that kindness shown to me and my family. My prayers and sympathy go out to the whole family during this time of grief. I pray your loving memories will provide some solace for your grief.
Michele Woods
June 18, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, John was a wonderful person and a great doctor. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracy Houseman Wickel
June 18, 2013
Tracy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
India Benjamin
June 18, 2013
Heartfelt sympathy and care to Tracy, Brittany, Brandy, and Taylor. I feel so much sorrow and loss along with so many! I feel it was a privilege to have worked with him for 20 years. Linda Benjamin
Bob & Lauren Fronsee
June 18, 2013
Marie and family so sorry for your loss
Ida Zeak
June 18, 2013
My prayers and sympathy go out to John's family. My family was touched by his kindness. My son loved playing noon ball with him. No words of comfort will probably ease your pain; however, please know that everyone and the lord wants to take away your pain. Zeak Family
Kathy Aubrey
June 18, 2013
Im so sorry to the staff of the Eye Clinic and to Dr. John Kumms family. I met Dr. Kumm as a patient of the clinic and I am so sorry. He was a good man and this is a great loss.
Dana, Tracie & Haley Farmer-Great Falls, MT USA and Andy, Tera, JoJo and Lexie Lywiski- Methwold England UK
June 18, 2013
No words can describe our love for John and his wonderful family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember all the great times and that he is with his Lord watching over everyone of you.
Sylvia Adams
June 18, 2013
He has now reached out and touched the face of God like we talked about in April. May our Father wrap His arms around you and give you His comfort. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Jeff Keller
June 18, 2013
I was so sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kristin Norstedt
June 18, 2013
Dr. John was my eye doctor for 11 years. He always made a point of taking time to visit his patients and get to know them. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew this wonderful, caring man.
June 18, 2013
Dr. Kumm will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of loss.
The Dodge Family
Anne, Nicole, and Tanner
Dave & Theresa McCune
June 18, 2013
Tracy & family,
How wonderful to have such a great man to have blessed you all in this life. That said, he was definitely taken much too soon. Remember all of the happy times you've shared over the years. Take care and God bless!
June 18, 2013
Tracy, girls and family. We are so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. John is up in Heaven with Brandon, teaching him all the tricks of hunting, softball & basketball. Don't worry as I know the Lord & Brandon will take good care of him. Love you all! Dede Bergan
Kathleen Howard
June 18, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. John was a wonderful doctor and an even better man.May he rest in peace.
Bob & Kathleen Howard and family
Bob Abbott
June 18, 2013
Tracy, Im so sorry for your loss.
June 18, 2013
To the Kumm Family, we wish we could find the right words to comfort you now. Please know my husband and I were patients of John's and thought so much of him. We prayed for a different outcome but The Lord had different plans for John. I imagine him in the loving arms of our Lord. John will forever watch over his family. One day we'll all be reunited and what glorious day that will be. May The Lord hold each of you, keep you safe and forever remain in your hearts. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless, Dennis and Jennea Sire
Sandy Pepos
June 18, 2013
Phil and Kim~ You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Our loving God will wrap his arms around you and your family. Sandy Pepos and Mathias Pepos (former student of Kim's).
Lea Jacobson & Family
June 18, 2013
Prayers, Love and Light being sent to the Kumm Family.
Wayne Thomas
June 18, 2013
It's comforting to know that John is in the presence of the Lord, but he is greatly missed.
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