John J. Clontz Sr.

John was born on June 13, 1918 in Niles, Ohio. John's parents emigrated from Romania in 1912 and settled in Ohio. John spoke Romanian and stayed connected to his heritage by visiting relatives in Romania. He moved to Montana at age 21 and married Elena Bolta. They were blessed by two sons and a daughter. John and his family lived on a ranch south of Havre where he enjoyed raising cattle and horses, and farming. He was an engineer for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 37 years and retired in 1978. In 1971, he married Irene Bellwood. They began their lives together on the ranch in Havre, Montana, moved to California and then settled in Mesa, Arizona. John lived a very full and active life including a love of fishing and golf. He especially loved the holidays and hosted memorable Christmas parties for his many grandchildren. John was an active member of the Mesa Christian Church, the Elks, and the VFW. John J. Clontz, Sr. is survived by his wife, Irene Clontz of Mesa, AZ; his children, John Clontz, Jr. and his wife, Hanna of Gold Canyon, AZ, Tom Clontz of Hot Springs, MT, and Francine Reithmeier of Kalispell, MT; and step-son, Craig Volker living in Japan. He is also survived by a sister, Valerie Compton and her husband, Bob in California; numerous nieces and nephews; 9 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. John passed away on July 11, 2007 in Mesa, AZ. Interment service will be held on July 17, 2007 in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Cave Creek, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Heart and Lung Association. Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.