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John Colbrese Obituary
John Mike Colbrese, of Billings, was born in Glendive to Agnes (Malenda) and Carl Colbrese on June 14, 1927. He died of natural causes on Aug. 25, 2015. One of eight children, he served in the Navy during World War II after which he returned to Glendive to finish his schooling. He was a proud member of the Dawson County Red Devil football team that defeated Butte Central for the state championship team in 1946. On June 7, 1947, he married Joyce Mae Patterson and they had six children. She passed away in June of 1974.
On Jan. 19, 1976, he married Jackie Steinbach and, shortly after, they moved to Billings. John was known for his outgoing manner whether he was running his gas station or delivering gas and oil to farmers in Glendive and Billings or driving school bus, which he did until he was 82 years old. He was at his best helping neighbors and hosting many happy hours on the patio that he and Jackie built.
He is survived by his wife Jackie and her children David (Rapid City) and Shiela (Yakima, Wash.). He is also survived by his children Mike (Jan), Bellevue, Wash.; Dennis (Sonja), Laurel; Diane (Pete) Leath, Glendive; Brad (Michelle), Billings; Terry (Stacy), Glasgow/Colstrip; and Craig, Windsor, Calif. His one surviving sibling is Janet (Dick) Bjelland of Billings. He will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, at the Westside Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences can be sent through www.cfgbillings.com through "Our Families."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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