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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
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John Wenderoth Obituary
June 25, 1945 - June 27, 2025
John "Big John" Elmer Wenderoth, 80, of Canyon Ferry formally Bozeman, was a devoted husband, faithful servant, passionate gardener, avid sports enthusiast and adventurous soul was born on June 25, 1945, in Camden, N.J. We are heartbroken to announce he has passed away midday June 27, 2025, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena of heart failure surrounded by his loving family.
Born June 25, 1945, in Camden, N.J., the son of John and Kathryn Wenderoth (Starkey). John graduated from Pennsauken High School in 1963, where he excelled at baseball and football. He was sought after by numerous colleges and went on to play football on a scholarship at his esteemed Virginia Tech and earned a degree in Education.
John met the love of his life, Janet Elaine Wenderoth (Hawley), in High School and they were married on September 13, 1965, and had 60 earthly years shared together of their eternal love.
After working in early education at an inner-city school in West Chester, Pa., John decided to pursue a new and exciting adventure. He and his young family headed West for Bozeman, Mont.
After settling in Bozeman, John worked on Burlington Northern Railroad and as a Herdsman for the MSU Dairy. After leaving the dairy, his entrepreneurial skills elevated into a porta potty business where his nick name "Big John" became an apropos title.
Later John and Janet moved to Canyon Ferry where beautiful lake life became everyday life, and he became a Eucharist minister and lead a prayer group for Cathedral of St. Helena.
John is predeceased by his parents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. John is survived by his devoted wife, Janet Elaine Wenderoth; daughter, Kimberly Ann Malott (Jim), son, Keith Alan Wenderoth, daughter, Jodi Christel Livesay. His younger brother, James William Wenderoth (Carol). His grandsons, Austin James Malott (Breanna), Riley John Malott (Sarah), Ryker Thomas Wenderoth, Tyler Reece Wenderoth, Jacob Hunter Livesay, Jared Fisher Livesay. Great-grandchildren, Lucia Marie Malott, Gabrielle Ann Malott, Josephine James Malott, Baylor Jon Malott, Collins Mae Malott.
A funeral Mass will be held in John's honor Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Cathedral of Saint Helena. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of John.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602
1-406-442-8520
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Wenderoth
Sponsored by Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory - Helena.
2 Entries
Dan & Val Lloyd
July 7, 2025
John and Jan became our neighbors at Canyon Ferry Lake. Before long, they became our friends and soon after were our very own security watch dogs when we were away. We didn't spend a lot of time together but the times we did were fun and entertaining . Lots of laughter. Maybe partly due to the wine that accompanied the food Jan prepared. You will be greatly missed John. We will always be looking for you on that skid loader clearing pathways in the sky for the rest of us to get home.
Dawn Reynolds
July 5, 2025
When I saw this post, I immediately pictured a big smile, a wave and friendly manner. I did not really "know" your family, but saw you often driving through the Transfer Station; that is enough to know of Johns happy spirit and kindness. RIP Big John (did not know that was his nickname but fitting) Condolences to Janet and the family.
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