John David Crnich

1956 - 2025

John David Crnich

September 11, 1956 - October 10, 2025

Our Hearts have been broken with the recent passing of John David Crnich.

John was born in Butte, Montana, on September 11, 1956, to William A. Crnich Sr. and Lena M. Crnich, and passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 10, 2025.

John grew up in Butte and attended schools in Butte graduating from Butte High School in 1974.

His career consisted of working for a car dealership, working at two gas stations, and a security guard at Safeway Warehouse. He then went on to work at Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs, becoming the laundry supervisor. He finished his working career as the laundry supervisor at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana and was able to retire at a younger age than most and was able to do the things he loved.

He loved remodeling the home he shared with his wife and son. He could always be found working on cars or anything with a motor. He raced stock cars in his younger years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding motor bikes and his 4-wheeler as well as snowmobiling and jet skiing and just being outdoors with family and friends.

John was a quiet, kind and caring man who loved his family deeply and could be counted on by all who knew him to help wherever with whatever was needed.

He met and married the love of his life, Barbara, on September 11, 1976, and they were blessed with 49 wonderful years together.

He and Barbara were blessed with their son, David, on October 30, 1977. David was his constant sidekick from a very young age, constantly with his dad soaking up everything John showed or taught him. John loved his son so very much more than words could ever express and was so very proud of the man he has become, and he passed down his love of the outdoors to him. He was blessed with his daughter-in-law, Stefany, whom he loved as his very own daughter, and they kept each other on their toes. He was blessed with his precious grandchildren, Cameron and Breonna, whom he loved with all his heart; they brought so much joy and happiness to his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; son, David and his spouse, Stefany; beloved grandchildren, Cameron and Breonna and new foster grandchildren; sister, Lori (Pete) Whiteman; father-in-law, Jack Dotson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy (Tim) Rowe, Cindy (Mark) McNabb, and Jackie (Scott) Campbell; and multiple nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Crnich Sr.; mother, Lena Crnich; grandparents; brothers, Carl Crnich, and William Crnich Jr.; sister, Judy (Leo) Farrell; and mother-in-law, Minnie Dotson.

In accordance with John's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Gold Hill Lutheran Church, 934 Placer St. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m.. Memorials in honor of John are suggested to Camp Mak-A-Dream, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806 (or visit campdream.org), or to a foundation of your personal choice. A reception will follow at the church. A private family interment of his ashes will be conducted at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in Gregson, Montana.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the family and friends who helped and were there for John these past few years and to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, and medical staff who cared for John.

Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of John.

Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services

2009 Harrison Ave.

Butte, MT 59701

4064944264