John Babcock

1941 - 2025

John Babcock, 84

John F. Babcock, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, in Kalispell, Montana, at the age of 84.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathryn; his children, Kimberly Somers (Mike), James Babcock (Susan), and Kalli Babcock; and his cherished grandchildren, Lea Zeise, Delaney Babcock, Riley Babcock, Jake Babcock, and Posey Babcock. He is also survived by his brother, Bert Babcock, and his sister, Susan Perrine. John was preceded in death by his sisters, Theda McLaren and Helen Babcock.

Born on August 25, 1941, to Roy Francis and Sarah Isabel (Schilling) Babcock in Green Bay, Wisconsin, John completed his elementary and high school education in Neenah and Iola. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, and a master's degree in Elementary Education from Northern Montana College in Havre.

John's great love story began on the steps of the Memorial Student Union at Rocky Mountain College, where he first met Kathy. They were married in 1964, celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary this August.

John dedicated his professional life to education. He was an elementary teacher in various Montana schools, including Somers and Whitefish. In 1979, he became the Principal at Cayuse Prairie School, later serving as the Principal and Superintendent for Cayuse Prairie and Mountain Brook through 2004. During his tenure, he oversaw extensive building expansion, adding four additional wings as well as new and expanded sports fields. Following his retirement, he continued to teach at Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) and taught Outdoor Education classes for elementary students at the Creston National Fish Hatchery. Throughout his career, John also taught Driver's Education.

Throughout his life, John loved nothing more than being out in nature. An avid hunter and fisherman, he started in his youth by duck hunting with his brother, becoming a crack shot. He enjoyed shooting Trap and could often be found on any stream, casting a fly for that elusive trout. He shared and passed down his love of the outdoors with everyone he met, teaching his children to fish, hunt, and canoe, and escaping up to Glacier National Park at every chance.

John was a proud Scout, earning his Eagle Scout rank and attending two international Jamborees. He also had a great love of animals, especially dogs, including Windy, Lamont, Kub, Karob, Posey, and Tawnee.

A Memorial Service for John will be held on Saturday, November 22nd at 11am at Canvas Church in Kalispell, with a reception of coffee and cookies following the service. Interment will be at Conrad Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Scouting America or the Humane Society of Northwest Montana. Alternatively, please honor John's memory by taking someone to lunch, a simple pleasure he cherished throughout his life.