John F. Hogenson

1956 - 2024

John Francis Hogenson passed away surrounded by his loving family in the early morning of February 2, 2024 after a long two year battle with cancer. He fought to the very end to be with us even though it was a painful battle.

John was born on October 31, 1956 to Roy and Georgia (Wilson) Hogenson. John and his siblings had many memorable moments at the family home at the Morrison place before moving into Wilsall.

He attended grades 1-12 in Wilsall. Many of his adult friends started out as classmates and childhood friends. He spent a lot of time at the Park Farmers Co-op with Calvin Sarver in his teenager years. He worked for Benny Hargis and learned to operate equipment.

In 1979, John decided to go into the construction business for himself. He bought a backhoe and an old dump truck. He worked tirelessly 6 days a week to build his business into what it is today. It was a great source of pride to do a good job for the people in the community. He loved it. In later years, his favorite thing to run was the grader and he was very good at it.

On April 19, 1980 he married Betty Grossman at the Shields River Lutheran Church in Wilsall. A daughter, Angela was born in 1981, a son, Matthew in 1984 and a son, Kevin in 1988.

John loved this valley and treasured his Crazy Mountains (as he called them). He loved to be in them with his friends, children and grandchildren doing various activities. Many memories were made in the mountains.

John was big on community involvement. He spent 42 years on the volunteer fire department and did EMS. He donated many man hours and equipment time to help the rodeo grounds, fire department, school, church and many other organizations. He enjoyed going for coffee or breakfast and shaking dice to see who would pay for it.

He loved his church family and had a deep faith and in his restless final days, he would tell us he was waiting for his Lord to come.

A big hole was left in his loving family and we are all heartbroken.

John is survived by his wife, Betty Grossman Hogenson, daughter, Angela Murri, son, Matt (Tawnya) Hogenson and Kevin (Ryan) Hogenson. Grandchildren, Mackinze Hogenson, Cameron Murri and Brycen Hogenson.

Mother, Georgia Hogenson and brother, David (Liz) Hogenson . Sisters, Linda (Mike) McClure and Julie (Mark) Bistranin.

He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

He was proceeded in death by father, Roy Hogenson, mother-in-law, Shirley Grossman and nephew, Ben Hogenson.

He also leaves behind his BB (best bud) Sue Scott, who was such a blessing in his final weeks and his second Dad and forever friend, Calvin Sarver.

Services and reception will be held on Friday, February 9th at 11:00 at the Shields Valley School in Wilsall. Interment will be in Wilsall Cemetery following service. Please bring a salad or dessert to reception if you can.

Memorials can be made to the John F. Hogenson Scholarship fund at the Bank of the Rockies in Clyde Park, MT.