On March 4, 2019, a brother, uncle, friend, and pastor to all, passed peacefully from Earth in his sleep to his eternal resting place in Heaven with the Lord he loved and served so well. Father John “Jack” Hunthausen, 91 years wise, infused the world around him with kindness, humorous wit, and peace. As a devoted priest, he served in nearly every Catholic parish in the Helena Diocese and forged lasting friendships wherever he set foot.
John Frederick Hunthausen was born to Anthony Gerhardt and Edna Marie (Tuchscherer) Hunthausen in Anaconda, Montana, on July 25, 1927, the middle child of seven. He was baptized in the Catholic Church on July 31, 1927.
Jack’s distinguished athletic career began as a sixth-grader when he was crowned the boy’s city speed-skating champion of Anaconda. After graduating from St. Paul’s grade school in 1941, he attended Anaconda High School, where his athletic prowess only continued; quarterbacking the football team that twice won the class “A” championship (1943, 1944), leading the Copperhead basketball team to victory as captain, playing center fielder for the American Legion baseball team, and winning the state pole vault in 1944.
Jack graduated from Carroll College with a degree in philosophy in 1948. While at Carroll, Jack’s athletic capabilities were put on exhibit. He was named 1st Team All-Conference in basketball and football in 1947, as well as the basketball MVP of what is now the Frontier Conference. In 1948, he placed second in pole vault. In 1976, he was recognized as one of the first five inductees into the Carroll College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Jack attended St. Edward’s Seminary in Kenmore, Washington, where he received his theology degree. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Helena by Bishop Joseph Gilmore at the Cathedral of St. Helena on April 30, 1952. Soon after, on Sunday, May 4, 1952, he offered his first Mass at St. Paul’s Church in Anaconda.
He began his ministry at St. Patrick’s Parish in Butte (1952-1955), to which he later returned (1978-1983). He also served at St. Peter’s in Anaconda (1955-1956); St. James in Plains and Sacred Heart in Hot Springs (1967-1970), St. Anthony’s in Missoula (1970-1977), Holy Rosary in Bozeman (1977-1978), St. Charles Borromeo in Whitefish (1983-1991), and St. Rose of Lima in Dillon, with missions in Melrose, Wisdom, and Lima (1991-1997).
Though he officially retired at age 70, he spent the next fourteen years serving the people of Montana wherever he could assist. In this semi-retirement, Fr. Jack was the administrator in Plains, Hot Springs, Thompson Falls, and Noxon (1997-1999); in Hamilton (2000-2001); in White Sulphur Springs and Harlowton (2001-2002); in Seeley Lake and Helmville (2002-2003); and in Helmville and Lincoln (2002-2011). He reached full retirement in 2011 at the age of 84.
Throughout his ministry, he was able to live fully his life’s mission as a down-to-earth, compassionate, and witty pastor that served every type of person and parish. From the Hispanic masses on the ranches in Beaverhead County, to the masses for Whitefish resort vacationers, Fr. Jack created lasting friendships with parishioners across the state. He was a living example of a faithful and devoted servant.
Along with his parish ministry, Fr. Jack was an educator and coach. He served as Priest Director at Anaconda Central (1955-1956); taught and coached at Carroll College (1956-1962), where he led the football team to the conference championship (1957-1960); worked as the Priest Director at Cathedral High School (1962-1967); and oversaw the construction of Helena Central High (what is now Helena Capital High School) in 1965, after which he became the school’s first principal. Fr. Jack also willingly served as a member of the Carroll College Board of Trustees for twelve years, Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus in Montana for two years, and a Diocesan Personnel Board Member.
His happiest times were those he shared with family members at numerous reunions and gatherings. His siblings, nieces, nephews, and their many children affectionately referred to him as “Jacky-Wack,” and he always knew the details of each of their lives – from the oldest grandparent to the youngest baby. His recitations of cowboy poetry (Kelly the One Eye) and ballads (Wanda from Anaconda) drew enthusiastic crowds. Skiers of all ages delighted in his shouting, “Powder River!” as he sped down the mountain. His lead-in line for many a beloved story – “I fell out of a tree once” – brought smiles of anticipation to all in his presence.
Fr. Jack maintained a steadfast love for the outdoors. From golfing with the elders, hiking the Pintlars and Pioneers, and fishing Montana’s many lakes and rivers, he always took time to marvel at God’s wondrous creations. His love of outdoor photography allowed him to capture his many memories, which included many summers “jumping off the dock” at Moose Lake and Legendary Lodge with his family and friends.
For the last several years of his life, he lived in an assisted living in Helena alongside his brothers, Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen and Tony Hunthausen, where they celebrated Mass daily with Father Jeremiah Sullivan. He welcomed a steady stream of visitors, both family and friends.
Throughout his entire life, Fr. Jack lived by the four commandments of contentment outlined by author Tim Hansel: (1) Thou shalt live here and now; (2) Thou shalt not hurry; (3) Thou shalt not take thyself too seriously; and (4) Thou shalt be grateful. He showed a particular dedication to number three, maintaining a sharp wit and cracking jokes until the end.
Fr. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen and Art Hunthausen; his sister, Marie Hunthausen Walsh; his sisters-in-law Donna Kane Hunthausen and Harriet Wetherill Hunthausen; his brothers-in-law Pat Walsh and John Stergar; his nephews Pat Walsh, Ed Walsh, Jack Walsh, Ray Hunthausen, and Joseph Gerard Hunthausen; and great-nephews; Patrick Thomas Walsh Kelly, Robert Scott Miller, and Walt Woodrow Hunthausen.
He is survived by his brother Tony Hunthausen; his sisters, Sister Edna Hunthausen, of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Jean Hunthausen Stergar of Anaconda; and by his 34 nieces and nephews and their spouses, 101 great-nieces and nephews, and 65 great-great nieces and nephews.
Visitation hours will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday March 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home 3750 N Montana Ave. A vigil will be Monday March 11th at the Cathedral of St. Helena at 6:00 pm at 530 N Ewing St., Helena. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon on Tuesday March 12th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A reception will follow at the Cathedral’s Brondel Center. A Rite of Committal will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 N Montana at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Hunthausen Fund in Helena at Good Samaritan Ministries, 3067 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601 or by visiting goodsamhelena.org. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Father Jack.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday March 11, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday March 11, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 12, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday March 12, 2019
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday March 12, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday March 11, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday March 11, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 12, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday March 12, 2019
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday March 12, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Share
Jim Streeter says
Father Jack was such a kind person. Rest in Peace.
Julianne Brienza says
Father Jack help me attend college at Carroll. He was always very lind and generous.
Sharon Morehouse says
A truly remarkable man! So blessed to have had him as our priest in Dillon! Everyone should have a Father Jack in their life
Diana Stitt says
Father Jack has been a friend to our family since 2005. He was welcoming, and instructed with gentle love. Father was good to keep in touch. We are so grateful for all he has done for us and for the times we spent with him. He loves to sing his family’s blessing before meals. He has a quick wit and a phenomenal memory for reciting. His presence is reassuring to others, he is humble and personable. He is confident and sophisticated. He is a true advocate for the poor.
We love this great man, who touched our lives with his goodness and his jolly demeanor. He often whistled or hummed a tune in the sacristy. Father Jack cherished his work and his life. His love and dedication to his family always showed. He always lit up when he spoke about his beloved gang!
Wade, Diana, and family
Sr. Sue Klein, O.P. says
Another wonderful Anacondan for us to imitate and pray to. He will be missed.
Lynda Buermann says
Another wonderful Anacondan. You did us proud Father Jack. RIP.
Max Hansen Carroll College ‘71 says
It was a good day when Father Jack rolled into Dillon and a sad one the day he left. Just one great segment in a life well lived! I’m happy for him and sad for those he left behind.
Tricie Callaghan-Stover says
Rest in Peace, Father Jack. He was one of the kindest, funniest and most gentle people I have ever known. What a blessing he was to so many people during his many years of ministry. I am honored to have known this wonderful man since I was a young girl. Thinking of the Hunthausen family in your time of loss and praying that your memories made with him bring you laughter and peace. God bless you.
Niles Nelson says
As the son of native Anacondans and a longtime funeral director in western Montana, it is hard to put into words all that Father Jack was to so many people……the compassion, the sense of humor, the spirituality kind thoughtfulness and so much more which made his ministry such a treasure to the people of Montana. In my many encounters professionally and personally with him throughout the years, it was a blessing to me always. Godspeed to you!
Roy F. Simperman says
Fr. Jack was a great friend to many Carroll students. While I was there, he lived on the 4th floor of Charlie and there were frequent discussions in his room. my very sincere condolences….
Sue Montgomery says
Rest in Holy God, Father! What could be better. My prayers for that wonderful family of yours and that you receive every eternal reward possible. In appreciation and love, Sue Montgomery
John O'Rourke says
We grew up around Fr. Jack and loved being around his gregarious, friendly personality. Our mother Rita lived with and worked for the family when she was a young woman. He remained a caring preence her entire life.
RaeLynn Froehlich Zavarelli says
I rember him from St.Anthony’s grade school in Missoula… he was a mentor… so sorry to hear he passed… he has special place in heaven for every he gave of himself. Bless you
Jim Moran says
What a fantastic role model for us as eighth graders at St. Pat’s in Butte. And a wonderful mentor to my brother, Fr. Joe Pat Moran.
Connie Erickson says
Father Jack was Priest Director at Cathedral High School during my years there. His sense of humor and loving presence made our high school days a joy. Thank you, Fr. Jack. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Michael John Kello says
Fr. Jack, like both his brother and sister, Archbishop Raymond and Sister Edna, were mentors of mine while growing up in Butte and while attending Butte Central High School. He was a very kind and approachable man. He is someone I looked up to immensely and have never forgotten. He was an old soul with soft touch in his ministry and with everyone he met. I will miss but never forget him.
Father Jim flynn says
Handball and golf partner. Called me
Father Jim flynn says
Handball partner. Called me Jimmy
Bob Schneider says
Saddened to hear the news of the passing of my old teammate from the Carroll basketball teams of 1946 thru 1948. Fr. Jack was our star on and off the court. I have followed his career throughout the years, as well as his brother, Archbishop Dutch. The world is a sadder place without Fr. Jack! He will be dearly missed by all! Rest peace Dear Friend!
Jerry Luderman says
Father Jack was a great guy, and a great priest. We were blessed to have him with us in Whitefish for a short time.
John S says
Amen, its all true- he took us under his wing and cared about families and community, in special ways that are forgotten in our time.
And just by celebrating such special families and heritage and people- we remember how good things can be in Montana and that’s like the spiritual treasure he represented-
Some people are quiet and humble, but their footprints (simple human kindness thats easy to comprehend) remains forever, and he is from such heritage – (he took us golfing, was a mentor to many) -he sorted us out as young kids, and forgive everything along the way….
Much love Father!!!!