Rev. John W. Robertson – 79
Rev. John William Robertson died on February 5, 2025, in Helena, Montana. Our beloved brother, uncle, friend, and priest was born in Melbourne, Florida, on July 30, 1945, to John Howard (Jack) and Elizabeth Jane (nee Bonner) Robertson near the Banana River Naval Air Station where Jack was a flight instructor during World War II. Fr. John was baptized August 19, 1945, in Melbourne, FL. Upon Jack’s discharge from the Navy following the war, the young family returned to the Robertson Ranch near Judith Gap, MT, where John grew up learning to care for the land and livestock along with his four younger brothers and sisters.
After attending elementary school in Judith Gap, John graduated as Valedictorian of the Harlowton High School class of 1963. Fr. John attended Carroll College, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy in 1967 before entering St. Thomas the Apostle Seminary in Kenmore, WA. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood on June 8, 1971, at the Harlowton High School Gymnasium so that everyone could attend. He received his Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1985.
Fr. Robertson served the Diocese of Helena in many assignments over the years, beginning as a member of the faculty at Butte Central High School (1971-1973). He later became Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Whitefish (1981-1983). Over the course of five decades (1973-1981 and 1983-2025), he held several key positions in the Chancery in Helena, including Vice Chancellor, Chancellor, Judge in the Tribunal, Judicial Vicar, Moderator of the Curia, Director of the Guatemala Mission, Vicar for Catholic Schools, Diocesan Staff Coordinator, Delegate for Canonical Services, and as Chancery Services Director.
From 2001 to 2006, Fr. John provided priestly ministry for Holy Spirit Parish in Butte, 2006 to 2007 for St. Mary Catholic Community in Helena, and 2007 to 2019 for St. Thomas Parish in Helmville and St. Jude in Lincoln. He served diligently on a multitude of Diocesan boards and was especially known for his depth of knowledge regarding the history of the Diocese. He greatly enjoyed working in the Chancery, and although he began Senior Status in 2020, he worked until the time of his passing. The gifts of Fr. John’s constancy and wisdom blessed the Diocese amidst many challenges, and his reassuring kindness was a joy that will be treasured by his brother priests, parishioners, and colleagues alike.
Father John to many, he was also Brother and Uncle John to a large, close-knit family who relied on his steady guidance, intelligent wisdom, comforting words, and leadership. He was a constant presence during both moments of sorrow and celebration, where his strong and distinctive voice provided a sense of stability and assurance.
Fr. John was preceded in death by his parents, John (Jack) and Elizabeth (Betty) Robertson.
He is survived by his siblings, Howard (Freida) Robertson of Judith Gap, Kathleen (Darrell) Elliott and Tom (Marlene) Robertson of Harlowton, and Rita Robertson of Big Fork; Nieces and Nephews, Lori (Seth) Wallen, Colleen (Glenn) Beckett, Jim (Laura) Robertson, Diana (Jason) Todhunter, David (Lori) Elliott, Erin (Shane) Slivka, Karena (Fred) Dale, Krystal (Spencer) Bold, Kelsey (Kevin) Hoyrup, Jody Plovanic, and Shannon (Matt) Eldred; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
A vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon on Thursday, February 13, at the Cathedral, 530 N. Ewing St., Helena. A reception will follow at the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Burial will take place with the family at a later time.
Memorials may be directed to the Judith Gap American Legion and Auxiliary and sent to PO Box 401, Harlowton, MT 59036. Memorials may also be given via the Diocese of Helena to La Asunción School and Clinica Maxeña of the Guatemala Mission, a cause for which Fr. John was an avid advocate for decades. Link for donations: https://bit.ly/4gtiRO5
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 12, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m
Thursday February 13, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday February 13, 2025
Brondel Center of The Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 12, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m
Thursday February 13, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday February 13, 2025
Brondel Center of The Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Brian Robertson says
Prayers and love to our Father John. He held us, healed us and helped us see joy when sorrow was deep. Beloved cousin, counselor , Uncle and friend. Truth, dedication and guidance always delivered in his soft comforting tone. God’s humble servant is now held in his hands. How blessed are we to know and love John. Prayers and love to all your family and friends. May God lift them up and help them find the Joy you helped us find in faith and grace. God bless, we miss you. All our love. Brian, & Kim
Rev Val Zdilla says
He was one of the first priests I met when I was discerning a transfer to the Diocese of Helena. He always offered help when navigating the many parishes and especially the history of my Bozeman parish when we began constructing the present parish church building. May his memory be eternal.
Jan Stetzer says
Father John was a pillar at St. Mary’s. No matter what chaos and change engulfed our parish, Father John eas always there. He was the one constant who never changed and never left us. alone. He is so loved and missed.
Jan Stetzer
Glen J Cuchine says
I join many others in mourning the passing of this outstanding man of God; Fr. John Robertson with his ever present smile, gentle touch and quiet reassuring voice was a joy always. John was always humble and supportive. His memory will live on in the hearts he touched in his long ministry. Thank you, John, RIP my friend.
Paul Maloy says
I met Fr John when I was in my early teens and he was a deacon at St Ann’s. He was a truly dedicated priest and a steadfast friend. There was a goodness about him that I can only explain as holiness. I learned of his passing while listening to Saturday Mass on line on vacation, which somehow seemed fitting. May God bless and keep him.
Connie Erickson says
I met John at Carroll College in the 1960s. We became reacquainted in 1979 when I went to work for the Diocese of Helena. He was kind and soft-spoken and very humble. He had a goodness about him that was unmatched. He was beloved at St. Mary’s, helping us through some challenging times. I will miss him. God bless you Fr. John and may flights of angels sing you to your rest.
Catherine Ortwein says
Father John was a good friend of our family, especially my late husband,John, as both of them were long time friends from Harlowton. Father’s steadfast presence at St. Mary’s was a gift to many of us. His phase of “the people of God” used in every homily I heard from him, brings me comfort still. May he enjoy his heavenly home among the people of God.
Paula Joniak says
I never had the honor of meeting Father Robertson in person, but his commitment to Our Lord’s call in his life extended blessings that reached far and wide… even to me. As I was coming home to The Faith, his work as Judicial Vicar played a huge role in restoring my hope for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Thanks to his diligence and wisdom, I also get a chance to answer Our Lord’s call in my own life.
Your life on Earth has been a blessing to me, and I hope to meet you in person one day in Heaven, Fr. Robertson. As I said in my letter to you three years ago, “may St. Valentine send this letter safely and promptly to you.”
Theresa Racicot says
Fr John was a very special, kind and caring man. He served this diocese humbly in any and every role he was ever asked to perform. It was always a pleasure to see his warm smile.
Mat he rest in peace.