John Willliams was born November 14, 1944, raised by Earl and Pat Johnston Olson in Helena, Montana where he attended school. In 1962, he proudly served his country in the National Guard and Army for seven years. Upon discharge, he returned to Helena. John spent many years in the grocery industry, working in delivery, sales and management. Later he joined the state of Montana as a truck driver delivering commodities across the state. He retired from his formal work in 2007, though John was not known to slow down, ever, and continued working in the shop until the end.
With the help of cousins and friends (and an annoying persistence for perfection) he mastered building hot rods and restoring cars, including teaching the painstaking detail involved in building a pickup, to his son, Rick. Through the years, John earned countless awards for his projects while attending car shows. It was his passion and always brought him joy. He was a founding and lifelong member of the Helena Street Rodders Club. Some of his best experiences involve hotrods, along with his annual trip with the guys to the drag races in Nevada and California. Later in life, he took great pride in his yard, and nobody could mow the lawn to his standards.
John was briefly married to Gladys Brown, then married Liana Hansen and they welcomed two kids, Charlotte and Rick. He then married Linda and although their marriage ended, he gained lasting relationships with her children. He mastered marriage when he married Larie Proul, who became the love of his life. Throughout his life, John happily welcomed many bonus-kids and grandkids. He had a special place in his heart for the littles and consistently went out of his way to create memorable times, as much for him as for the kids, undoubtedly because he was a kid at heart. He will be remembered as a fun-loving and witty jokester, devoted to his friends and family.
John was a friend of Bill W, celebrating 44 years of recovery, faithfully attending his AA meetings throughout his adult life. Always looking to help, John supported and/or sponsored many people along their way on the road to recovery.
He is survived by his wife Larie; brother Glenn Olson (Brandy); daughter, Charotte Ferrell and her husband, Ryan; son, Rick and his wife Misty. Bonus kids include Scott O’Connell (Brandi), Chelsea Geiger (Steve), Matthew Swensen and his wife Abbey, Valerie Dunlap and family and Sara Dobbins and family. Those lucky enough to have him as grandpa throughout their lives include Brenna (Lyle), Tate (Megan), Trent, Keilee, Mira, Sean, Riley, Tanyr, Caleb (Gianna), Katy and the two great grands, Linley and Layne. He is also survived by several cousins who were life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
John’s legacy is one of hard work, dedication, humor and love for his family, friends, AA and the hotrod community. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00am
Saturday January 10, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Potluck Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday January 10, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00am
Saturday January 10, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Potluck Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday January 10, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Vonnie Jenkins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. John was a great man and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Mark Johnson says
Rest in peace my friend
Buddy Jenkins says
Such a talented and funny person. Would do anything for you if you helped him with anything. So enjoyed looking at all of his cars and trucks that he built! I feel for the entire family and the loss they have endured!
Greg Barnes says
What an incredible loss! John was one of the major contributors to my sobriety. When it was my time, John was the one i turned to for help and guidance. He introduced me to his AA community for which I will be eternally grateful. You will be deeply missed, John.
Penne Curey says
Cousin Johnny you’ll always be the BEST…OH! and the memories will last a lifetime and more. Until we meet again, I know you’re in loving hands with ALL loved ones that were standing-by in heaven waitinf for you and your latest wise cracks. Forever in our hearts.
Betty Blankenship says
Rest is peace dear friend. You and Gerry behave up there and enjoy your friendship for eternity.
Wendi says
Rest in Peace, fellow classmate of Helena High School class of ’62