John Arthur Creech was born on December 22, 1938 to Francis Marion “Jack” Creech and Veronica (Ryan) Creech in Washington, IA. John was in the Air Force from 1957 to 1961, where he toured to Nova Scotia and Montana, among other places. John talked about Montana frequently as a place he wanted to return to. John had two siblings, Helen (Creech) Ghys, who survives him in Davenport, Iowa, Richard “Dick” Creech, and Donald Creech, both of whom preceded him in death.
In 1959 John married Priscilla (Young) Creech and they had one daughter together, Barbara (Creech) Wilson, (Steve Wilson) who now lives in Iowa. Barbara gave John and Priscilla 2 grandchildren, Christopher Phillips and Kelsey Van Dyke (Zachary Van Dyke) who both survive him. Kelsey and Zachary have Kaitlynn, Levi, and Shiloh, who are John’s great-grandchildren.
John married Linda Lee Mundell-Creech in 1999 and inherited a stepdaughter, Sarah “Sally” Mundell-Espelin (Rick Espelin), currently of Alaska. Sarah provided him and Linda three grandchildren, Alexandria Espelin-Baxter (Alan Baxter), Levi Espelin, and Eric Espelin (Kelsi Espelin). Linda preceded John in death.
John and Linda moved from Iowa to Missoula, Montana in 1979 and later moved to Helena, Montana, where they both lived out the remainder of their lives. John built the addition to their home, crafting many of the custom features himself, as he was an avid and talented woodworker. In later years John would custom build many items including bowls, walking sticks, jewelry, cribbage boards and such and sell them at the local farmers market in Helena.
John died suddenly, at his home, as he would have wished it.
A memorial will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 2pm at the York Community Center, 6040 Nelson Road, for John’s friends and family to gather to reminisce and tell stories about him. If not 100% true, all stories will have at least some basis in truth and will be told to share the best memories of him.
To honor his memory please donate to your favorite charity in his name. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Sunday May 16, 2021
York Community Center
6040 Nelson Rd.
York, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Sunday May 16, 2021
York Community Center
6040 Nelson Rd.
York, Montana
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Vanessa Tolson says
John was such a sweetheart, I knew him down at Farmers Market where we both sold our wears a couple booths away from each other. Many great conversations, I have a couple of his towel holders. May he Rest In Peace. Blessings to you all.
Sandra Stuermer says
Hello Sally – Sarah,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Know that you have a family up here who is thinking of you. Sending you all my love.
Citlalli Stanton says
Our deepest condolences. John was the first person to help us when we moved to the area and used to visited us everyday while building our house. John shared with us his knowledge and the history of his life. We had amazing conversations with him. John understood the true meaning of the word neighbor and he will be missed. We send our love to his family and friends.
The Stanton family.
Amanda says
Amanda.
John was a very sweet gentlemen. I knew him as he was a member at Costco where I work. He was a great person to talk to and he really cared. I will miss him greatly, but I believe because of Jesus I will see him again one day. My prayers for comfort go out for his family and friends.
Susan Foster says
My husband and I were saddened to learn this news of John’s passing. We met him at the Helena Farmer’s market a few years ago, when we purchased one of his incredibly intricate and beautiful wooden bowls. We always stopped by his booth to say hello whenever we were at the market and developed a friendship. Upon learning I had broken the handle off my treasured rolling pin (a family heirloom) he offered to fix it and refused payment for this service. He was a very talented woodworker and a fine human being. Our condolences to his family and friends.