John (Jack) Eric Carlson passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 15, 2023 after a heroic 2 year battle with cancer.
John Eric Carlson was born to John Emil Carlson and Eva “Meale” Carlson on January 30, 1938 in Helena Montana.
Jack grew up in East Helena going to school K-8th and fishing the Little Prickly Pear Creek every chance he had. He was the first class to graduate from the new Helena High School in 1956. While attending high school he met the love of his life Dixie Lee Hofland his junior year and they were married on September 30, 1957. He attended Northern College for Diesel Mechanic technician.
Jack went to work at Valley Motor Supply, which is now Car Quest for 39 years. In this job he was a traveling parts sales man. He retired his employment as manager.
Jack was a member of the Algeria Shrine and Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed his time being a clown and running the whoopee wagon. He was also Worthy Patron of Josephine Heppner Star Lodge, and very involved with the Rainbow Girls here in Helena.
Jack spent 16 years traveling south for the winter and enjoyed the travel and all the people they met and hung out with down south. They also did a lot of other traveling in their motor home square dancing in many states.
Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, 4-wheeling and camping and anything to do with being outdoors. You could always find him with a fishing pole or a rifle in his hands. He also taught Hunters Safety for many years in East Helena.
Jack was preceded in death by his father John Emil Carlson, mother Eve “Meale” Carlson, and brother Alan Lyode Carlson.
Jack is survived by his oldest brother Arthur Nels Carlson (Claire), his wife Dixie Hofland Carlson, four children- Kenneth Carlson(Tami), Cindy Carlson Simmons (Michael), Tamara Carlson McGlynn (Steve), Eva Carlson Bertagnolli (Patrick) 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and celebration of life will take place after the passing of love of his life Dixie.
No services are planned at this time.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
william(Bill) moore says
great man worked with him for years he will be missed
Tara Knight says
I’m so sorry Dixie. I have fun memories of square dancing and cardplaying. I’ll be thinking of you.
Patricia Ladd says
All of us at the Senior Center Pinochle group will miss seeing him and his ever-ready smile.
Patty Cartin says
Dixie and children, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. I will always remember his smile and kindness. I always looked forward to seeing him and talking with him. I will be thinking of all of you during this time and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Niel Helfert says
Dixie and family. I’m sorry to hear of jacks passing. He was a lifelong friend. Every Thursday Jack would show up to check our inventory and always have a story to tell. Jack did many favors for us over the years. May he rest in peace .
Don & Patty Dahl says
Dixie and family, please accept out sincere condolences at the passing of Jack. We enjoyed many summertime chats with him in our “shared alley”! Peace be with all of you.
Cheryl Verbanac says
Ken and family, very sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man.
Carol says
It was an honor and privilege to be of service to Jack and his wonderful wife Dixie on his cancer journey. He was such a lively guy and had some great stories. Blessings to his family.
Glen J Cuchine says
Dixie and family: My deepest condolences on Jack’s passing. I so well remember Jack’s smile and sense of humor as I waited on them often at Charlie Willis’ IGA store in downtown E. Helena. It was such a pleasure always to see both. May your many happy memories of Jack comfort you all during this difficult time. Peace to you.
Mike Griffith says
Jack’s passing leaves Bob Russ and I as the remaining “guys” in the Class of ‘52 from EHPS. I have many memories of our association: his Mother as our Cub Scout den-mother; adjoining 3rd clarinet players at HHS and members of the first graduating class of HHS senior high (‘56).
My sympathies to the Carlson family.