John Edward “Jack” Rogan passed away peacefully on October 31, 2022. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend.
Jack was born in Helena, Montana on January 25, 1932 to John and Emma “Babe” Rogan at the ranch in the Helena valley. He attended Warren School and then Saint Mary’s School from the first through eighth grade. He completed 3 years of high school at Helena High and 1 year at Cathedral High. Jack then enlisted in the United States Navy and then the United States Air Force, being honorably discharged on April 24, 1956.
On May 11, 1957 Jack married Lois Ann Stenseth. They had three children, Colleen, Michael (Mike), and John Rogan. He and Lois farmed in the Helena Valley, along Prickly Pear Creek, for 20 years until they sold the ranch and moved to East Helena in 1983. After farming, he worked for Bailly Insulation in Helena for several years. Jack concluded his career by driving truck for Helena Sand and Gravel for 14 years. He received many safety awards during his tenure there and was entrusted with the newest vehicles because he took such good care of them.
Jack was a great farmer raising huge crops of hay, barley and potatoes. He said you could grow just about anything in that rocky valley soil if you had enough water. He also had a herd of cattle. Many a cold winter would find a new born calf in the house warming up beside the kitchen heater. Although he left the farm, farming never left him. In town, he had a garden for years, growing delicious potatoes, tomatoes and squash. He planted and tended trees and bushes in the yard, which are still thriving today.
As a Montanan who grew up in the depression era, Jack could fix just about anything. He also had a love of antique cars. He bought a broken-down 1929 Model A from friend Chris Hahn’s dad for $50. Jack and son Mike spent many years restoring it. He also had a 1948 double-clutch dump truck aptly named “The Flash” after its bright red sideboards, which he treated with tender loving care. His garage was always neatly arranged and he knew where to find any tool or part.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife Lois Rogan, who passed away on October 20, 2022, his parents, and siblings Marie Hicks, Bill Rogan, and Patricia Wold. He is survived by his sisters Isabelle “Issie” Pistelak, Helena, and Helen “Cookie” Rogan, Austin, Texas; his children Colleen Rogan, Helena; John Rogan, East Helena; Mike (Donna) Rogan, Helena; granddaughter Tammy and Collin Frerck, Tolar Texas; great grandson Jace Frerck, Tolar, Texas; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A joint celebration of life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. for both Lois and Jack. A reception will follow in the church basement. Following the reception, Interment will take place at 2:30 at Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery, Helena, Montana.
Jack was able to live at his home until recent months. Special thanks to the skilled and caring staff of the St. Peter’s Hospital Emergency Room and Medical Floor, Cooney Rehabilitation, Bee Hive Assisted Living, and Saint Peter’s Health Hospice, as well as the many friends and family who provided assistance, well wishes, and prayers during this time.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 4, 2022
Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday November 4, 2022
Lower level of Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Friday November 4, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 4, 2022
Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday November 4, 2022
Lower level of Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Friday November 4, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Charlie & Mike Phelps says
Dearest Jack & Lois
We really have missed both of you so very much.
We thought of you both as very dear friends for so many years. We will miss Lois’ wonderful laugh and your sweet grin.
Rest well both of you.
Much love
“Mike” & Charlie
Steve & Wanda Arlint says
Dear Mike, Colleen, and John:
Please find comfort in knowing we care about the loss of both your parents in such a short time. It sounds like the lived a rich and full life. They were great people and well liked all that knew them
Sincerely,
Steve and Wanda Arlint
Scott St. Clair says
Rogan family, I’m so sorry to hear of Lois & Jack passing. Lois was understandably mom’s very best friend; she was an awesome lady. Jack and Lois were the old guard generation that made East Helena such a special town to grow up in. I always respected Jack and Lois; they were always so kind to our family. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend their services as I am out of state but know you are in my thoughts. Scott St. Clair
Tom Erving says
Colleen, I am so sorry for the loss of your parents, I will keep you all in my prayers. your old friend, Tom
Donagene LaFromboise says
I am so sorry for your families loss. I love that you are sharing your parents celebration of life together ❤️ I remember very fondly the wonderful times spent with Colleen and Lois many years ago while involved with Christian business women. Much hugs and love to you all.
Kelli Thorbergson Kaufman says
Colleen and family, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your parents. Please know I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Curtis Stanghill says
Mike and Family so sorry to hear the news that both your Mom and Dad passing within a few days apart. Prayers for the family.
Marvin St Clair says
Colleen, Mike, and John. I’m without words. So sorry for your loss of both you mom and dad so close together. You all three know what both your mom and dad meant to me. Jack and Lois were outstanding members of the community and prime parents for me to model my parenting skills after. I’ll never forget Jack putting me on one of his knot-headed horses. Rode for a bit in the corral and then horse decided to dispose of me by heading to the closed gate and slamming on the brakes! I’ll never forget Jack standing outside the gate saying, “if you don’t get right back on that horse now, you may never want to never ride a horse again.” I got back on that horse and rode for awhile. One life lesson Jack taugh me that I’ve never forgotten. Rest in peace Jack and please give Lois a hug for me. Love you both!!
Peggy Laurine Marcinkowski says
My deepest condolences to the family. What a huge loss. I’ve known Jack as the father of my childhood friend his daughter, Colleen Rogan, since I was four-years-old. He always made me feel very accepted, wanted, and loved despite my many overnights giggling with Colleen causing her brothers loud protests. As the years have gone by, each time to returned to Helena I would stop to visit he and his late wife Lois. As I walked in their home, I immediately felt like I had come home. Jack’s warm smile, loving hug, and shared stories and laughter made him like a father-figure to me as I lost my father over 30 years ago. He and Lois raised three admirable children and their love for one another over 65 plus years was dear. How fitting it is he died to join his Lois only 11 days after she passed. I am so very, very grateful that just days before he died I was able to visit with him. He recognized me, smiled frequently, and we were able to hug, say I love you, and knowingly our last goodbyes. Godspeed, Jack! Until I see you on the otherwise. I thank God for you and all your blessings to me. Peggy Laurine Marcinkowski
Mike Kokoruda says
My condolences to the Rogan family. jack and Lois were two of the nicest people you could hope to meet. Jack was a long time friend and former coworker. I have lots of fond memories of the “good old days”. May they Rest In Peace.
MK