Cathedral of St. Helena Live Stream
John “Big John” Elmer Wenderoth, 80, of Canyon Ferry formerly Bozeman was a devoted husband, faithful servant, passionate gardener, avid sports enthusiast and adventurous soul was born on June 25, 1945, in Camden New Jersey. We are heartbroken to announce he has passed away midday June 27, 2025, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena of heart failure surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 25, 1945, in Camden, NJ the son of John and Kathryn Wenderoth (Starkey). John graduated from Pennsauken High School in 1963, where he excelled at baseball and football he was sought after by numerous colleges and went on to play football on scholarship at his esteemed Virginia Tech and earned a degree in Education.
John met the love of his life Janet Elaine Wenderoth (Hawley) in High School and they were married on September 13, 1965, and had 60 earthly years shared together of their eternal love.
After working in early education at an inner-city school in West Chester PA John decided to pursue a new and exciting adventure. He and his young family headed West for Bozeman MT.
After settling in Bozeman, John worked on Burlington Northern Railroad and as a Herdsman for the MSU Dairy. After leaving the dairy his entrepreneurial skills elevated into a porta potty business where his nick name “Big John” became an apropos title.
Later John and Janet moved to Canyon Ferry where beautiful lake life became everyday life, and he became a Eucharist minister and lead a prayer group for Cathedral of St. Helena.
John is predeceased by his parents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. John is survived by his devoted wife
Janet Elaine Wenderoth, daughter Kimberly Ann Malott (Jim), son Keith Alan Wenderoth, daughter Jodi Christel Livesay. His younger brother James William Wenderoth (Carol). His Grandsons Austin James Malott (Breanna), Riley John Malott (Sarah), Ryker Thomas Wenderoth, Tyler Reece Wenderoth, Jacob Hunter Livesay, Jared Fisher Livesay. Great Grandchildren, Lucia Marie Malott, Gabrielle Ann Malott, Josephine James Malott, Baylor Jon Malott, Collins Mae Malott.
A funeral Mass will be held in John’s honor Tuesday July 8, 2025 at 12:00 pm (noon) at Cathedral of Saint Helena. Rite of Committal will be family only at the Columbarium Niche at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 8, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana
Rite of Committal
Private Committal
Columbarium Niche at Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana
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Jeff and Judy Salisbury says
Big John, you beat us all home. We pray the garden you now tend will bring you eternal peace. Remember, it all began in a garden. See you soon. We will love on Jan and the family as you loved on us.
Steve Wolfinger says
Cousin Jack, may the Lord keep you in his loving arms. My thoughts are with you, and your loving family, Janet, Kim, Jo, and Keith. Blessings to all.
Dawn (Marx) Kreuz says
Our family has treasured memories from when John worked at the MSU Dairy in Bozeman. My folks (Bob & Barb Marx) have been dear friends with John and Jan for many years. Just this spring my mom and I stopped in to see them at their place on Canyon Ferry. It was a wonderful visit and one I’ll hold near and dear for the rest of my life. John had the most amazing sense of humor and when he got together with Bob Marx, the shenanigans were endless. Now they will reunite together in heaven . Love and miss you, Big John!
Dawn (Marx) Kreuz
Michael Starkey says
RIP Cousin Jack. Sounds like you have a very loving family and led a great life. Wish our family clan could have kept in touch and able to share our life events. Janet, Kim, Jodi and Keth, Linda and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dave and Lavern Parisi says
We have only known John and Jan for four years as new neighbors. We loved to visit with him and all his wisdom was greatly appreciated. John was a very thoughtful and kind person and we will miss him.
Lynn and Dennis Doherty says
Our love, thoughts and prayers to John’s family. John and Jan have been a special part of our ‘hood at Canyon Ferry, get-togethers and just visiting on the road. The last year has been tough on them but their love for one another and their faith was so strong! Out prayers will continue for Jan and her family.
Richard Nanassy says
Although we were not close in the later years, I remember the times we had growing up being your cousin, and once again in the 90’s. I was sad to hear (from my sister) your passing. I’m not religious, but my heart goes out to Janet, as Jack and Janet were very close.
Kathie Raunig says
Jan and family. We were so happy to have you and John join the Cathedral when you moved to Helena. You both were so involved in so many happenings. We are grateful, and I am grateful for knowing John all these years.