John (Jack) Howard Caldwell died peacefully February 18th at age 92 with his family at his side after a brief illness.
Jack was born on April 1st, 1921 in Frankstown, PA. He graduated from Hollidaysburg High School and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad before enlisting in the Army in 1942. He was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and saw duty in the European Theater. During the war his unit kept the airfields in good working order for the Allied Forces. He was awarded the WWII Medal and 4 stars for his faithful duty. In 1947 he was sent to Fort Richardson, Alaska, and spent his tour surveying the Alaska Roadnet.
In February 1947 as a 1st Lieutenant, he met Elizabeth Meshnik on an ice-skating blind date. It was love at first sight, when Elizabeth discovered he could skate backwards. They married in St. Peter’s Church in Anaconda that fall and celebrated their 66th anniversary November 29th, 2013. Their marriage was blessed with four children.
During his twenty year military career he was assigned to posts in England, California, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Missouri and Okinawa, where he retired in 1964 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At that time he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He attained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees while on active duty.
After retiring from the Army, he was employed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls for 16 years, principally as an analyst in the Comptroller division. He was a supporter of Great Falls Central High School and was elected to the Central Round Table Hall of Fame in 1974. He also served as a member of the Retirees Council at Malmstrom and volunteered regularly at the Malmstrom Museum. HIs favorite activities in retirement were golf and travel, and he and Elizabeth spent winters in Tucson and golfed in Senior Tournaments around the US. He also enjoyed fly fishing, cross country skiing, and hiking to the chalets in Glacier Park with friends and family. After 48 years in Great Falls, Jack and Elizabeth moved to Helena in 2012 to be near family.
Jack was preceded in death by his brothers Tom and Clyde, sisters Fern and Leona, and his son-in-law Don McGonigle. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, and children Chris McGonigle of Helena; Carolyn Caldwell, Maine; Ken Caldwell (Eleanor), Virginia; and Connie Caldwell (Jeff Sauter), Texas. He also leaves two grandchildren, Megan Gittings (Chris) and Tim McGonigle (Tiffany) and three great-grandchildren, Samaire Gittings and Jack and Liam McGonigle.
The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road. Cremation will follow the Mass and Interment with military honors will take place at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials in Jack’s name are suggested to the Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road, Helena, Montana 59602.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 25, 2014
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 25, 0201
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 26, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemeter
Fort Harrison, Montana 59634
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 25, 2014
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 25, 0201
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 26, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemeter
Fort Harrison, Montana 59634
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carolsue lukes says
Dear Liz and family, so sorry about your loss.
what a great man ! Hugs and prayers to all of you.
Marlene Bauer DeVoto says
Dear Chris, Elizabeth and Family,
What fond memories I have of dear Jack during our years in high school, Chris. He was such a kind and gentle man. The love that Jack and Elizabeth had for each other was very evident in that subtle glance or wink in his eye. I saw Jack, Elizabeth and Chris at a restaurant in Great Falls before they moved to Helena several years ago. Although it had been a long time since we had seen each other he embraced me with open arms reminding me of the good times at their home. He will be missed. Fondly, Marlene
Bill and Celeste Lenth says
We offer our prayers of support in this time of sadness.
Gisela Hvamstad says
So sorry to hear of Jacks’s passing. My prayers and condolences are with you all.
Gisela
Rudy and Eileen Bazant says
So sorry to hear of Jack passing. He will be missed by all who met him. Elizabeth and family please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time.
Charles and Jimianne Wilson says
Dear Liz – Our condolences to you and your family. Jack was a wonderful friend and coworker. We remember him always.
Mae & Gene Gill says
Even though we have not seen you since you moved to Helena, I have thought of you both so many times. I have never known a couple as truly caring as you and Jack..I know you and your family will miss him so much…but he is with the Lord now and that is what we are all trying to attain…so be happy for him and keep all the good memories in your heart. We send our love to you and the family
Jim and Anne Trunkle says
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Jack. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
Henen Family says
Elizabeth and family :
Our family has many fond memories of You and Jack. He was always there to help Ed and Don for anything at Central Catholic. His warm smile and “infectious laugh” will not be forgotten by anyone. He lived his life as a true Christian just as you and the rest of your awesome family do. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.