John J. Verbanac passed away peacefully at his home in East Helena on August 3, 2025.
Born on January 28, 1935, to Frank J. and Christina (Cestnik) Verbanac, John was a lifelong resident of East Helena, Montana. His roots ran deep in the community where he was born, raised, and chose to live out his days.
Throughout his life, John held a variety of roles that reflected his commitment to service and hard work. His career included positions with ASARCO, the United States Air Force (1954–1958), the Montana Dairy Milk Control Board, Carroll College (as a student), the City of East Helena, the Montana State Liquor Warehouse, and service as Mayor of East Helena. He was also a long-time member of the East Helena Volunteer Fire Department.
On April 23, 1960, John married Patricia E. Gailushas. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and he built their family home next door to his childhood home, where they raised two sons and created a lifetime of lasting memories.
John’s favorite place was the cabin he built in the Elkhorn Mountains, using logs he milled himself on the land he owned. It was there that he found joy in hunting, prospecting, snowmobiling, and always tinkering—there was always a project to be done at the cabin he loved so much.
He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Ann (Joe) Schell and brother Frank J. (Myrna) Verbanac.
John is survived by his wife, Patricia E. Verbanac; sons John M. Verbanac of Helena, and Joseph D. (Chris) Verbanac of Jefferson City; along with several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In accordance with John’s wishes, private family services will be held.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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LINDA FRANKLIN says
Pat, John and Joe – sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve and Linda
Tina Pike says
Aunt Pat, John, Joe and Chris – how the memories of Uncle John come back! Dad (Joe Schell) always said that Uncle John was his best friend growing up in East Helena and the two of them could sit and laugh about their crazy teen antics any time they were together. Uncle John meant so much to my Mom, Mary Ann, all her life – he was one of her big brothers and he was always there for her. When my brothers and I spent time at Grandma and Grandpa Verbanac’s house we always had Uncle John, Aunt Pat, Johnny and Joe next door to help pass the time and include us in the family. My Uncle John will not be forgotten and I will treasure all the time i was able to spend with him, although not nearly enough in the last years. May you all find peace in knowing that he is being reunited with his family and will celebrate eternal life with our Lord. Love you all, Tina
Diane Trankel says
I’m sorry to hear about your Dad. John, I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and wanted to let you know that I’m sorry your hurting. You’ll miss him. I dearly miss my Dad and he’s been gone for quite a while. I love knowing that we’ll be back with them someday. Take Care, Diane
Joseph F. Schell says
I will always remember my Uncle John as tough, caring, and larger than life. He also had a no-nonsense way about him that I occasionally remind myself to emulate. While some of us were planning and pondering, Uncle John was simply out there doing and getting it done, in his work, for his community, and especially for his family. My wife, Xee, and I send our condolences and very best wishes to the family and friends as we remember and honor Uncle John and as we move forward in our lives.
Doug Stipcich says
Pat,John and Joe. I am saddened to learn of John’s recent passing. Such a wonderful person that was always ready to lend a hand no matter the situation. I truly believe that one would be hard pressed to find someone as genuine as John. Try to find some solice in that. Another one of the East Helena “old guard” is gone. John and Joe, please give your mom a big hug for me and let her know I am thinking about all of you at this most difficult of times. That’s what she did for me when both my dad and mom passed away. It helped a ton.
wayne helfert says
Pat,John,and Joe- I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing.I spent a lot of time with him on East Helena;s fire department and city council, and panning gold in Prickley Pear Creek.John was a doer, not a talker-he got things done with a minimum of fuss. He was arguably East Helena’s best mayor-dealing with 500 year floods and record breaking cold winters that froze half of our water mains. John always worked alongside the city crew in a crisis. Our town is a better place because of him. So long my friend,you are missed.
Jackie Dunbar says
John was a dear neighbor of ours for over 30 years and a great friend to my husband. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope he and Jim are once again telling horn hunting stories in heaven. John was a treasure to our family.
Tammy Stefanik says
Pat, John, and all – I’m sorry to hear about John. May good memories and stories from others bring you comfort. Thinking of you all.
Linda Pouliot says
Sending lots of love and prayers to all of you🙏🏼
Very sad to lose John 🥀
What a wonderful man you were John, really made a difference to all who knew you.
You were always kind to me, whether I was fixing Pat’s hair, or visiting when Lisa&Rich came vacationing, you will be missed🫶🏼
God be with you all 🤟🏼
Rich Dukes says
Aunt Pat, John and Joe, so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of Uncle John when Lisa and I would visit Montana. Aunt Pat and Uncle John were always gracious hosts and I enjoyed spending time at the house in East Helena, talking about everything, and getting Uncle John’s “no nonsense” take on the topic we were discussing. We always had a good laugh and I always learned a little more East Helena history after each visit! The trips to the cabin and out to his son John’s ranch were great and I was always amazed at what Uncle John could build or fix. He will definitely be missed. May he rest in peace and may God provide comfort to his family.