Dr. John “Jack” Henry McLaughlin, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019.
Jack was born on May 27th, 1926 to John and Flora (Topel) McLaughlin in Helena. He spent the first 8 years in Helena and then moved to Great Falls in 1934, where he received his education. The family returned to Helena during his senior year in high school. That same year, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served in the Philippines and the South Pacific during World War II from 1943-1944.
He returned to Helena where he attended pre dental school at Carroll College. During this time, he met the love of his life, Betty Meyer, on a double date, and they were later married in Ekalaka, MT and spent the next 71+ years of their lives together.
Jack and Betty moved to Milwaukee where he enrolled in the Marquette Dental School. While attending school, their daughter Linda and son Pat were born. After graduation in 1952, they returned to Helena where he started his dental practice in the Power Block in downtown Helena. During this time four more children were born – Mike, Mary, Dennis and John. He spent the next 28 years growing his practice and earning an excellent reputation as a dentist as well as spending time with his family. He enjoyed taking his sons big game hunting and fishing and they took multiple trips to Canada to fish for pike.
In 1959 Jack and Betty built a cabin on Canyon Ferry lake with their children. From then on the summers were spent at the lake waterskiing and fishing. Jack loved to water-ski and spent many hours teaching his children how to ski. He was known for teaching all six of his children how to ski behind the boat at the same time, teaching them how to ski with no hands by using their foot in the tow bar, and pulling his kids in many slalom skiing competitions. He passed on the waterskiing tradition to many of his grandkids and had the patience to teach anyone how to water ski. One of his favorite sayings was “any boob can tube” and would always give preference to people who wanted to water ski over tubing or other recreational water sports.
He retired from practicing dentistry in 1980 and soon afterwards he and his wife Betty, began making annual trips to Mexico, where, for the next 30 years they spent their winters volunteering their time doing dentistry with Mexican Medical Ministries at Clinica la Esperanza. There they were able to help the itinerant farmers and their families. They also went to the jungles of Guatemala with Doctors Without Borders and vacationed to Australia, China, New Zealand, and multiple trips to Europe.
In his later years, his most joyous times were spent sitting on the deck at the lake watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren playing volleyball and other lawn games and participating in many lake activities. Some of the fondest memories of his family are the many mornings that Jack and Betty spent reading his Bible and drinking coffee while overlooking the lake.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Flora and his son Pat. He is survived by his wife Betty, his children, Linda (Todd) Schneckloth, daughter-in-law, Shirley, Mike (Terrie), Mary (Larry) Chvilicek, Dennis (Charmaine), and John, 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren with #28 on the way.
The family would like to thank the staff at the VA Hospital, Cooney Convalescent Home and Compassus Hospice for their excellent care and compassion. You are all appreciated so much.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at First Assembly North Building, 2315 Dodge Ave. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 13th at 11:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave with a funeral reception following. A private family burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jack’s name may be made to God’s Love or Carroll College.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday December 12, 2019
First Assembly North Building
2315 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 13, 2019
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 13, 2019
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday December 12, 2019
First Assembly North Building
2315 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 13, 2019
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 13, 2019
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Sandy and Deb Green says
Will miss my Sunday hugs from Doc – he was one of the sweetest men ever! He had a quiet and loving spirit for everyone that knew him.
Bonnie Holewa says
Lifting up prayers to all of you at this sad time! Memories will warm your hearts always!
Much love,
Bonnie (Gray) Holewa
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to the family. John was quite a man and he and wife Betty are a perfect example of Godly people who love their family unconditionally and have a big heart ❤️ for helping others. A pleasure knowing you John and many family members 👋
Glen J Cuchine says
Dear McLaughlin Family, my thoughts are with you all at this time. Jack’s always welcoming, warm smile was something I’ll always remember. I remember many happy moments at the cabin with Jack, Betty and a houseful of others. Peace.
Julie and Jim DeMars says
McLaughlin Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dr. McLaughlin’s passing. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during the difficult time. Keep all the wonderful memories close. May he rest in peace.
John and Nancy Glueckert says
Betty and Family,
We have such fond memories of Jack. His sense of humor and the many kindnesses he extended to me, my parents and brothers. We extend our condolences and will be holding you all in our prayers. We are not able to make the funeral as I have an obligation to play Irish music in Philipsburg early Friday evening. Our deepest sympathy. All our love, John and Nancy Glueckert
Court and Pat Larkin says
We met Jack and Betty in 1955 shortly after we were married. I graduated from Marquette in 1954 . Shortly after I was assigned a territory in Helens and was looking for a dentist who may have gone to Marquette. I became a patient in 1954 before Pat and I married. We became the best of friends immediately and shared many great times . They have been two of our best friends ever since and still share emails with each other . God Bless you both .
Steve and Bev Glueckert says
I have many fond memories of family times together. There was always so much laughter and joy shared when my mother and Jack were together. We were sorry to miss joining the family in celebrating a life well-lived. Jack and Betty have always been so very kind to my brothers and I. We extend our deep condolence for all of the McLaughlin family during this time of loss. With all of our love, Steve and Bev Glueckert
ANNELL FILLINGER says
To the McLaughlin Family,
My deepest condolences to you on the loss of Jack. What a wonderful man he was. Always smiling and never too busy to say hello. I am sorry to have missed the family celebration; I moved to Phoenix in Sept and missed the announcement. I will always remember Jack’s kindness to me and my family through the years. He was a good friend to my Mom and Dad and my brother practically lived at your cabin in the summers. He will be greatly missed. May God wrap you in His love and comfort you as only He can do through this time.
Dona Dobler says
Sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I could not make it to either service. I will try to get in touch with someone. Can you imagine the conversations and laughter that he and Pat are having !!!! They got there first !!!