Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time, and never forget those people who have a place within your heart.
John Joseph Blotkamp, 50 vibrant years of age, left this earth on September 18, 2011.
The heart that deeply touched so many lives stopped beating physically but his love for family, fiancée, friends, co-workers, and faithful companion Jazzy will continue to live on in those hearts he touched.
John was born October 9, 1960 in Great Falls, Montana to Thomas J. and Joleen I. Blotkamp. He was the youngest of seven children and the favorite. His love for family had no limits, and John expressed that love whenever he had the chance.
Fresh out of college and a graduate of Montana State University, Bozeman, John attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1985. A jack of all trades, John rode horses, branded cows, bucked bales, built timber frame homes, including his own home in Unionville which became his pride and joy. He worked as a hard rock miner, and even had an office job working for “the man.” Finally, his hard work paid off and his dreams of remaining close to family and the beautiful Montana mountains came true when he began and personalized his own Real Estate appraisal business, Blotkamp Appraisals. A man of integrity in both his work and personal life, his business associates considered John not only a business partner but also a trusted and true friend.
In the fall of 2003, John and Jan met on a blind date set in motion by Farrell and Nancy Rose and their daughter Melanie. What followed was a journey of mountain hikes (sometimes longer than expected), ski trips (down slopes steeper than expected), bike rides and kayak trips that led to a true and lasting love of soul mates. They shared a love of the outdoors, their dogs, and spending time with family and friends. John was a man of integrity, humor, and talent in wood working, cooking up the ultimate pizza sauce or pot of spaghetti with all the things growing in his garden. His favorite place was a chair by the creek next to his house listening to the sounds of the bubbling creek and the chickadees. He had a knack for knowing who sang every song in the 60’s and 70’s and singing bits and pieces of them often. He will be forever loved by his fiancée and his dog Jazzy who miss him beyond all words.
John was an avid outdoorsman. His passion for downhill skiing was evident when he would routinely predict his own snow storms in hopes of a powder day. An active hiker, avid fly-fisherman, motivated mountain biker, and extraordinary woodworking craftsman, he had a remarkable ability to live and love being alive.
John exhibited exceptional qualities that were obvious, yet hard to define. He was patient, unpretentious, appreciative, considerate, practical, mechanically gifted, unusually intuitive yet intellectual in many ways. He was philosophical but well grounded; he knew his root vegetables and grew exceptional raspberries, and was more than willing to share his secret huckleberry picking spots.
John is survived by his fiancée Jan Martineau and also his brothers and sisters: Bruce
(Sandra) Blotkamp (Missoula), Patty (Gary) Anderson (KY), Tuck (Anne) Blotkamp (Helena),
Jan (Tom) McGree (Helena), Susan (Rob) Spitznagel (CA), and Betty (Mark) Murray (Helena).
John was more than just an uncle, he was a friend, mentor, role model, and father figure to his
treasured nieces and nephews: Tommy (Tessa) McGree, Allison McGree, Michelle McGree,
Kipper Blotkamp, Drew Blotkamp, Ariel (Lee) Blotkamp-Rademaker, Kody Goettel, Brianne
Spitznagel, Katie Spitznagel, Tyler Spitznagel, Scott (Jennifer) Anderson, Shani (Danny)
Ramirez, Brett (Mary) Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Chad (Rhonda) Blotkamp, Heather
Blotkamp, Tonya (Dan) Neuman, Tiffany (Al) Wellman, Chris Murray, Ryan (Pam) Murray,
Scott Murray, and Katie (Jon) Mygland.
Welcoming John with open arms in heaven are parents Thomas J. and Joleen I. Blotkamp, nephew Sean P. McGree, and numerous aunts and uncles.
Our world lost a truly unique man on Sunday, September 18, 2011.
Come celebrate a life well lived and the legacy that remains on Friday, September 23rd, at 2:00 PM at Retz Funeral Home Chapel with a reception to follow at Eagle’s Lodge, 801 N. Fee St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604-4455 or a charity of your choice. To offer a condolence or share a memory of John, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Tracie Grimm says
To John’s Family
John was truely a caring, compassionate, kind, exceptional man. I only knew John through his appraisal business, but whenever he would come in with questions the day was a little brighter when he left. John always had the time for a friendly hello and how are you doing. He will truely be missed by all of us that he worked with. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. Hold to those memories and he will never be far away. In sympaty Tracie Grimm
Ann Ryan Druce says
To the Entire Blotkamp Family,
I was so very saddened to learn of John’s passing. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. John will be smiling down upon all of you with his infectious grin. Go sit by the creek, and let your hearts be filled with the joy he brought you all.
You are all in my prayers.
Ann Ryan Druce
Timm Goettel says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. John was an incredible person and I will never forget him.
Kerisa Armstrong says
To the McGree Family and Jan Martineau,
I never realized the connection between you all until I read the beautiful write up in the IR today, but please know that we are holding you up in prayer. Although I only met John in passing at the movie theater with Jan Martineau a time or two, I can tell he was a wonderful man and will be missed greatly. God bless you and may He comfort you with your sweet memories.
Sincerely,
The Armstrongs
Josh, Kerisa, Jadyn, Laurynn, John and Brady
Patrick O'Brien says
I was shocked and saddened to learn of John’s passing. I knew him from High School and MSU. He was a genuine “stand-up” guy, completely unpretentious and always quick with a smile and an encouraging word for others. Too soon gone from this world, I feel fortunate to have counted him as one of my friends.
The memory of a good person is a blessing. I hope that cherished memories of John will help you through this difficult time.
LINDA SAGE says
jan,betty,tuck and all of the family my thoughts are with you all so sorry. i miss you all hope to see you all soon. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
LOVE LINDA & JACK SAGE
John Bulger says
Blotkamp clan,
I’m so sorry for your loss. John was one of the good ones. From grade school knocking around to fishing Belt Creek together to playing squash in Helena and tipping a beer after, John was the pinnacle of good company and humor and kindness.
I am greatly saddened by his death, but glad that I could be considered his friend.
Ann Peterson says
I met John (and Jan) on a ski trip to Salt Lake City. Joined them for their first sushi dinner. Have since seen John every winter at Showdown. I knew after that first dinner I had met a special man. His love for his family was evident right away. He only reinforced my opinion every time I saw him. His deep commitment to friends and family, his love of the outdoors. his interest in woodworking, his commitment to his work and his delightful smile were all shared freely. My deepest condolences to the entire Blotkamp and Jan. The community has suffered a great loss.
Gina Mathis says
I am so sorry to hear about John. He was a great guy and I loved his wonderful smile and great hugs every time I saw him.
He will be missed by all of us left behind.
Jack & LeeAnn Berry says
We both met John freshman year at the U of M. We all enjoyed stories of being raised in large families. John was always kind and quick with a smile, hand shake or a hug. As maybe it was meant to be, we had a wonderful visit at the Windbag in Helena the Friday evening before his passing. Our parting words were about getting together again soon. So, my friend, we will get together again. May many blessings be upon you and upon all of those who are hurting now as you had to move on more quickly than we can now understand.
Love and Sympathy,
Jack and LeeAnn Berry
Peggy Thelen says
I am so very sad to hear of John’s death. John & I went all through school together here in Great Falls, starting at St. Gerard’s. Although we didn’t stay in close touch over the years, we shared good stories and laughs when we did see each other, the last time at our 30th high school reunion in July of 2009.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Roxann Jung (Etzel) says
Bruce, Patty, Tuck, Jan, Susan, Betty & your families. I’m saddened by the loss of John. John will always have a special place in my heart. He was a kind, caring, and special person. I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Charity Rowsey says
Jan Martineau and Tom McGree,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Victoria Monteleone says
I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength in this time of sorrow.
Laurie Croskrey Blue says
Woodshop at Great Falls High, he should have been one of the teachers. I remember John always had a smile on his face and laughing with Paul Robinson. They were always laughing. 🙂 We will miss you John Blotkamp.
Priscilla Blotkamp Taylor says
So sad to hear abpout John. My prayers and sympathies to you all.
Amy Anderson says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. John was a very special man indeed, a true example of a life lived with purpose. No surprise he was the favorite!
Chris Otto says
I met John when we both worked for “The Man”. He was a wonderful mentor and without his help, I’m not sure I’d be where I am today. I remember countless minutes (on our breaks of course) of cribbage games where he usually beat us. My sympathies go out to his family and fiancee where you will be kept in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris
Barbara Nye says
the obit was beautifully written and perfectly described John as I remember him – he had a great heart and soul. I was out of town and heard of the funeral too late to attend and am so sorry for that – but please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy for a loss too large to imagine.