John Joseph Kanta passed away December 13, 2011.
He was born January 26, 1926 to Frank and Susan (Rusnek) Kanta in Sumatra, Montana. He was raised in the Catholic religion with nine other siblings and was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Community.
In December of 1944, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Kyoto, Japan. He was honorably discharged in November of 1946.
He returned home to Montana and was united in marriage to Marion Schulenberg at Forsyth, MT on November 21, 1947. Their union lasted 52 years. John began a lifelong career in construction including heavy equipment operator and mechanic. John never retired and continued working for Gruber Excavating through the summer of 2011.
In his early years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hard work . . . but his real passion was his family. John was most happy in the presence of his family, especially his grandchildren, and friends, recalling old times and sharing a drink. He was also a big Griz football fan.
John is survived by his five daughters, Kathy Olson, Gloria Kanta, Carla Kaufman, Ellen Kanta, and Johnna Kanta; three sons, David Kanta, Patrick Kanta and Cory Kanta; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Gesa Kanta of Forsyth, Paul Kanta of Forsyth, and Joe Kanta of Melstone, MT; sisters, Mary Perkins of St. Louis, MO., Ann Kanta of Billings and Terry Wilson of Melstone, MT.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; his parents; sister, Ethel, and brothers, Frank Jr. and Rudy.
Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 16th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Avenue. A Vigil service will be 5:00 p.m. Friday at Saint Mary Catholic Community. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17th at Saint Mary Catholic Community. Rite of Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bob & Rena Spangler says
Our hearts go out to all the Kanta family. John was like my secound father. We will always remember we he came to our house for Christmas dinner, he was so excited that Rena made a bean casarole. I learned alot from John,about hard work and life. Not many could accomplish what this man did!!! I must have did something right in his thou, He never did call me a DINK, thank God. John you will always be with us. Cheerish the time spent with you. He always treated my wife,Rena,with respect. An old fashion gentleman. You will be missed John.
Bob and JoAnn Longmire says
Our sincere sympathy to the Kanta family. We use to have some good laughs at the Grub Stake.
Butch & Kathy Kroll says
David and family, we are very sorry for your loss. John was a great guy and although I hadn’t seen him in awhile I will always remember him.
Delores Almanza says
I am so sorry for the loss of your father, you and your family are in my prayers.
Elois Johnson says
Wanted to let you now how much I enjoyed your Dad/Grandfather. I bartended at the Causeway Chalet for two years and loved my conversations with John. I felt the whole place lit up when he came in. He was one of the most friendly and kind individuals I’ve ever met and I feel privileged to have met him and been able to spend the time with him that I did. Thanks for sharing him!!! I hope your memories of him bring you comfort and the fact that you can join him with our Father in our Heavenly Home grant you comfort. Again, your Dad/Grandfather was an awesome, wonderful man. Blessings on all of you.
Florence Shaw says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jaci Hoff says
My father, Floyd Hoff, called to tell me he lost his friend John this week. He cried tears of joy – as he remembered the good times they shared. My sympathies to all of the Kanta family. Let memories make you smile.
Julie Massey says
I haven’t been reading the paper, so was shocked when my boss mention he was attending John’s funeral today. Gloria, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I wish I had been more diligent in getting together with you knowing the challenges you faced in getting a strong minded independant fiesty parent to take proper care of himself. May his spirit always guide you and the love he had for you help to keep you strong. I think of you often and especially today. Peace and love my dear friend. Julie Massey
Kovich's says
Being old valley neighbors we want to extend our thoughts and prayers for your loss. We did not know John but after reading of his passing we felt like we did. He sounded like a strong, hard-working man of integrity. The “good ole kind”. May memories help you carry on. Bless his journey.
Kristel says
My thoughts & prayers to John’s family & friends. I am going to miss your great stories & that wonderful smile. I know your in good hands. Sincerely, Kristel
Lisa Scott says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of John. I have very fond memories growing up with the Kanta family! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love,
Lisa
Michelle says
So sad to hear of Uncle Johnny’s passing…such a wonderful man and a good uncle. I am thinking especially of his children and sending much love to all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Murray Scharf says
Carla and family I am sorry for your loss. I have walked this very path a few times it never gets easy. My God hold each of you in his arms for the next few years. The loss of a Father is one of the hardest. Take Care of each other.
Pam Kroll and Family says
Kanta Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. John was a great guy.Always enjoyed visiting with him over the years. Either at our Kitchen table where he and dad bladed many a roads or at a local tavern for a cold one. Very lucky to have the memories. You all are a great family and it has been an honor to know you all over the years. God Bless you all.
Pam
Paul and Betty Bisom says
Dave and Pat, sorry for you loss. I always enjoyed seeing your Dad when I bartended at Jackson Creek and visiting with him at church. RIP John.
Robert & Jackie Newman, Steph and Mandy says
We wanted to express our sincere sympathy for the passing of Uncle Johnny. Johnny was a wonderful man that was so caring, funny, and a true family man. He raised 8 wonderful children and you all should be proud. We are thinking of all of you and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Lynda DeWitt says
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. We never had the privlidge of meeting John (our loss), however we will always know him through the love we have for the family members we have met.
We are so fortunate to have Cory, Jack, and Andria as part of our family through our daughter Brenda. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers and hope you will find comfort that your father is at peace. He will live on in your memories and in your children’s eyes for generations to come.
Ron and Lynda DeWitt
Russ & Kelli says
Carla and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Long Benson says
To the Kanta Family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. John was an awesome friend to our Dad. God bless each of you.
The family of Leonard Long
Shauna Wenger says
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Hold the memories close to your heart and know that he will be forever looking over each and every one of you. Please know that you will all be in the Wenger’s thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sue Tabbert Hart says
Deepest Sympathy to the Kanta family in the loss of your Father John. He was a very nice man and loved a good laugh….Sue Hart, Polson
Tracy Grove says
Dave and Karyn, I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. God Bless