John “Jack” LaMonte Casteel
On the morning of March 10, 2020, our dear father, husband and friend passed away peacefully at home in the company of his wife in Helena, Montana. Jack was 83 years old.
Jack was born in Creighton, Nebraska on April 22, 1936. He was second of the three sons of Merle LaMonte Casteel and Gladys Evelyn (Hough) Casteel. He grew up in Missoula, Montana and lived the majority of his adult life in Helena, Montana. Jack’s first marriage to Lynne (Russell) Goodman produced two children, Ric and Suzanne.
As a young man Jack served in the Montana Army National Guard. During that time he was called to duty in the prison riot of 1959 at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. His photo was featured on the cover of Life Magazine.
Jack worked as a banker at First National Bank of Helena and then his interest shifted to cars, which led him to owning a dealership, Personal Pontiac. He then moved on to be the Used car / Fleet car Manager at Capital Ford. Eventually he would become one of the first insurance agents for Farm Bureau Insurance in Helena.
Jack’s second marriage to Merry Lou (Humphreys) brought an additional two children into his life, Chuck and Kellie.
Jack was an avid golfer and member of Green Meadow Country Club for many years. He enjoyed fishing, being outdoors and, of course, had a love for the Montana Grizzlies. He would attend every home football game in Missoula cheering on his favorite team. His love of sports led him to become a coach of the Capital High girls’ basketball team for several years. He also supported his community as a member of the Helena Exchange Club for over 25 years, serving a term as president.
Jack’s easy-going nature and readiness to tell a joke or a story endeared him to family and friends and he will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepdad, Charlie Snow, as well as his two brothers, Robert Casteel and Gary Casteel.
Jack is survived by his wife Merry Lou and children, Richard (Becky) Casteel, Suzanne (Terry) Casteel, Charles Casteel and Kellie (Casteel) Lassila. Grandchildren are Sam Forslund, Sophie Forslund, Max Casteel and Lili Casteel. Jack is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date this summer. Donations in Jack’s honor may be made to Helena Exchange Club supporting Coats for Kids.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
RIP fellow Exchange Brother God Bless..
.
….
Sherryl Vaughn says
Jack and Sherryl Vaughn will miss you. Test in Peace..
Mary Kay Bennett says
I am remembering the good times..especially the First National Bank days..so much fun with so many good friends.
Friends who have gone before us are enjoying one another again and celebrating Jack.. and a life well lived.
I am so sorry, Merry Lou & family.
Larry and Sharon says
Peanut butter sandwiches and golf, beer and pizza after. Now those were good times!
Will keep you all in our thoughts…
Loretta Brown says
Merry Lou and family ! Jack fought a long and brave battle for the past few years , he loved you Merry Lou and his children . .. Jack will be missed by so many family and friends and in the end of our lives being loved is still the most important quality a person can give and receive. your in our hearts , hope the whole family stays strong and remembers all the good times that Jack shared with each one of you .. . forever Rocky and Loretta
Tracy Lloyd-Witter says
Merry Lou, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you Merry Lou and family.
Beverly Fox says
Dear Ric and Suzanne-I’m thinking of you both. So sorry to read of your father’s passing.
David R Anderson says
What a Quality Man. Jack and I go back a long way. Capital Ford, Helena Exchange Club and Green Meadow CC. We had good times both at work and play.
Jack will be missed, but never forgotten. There are to many good memories.
My Prayers and Thoughts for Merry Lou, Ric, Suzanne, Chuck, Kellie and all the kids.
John and Mary Lamb says
Merry Lou and family,
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Husband and Father. May your many memories bring you peace and comfort in the days to come.
Lynn Morrison says
Suzanne, I am saddened to read of your dads passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. Lynn E.
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Ric and family,
We are saddened to hear of your father’s passing. You have our heartfelt sympathy. We pray the memories you hold close within your hearts will help sustain you in the coming days. A very nice tribute to your father. God gives us comfort in the form of family and friends. May His peace be with you, His love never ends.
Capital High Classmates; Bruce and Rhonda (Strainer) Robertson
Linda Cockhill says
Linda and Brian Cockhill says: Dear Merry Lou and family, We are saddened to hear of our beloved friend’s passing. He loved you very much Merry Lou and raised such fantastic children. We remember all of our outings to the lake, going to the Grizzly games, and especially our times on New Yeas Eve shooting off fire crackers after spending countless hours playing Trivia. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Jackie Lloyd says
Mary Lou,
Sorry for your loss, keep the memories.
Marlene Campbell says
Dear Merry Lou –
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I know that you and Jack had a wonderful life together and you have lots of special memories. I always thought of Jack on my birthday through the years, as I have remembered that we share the same day. He was a great guy and I know you will miss him.
Dennis L. House says
My condolences to the family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I first met Jack when we both worked at First National Bank in the Installment Loan Department. I learned quite a bit of banking from him and appreciated his help. He will be missed by many but especially his family. May he Rest In Peace.
Thomas R Casteel says
Sadly, three of my first cousins I’ve never met are gone. I just found them out on genealogy search. John,Robert,and Gary. Rest in peace!!!! May we meet in another place. Thomas R Casteel
Paul Schrader says
Dear Merry Lou and Family,
I am sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I did not know him but we were first cousins. Uncle Bud and my mother (Nelle Casteel Schrader) were brother – sister. I do remember Jack from our childhood when we visited Montana in 1945. Jack was two+ years older than I. May he rest in peace!
Paul Schrader