John Michael Holbrook, age 76, of Helena Montana, went home to be with his late wife on May 13, 2022. He passed away in his home in Helena, Montana, with his family just after celebrating his 76th birthday. John was born in Glendive, Montana to Vance and Mary Margaret Holbrook on May 10, 1946. He grew up with four siblings: Dan, Bob, Kathy, and Mary Louise. As a child, he loved spending his time outside with his brothers, catching frogs and marking turtles they found in ponds (because other people needed to know it belonged to someone else). In between shooting marbles at cop cars and swinging like Tarzan into hay bales, John displayed a zest for life that was unmatched. As he got older, he attended Holy Rosary Elementary School from 1st grade until 6th grade. >From there, he attended Lewis and Clark Junior High School, ending his scholastic career at Billings West High School.
In his thirties, he met the love of his life, Mary Kay Ebert. They had a love for the ages, after just one date at the Scotch and Soda bar in Great Falls, Montana. John wasn’t just in love with Mary Kay… he was fiercely devoted to her. Within the following decade, they got married and started a family, complete with two children. As a family they loved vacations on the coast, and playing cribbage for hours. During his life, he described himself as a “jack of all trades”. From bartending to truck driving, John was able to pick up any job with ease. His resume listed such careers as butcher, bellhop… and busboy. He was an unintentional fan of alliteration. But then he found his eventual passion for helping people through selling insurance. He said his father was his biggest inspiration and support in his pursuit of this goal. He was the one who encouraged him to take the insurance exam (which he failed, the first time) which ultimately began his dedication to the insurance industry. His father, Vance, appointed John to his company at the time, Colonial Life and Accident, and the rest, as they say, is history.
After a decade in insurance, he decided that he needed to do more in the pursuit of helping his fellow man, which landed him in the Office of the Insurance Commissioner for the State of Montana. He was a Compliance Specialist, with a focus in property and casualty insurance, for the residents of Montana for 21 and a half years. In that time, he was responsible for the recovery of over $19 million in consumer funds for the people of Montana. John had said that as long as he had impacted someone’s life in this world for the better, he could leave this world a happy man.
Many may also recognize (or not recognize) John as the resident Santa Claus in town, most often spotted at the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for a local charity organization. He was also the President of the Helena Exchange Club, where he donated his earnings from his appearances as St. Nick to the Coats for Kids Program. He cared for his family, friends, and community with fervor, and can rest easy knowing he made a positive impact on countless lives throughout the decades.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Kay, his mother Mary Margaret, father Vance, sister Mary Louise, sister Mary Katherine, and infant son Michael. He is survived by his children, Mary Elizabeth (Tyler) and Annie Margaret (Andrew), brothers Dan (Bonnie) and Bob, sister Kathy, and numerous colleagues, friends, nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at The Cathedral of St. Helena on Tuesday, May 24th, 2022 at 12:00 noon. There will be family receiving friends the evening before on Monday, May 23rd beginning at 6 pm at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Hone. Please send memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6 p.m.
Monday May 23, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montan 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6 p.m.
Monday May 23, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montan 59602
Share
Billie Jo Williams says
Mary and Tyler,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. Please hold onto all the happy memories that you have of him as he was larger than life. We love you all and our thoughts are with all the Holbrook family at this diffucult time!
Kip Smith says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have many fond memories of Big John from my time in the Helena Exchange Club. Santa John once trudged through the snow to the back door of our house to surprise our young daughters at Christmas time. He was so authentic right down to the beard which our youngest pulled on; she stayed a believer for several more years. Thanks John!
Kip Smith, Kalispell
Merry Lou Casteel says
John was such enjoyable friend He and Jack will have good time again in heaven. Love and hugs to you very loved daughters.
Tanya Hartman says
We have lost a legend with John’s passing. I have a life time of memories working with him at the horse races- then partying like rockstars when we were done and of course of him playing one of the best Santas you will ever see. Till we meet again! Rest in Peace Big John!!
Suzanne Marie Wilke says
Mary and Tyler, very sorry to hear about your Dad. Sue
Connie Conley says
Mary & Annie, you are in my thoughts and prayers, as you mourn the loss of your dad. I am sending you lots of love!
Traci Swingley says
Mary and Annie,
As one in a long list of those whose life was positively impacted by his very existence, I wish you both a full-belly laugh to honor the authentic manner in which he lived life-to the very fullest. The friendship he bestowed was a gift to be cherished beyond his earthly time. His love for your mother and you two was palpable and joyous to witness. Thank you for sharing your father and friend with the earthly world. I wish you both the comfort of his transformation to an angel for all-time. Godspeed with love, Traci
Fran says
Am guessing that Mary Kay (I knew her at Hennessy’s/Dillard’s) is overjoyed to be reunited with here beloved, John.
with blessings to those left behind,
Fran
Teresa Rose says
Mary and Annie, Your colorful, stalwart parents and you two former students have enriched my life with your bold and original selves. Thank you. Cry, yes, then carry on the caring, enthusiastic love of life your parents modeled. BTW: A well written, spot on obituary…written by one of you?
Ron Iverson says
To the family– I have so many fond memories of times and visits with John. And…I am so sad at his passing. His father Vance got John into the insurance business, and I worked with both of them. When he became a compliance officer in the Commissioner’s office I visited him several times. I always shuddered at the loud, booming voice of John as he called some insurance company office, to tell them “You are going to take care of this, or you won’t be writing insurance in Montana anymore!” Nuff said. He had their attention. He and Mary Kay were a terrific couple and were absolutely great parents. I know you are proud, and comforted that he and Mary Kay are together again. My best, Ron Iverson
Kevin Phillips says
I worked with John at the State Auditors Office. He was passionate in protecting consumers. He was a good man.
Sara Medley says
Mary and Annie,
As a member of the CGU club of which your Mother was an esteemed, beloved member, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was larger than life and so admired and loved in our community. I believe, he played Santa at my parent’s home to our young children. I found a picture today of my daughter Sara Leigh crying when I tried to introduce her to ‘Santa’. I so loved your Mom and by transference, your Dad, because I know how much she loved him.
Marilyn Wine-Olson says
Mary Elizabeth and Annie Margaret,
Your family made me feel like family from the very start. Mary Kay was mom, friend, boss, mentor and John was a father figure, knowledgeable, a mentor as well and both had a huge impact on my life. Being a nanny to the both of you were some of the happiest times of my life. Your family taught me so much and shared so much love and happiness with me. I will always remember doing “Santa’s” make-up, it was always such a privilege, especially when the beautiful new suit came in one year! The sadness I feel in John’s passing is deep, but the knowing the joy of Mary Kay and John being back together, as it should be, makes the darkness a bit lighter. Both of you and your families are in my heart and prayers, never far from my thoughts and I will ALWAYS love you. Marilyn
Kristi Bolland Cochran says
I am so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing he is with your mother. My best friend ❤️. Call me anytime. I am always here for you Mary and Annie
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Mary and Annie,
Your Dad’s service was perfect, elegant and you both showed such love and respect. Your folks were simply the best examples of family, faith and friendship, a legacy you two are well prepared to carry on!