John M. Schiltz, age 79, of California and Helena

One of John’s lifelong dreams was to live in Montana.  If only for four months, he was able to live that dream. On May 28^th, John returned to God in Great Falls, Montana. He left behind his wife of 56 years, Mary Jo, his seven children: Margaret Schiltz of Santa Maria, California; Martin Schiltz and wife Judy of Bonsall, California; Andrew Schiltz and wife Jennifer and sons Colin and Ian of Potomac, Maryland; Patricia Schiltz and son Nicholas and boyfriend Ed Greiberis of Helena, Montana; Katie Byrd and husband Tim and daughters Michaela, Lauren, Jillian, and Alexandra of Murrieta, California; Joe Schiltz and wife Diana and children Tylynn, Austen, Marquette, Leah, and Samuel of Helena, Montana; and Genevieve Lighthiser and husband Michael and son Jacob of Tacoma, Washington.  He is also survived by his sister Mary Fling of Mendocino, California. He is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Genevieve Schiltz and sister Nancy Schiltz.

John was born in Los Angeles, California on October 24, 1934, the third child of Albert and Genevieve. After graduating Notre Dame High School in Van Nuys, CA, he attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.  He stayed a devoted fan of Notre Dame Football his entire life and made many trips back to South Bend, Indiana for reunions.

Upon returning to Los Angeles after college, he met his wife on a date arranged by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart at her alma mater, Marymount College.  John’s love for his wife was one of the defining aspects of his life.  He was a devoted husband and father. 

John spent his career working with his father and later his son, Martin, in a family-owned business his father founded in Los Angeles.  The business sold and serviced industrial air compressors in California.  His children and nephews spent much time helping with the business.

John loved a long road trips, trains, golden retrievers, and cruises to Alaska. He was a lifelong train enthusiast.  He first traveled to Montana with his parents as a child and loved watching the steam engines come into the station in Whitefish, Montana, along the way.   This is how he came to love Montana.   Some of his children’s greatest memories are being on the open highway with him visiting National Parks, camping and backpacking. After his sixth child attended and graduated from Carroll College, John and Mary Jo developed a special attachment to Helena.

A viewing will be held at 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a Vigil to follow the viewing at 6:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the Cathedral of St. Helena with burial to follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will be held in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home after the burial.

Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of John.

Service Schedule

Viewing

5:00 p.m.

Monday June 2, 2014

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Vigil

6:00 p.m.

Monday June 2, 2014

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

Tuesday June 3, 2014

Cathedral of St. Helena

530 N. Ewing St.

Helena, Montana 59601

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Rite of Committal

After the Mass

Tuesday June 3, 2014

Resurrection Cemetery

3700 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

After the Committal

Tuesday June 3, 2014

Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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