John Robert Zeeck was born on December 10, 1950 in Billings, Montana to Annaleen Hemmer Zeeck of Shelby, MT and Robert McCann Zeeck of Washington Court House, Ohio. John was the second son, having an older brother Phillip, two younger brothers David and Paul, and two sisters Mary and Patricia. John attended the Billings Catholic school system and was proud his whole life to have been a part of the 1969 State Champion Billings Central Fighting Rams football team and graduated from that school.
John met his best friend and life companion Kathleen Marie Stevens Zeeck at Eastern Montana College in 1969. They were married in 1974 in Great Falls. John and Kathy had four daughters Lena, Jessica, Genevieve, and Christine.
John worked 32 years for the State of Montana in the Department of Developmental Disabilities Services where he worked with the most compassionate and caring people, forming lifelong friendships. John retired in 2010 due to medical issues and always said the best thing about retirement was that every day is Saturday. He this also gave him more time to enjoy with his two granddaughters Aurelia and Bridgit.
From the time John was young he loved the written language. He loved to use it to craft stories and tales of times spend on Unc’s Farm on the Highline or the “Big Fish” that is still trolling the depths of Little Bitterroot Lake of Northwestern Montana. John read widely and shared that love with his wife and children. Many of his children or grandchildren’s favorite memories involve either his reading books to them of marveling them with his stories. He made his life’s goal to be a generous person, tell a good story and have a fine beer wherever he went.
John was a religious fly fisherman marrying his casts with prayers of peace on earth and releasing fish to the streams with the kindness of the Father’s hand that touches you gently in times of struggle and leads you back on your way. His family is sure that he is somewhere dancing in the waves of a stream.
On December 30th John, surrounded by his family, passed away from cancer.
John is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughters Lena Zeeck, Jessica Kearns, Genevieve Zeeck and Christine (James) Rowe. He also leaves behind granddaughters Aurelia Zeeck and Bridgit Kearns. He is survived by his older brother Phillip (Mary) Zeeck, his younger brothers David Zeeck, Paul (Susan) Zeeck and his younger sisters Mary (William) Kennedy and Patricia (David) Mondonado. He is survived by his mother-in-law Dorothy Buchowski Stevens, brother-in-law Neil Marxer and sisters-in-law Colleen Ryan, Lisa (Dean) Blomquist, and Kimberly (Thomas) Drynan. He is also remembered lovingly by many nieces and nephews.
John is preceeded in death by his father Robert, mother Annaleen, father-in-law Fredrick Stevens, sister-in-law Barbara Marxer and his beloved dog Jake with whom he will be buried.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2020 at Our Lady of the Valley catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd., with a reception to follow the Mass at the church. There will be private family distribution of the ashes that will occur at a later time. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 10, 2020
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday January 10, 2020
Our Lady of the Valley catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Peggy j Fine says
I used to work with john at the state
Favorite memory – walking rwice a day with him and others during our breaks. Prayers to his family
Dan Roemmich says
A great person – I learned a lot from him
Colleen Llewellyn says
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. I will always picture those kind and gentle hands letting one of his beloved fish return. What a beautiful comparison to the our Father’s hands. Holding you all close in my heart. Much love
Jan Buyske says
I met John and Cathy at Eastern while we were all attending college there. I always thought of John as an angel that was placed on earth. John and Cathy were at my wedding and my favorite picture is one of them in the pew holding hands and Cathy with her red hat on. While living in Shelby we saw them periodically when they would come to visit family that lived across the street from us.
Fast forward to Helena and working at Helena High. There I have gotten to watch his granddaughter Aurelia grow and mature. It was just this fall that I realized she was John and Cathy’s granddaughter and looked forward to a time that they would drop in.
Our prayers are with the family but it is comforting to know that angel has returned home!
Debbie says
Such a touching tribute. I remember John when I worked at MDC in the 80s. He treated everyone fairly and was a nice man to talk to. A down to earth guy. My condolences to the family
Charlie Briggs says
Kathy, I send you and your girls my sincere sympathy on the loss of John. I truly enjoyed working with him over the years in Developmental Services. I’m sorry for your loss. You all will be in my prayers and thoughts for the days ahead.
Paula Tripp says
Kathy and family,
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed John very much. He had a wonderful dry wit, and we shared many laughs over the years. Kathy – you and John were the perfect couple. You complimented each other, you completed each other, and you adored one another. I have no words to ease your loss. Much love, Paula Tripp
Glen J Cuchine says
Kathleen and family, my deepest condolences on John’s passing. John was an inspiration to all of us as we sought to meet the many needs of our special clients. What a wonderfully infectious smile and who can forget his marvelous and often humorous use of the English language. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Peace.
Mike Kelly says
John was such a nice, nice person. When I was hired in Staff Development at BRSH, his kindness and “It’s ok ness” was very appreciated. Boulder theater which we were involved in is a memory I’ll never forget; so much fun! My sympathies to you, Cathy, and family.
Keith and Patty Reeder says
Kathy and family: if I were to look in the dictionary for the meaning of gentleman, John’s picture would be there. Patty and I send our prayers to you and your family. My God be with you during this time.
Colette LeMieux says
I remember his laughter. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jan Olson says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Janet Strickland Olson
Stephen Zeeck says
Kathy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle John was a great man and will be sorely missed. Fishing in Yellowstone and Canyon Ferry with him are some of my fondest childhood memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love ,
Steve
Len Nopen says
Kathy: I’m sooo sorry to read about John’s death. I didn’t know he had cancer and am glad he doesn’t have to suffer anymore. John was really a kind and sincere man. May God bless you & your family!
Charles Ernest Zeeck says
We are so sorry we never met John. We did speak with his father many years ago when doing research on our ZEECK lineage. I have Annaleen’s Hemmer family book.
We just now happened upon this obituary four years after John’s passing and send our best wishes to his family. Tell your ZEECK families we live in Lubbock, TX. Stop in if anywhere near us. Our ancestor was John ZEECK in Missouri married to Permelia “Milly” Throop.
Charles and Vi ZEECK❤️