Myron George St. John, aka “Mynie or Papa” passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24 at the age of 86. He was born on June 27, 1931 to Alma and DeWitt St. John. Myron grew up in Opheim, Montana one of six children. In his younger years, he spent his time playing basketball, football, baseball and excelled at playing the piano (although he rarely played in front of people). Later he attended college in Havre and received an associate’s degree in business. In 1953, Myron joined the army and was stationed in Salzburg, Austria, but his time in the army was cut short with the death of his beloved father. He loved to tell his children stories about his time in the armed forces.
While home Myron met and married Mary Virginia Johnson on April 12, 1958. Their family started a year later with the birth of a daughter. In total, they had seven children: five girls and two boys. Throughout dad’s life, he was a farmer, postmaster, committed community member and devoted father, husband and grandfather. He spent many hours watching his children and grandchildren participate in various extra-curricular activities.
Dad had a great sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. More than once, he told a “Mynie joke” or kept people laughing at something he did. If you lived in Opheim long enough, he no doubt had a whopper of a tale to share about his time with you.
He was an avid card player and kept his opponents on their toes while playing cribbage. Mynie also had a great bucket list. From traveling to Europe with his daughters, venturing into a hot air balloon at the age of 65, and daring to parachute out of a plane at 75.
Myron is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond and Leland; sisters, Lola, Irene and Lorraine and their spouses. In-laws, Helen and John Earley. The love of his life, Mary (2002) and his grandson Kyle.
He is survived by his children; Cynthia (Jesse) Garcia and their children Jason, Lacey and Jesse Jr.; Catherine (Bob) Spencer and their children Callie, Cami, Timothy and Megan; Kevin (Shari) St. John and their children Ethan and Emily; Shannon (David) Ackeret and their children Dustin, Jessica, Jacob, and Tracy;
Steven St. John and his children Emma, Megan, Brant and Natalie; Janeen (Scott) Reding and their children Jace and Ava; Holly (James) Holbrook and their children Halley, Robin, Mary Frances, and Oliver.
Also survived by his great-grandchildren: Derrick, Kyle, Katelynn, Mackenzie, Lola, Jesse Michael Jr. and Beckham.
We will Miss you Papa.
The Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 8th at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd. A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Graveside Services with military honors will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Myron.
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:00 a.m.
Friday December 8, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Cathoic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11: 00 a.m.
Friday December 8, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
To Follow the Mass
Friday December 8, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shilrley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Friday December 8, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:00 a.m.
Friday December 8, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Cathoic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11: 00 a.m.
Friday December 8, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
To Follow the Mass
Friday December 8, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shilrley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Friday December 8, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Julie Massaro says
Holly, James and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep his memory alive in your hearts.
Our love to you,
Rick and Julie
Kim and Blake Anderson says
To all the St. John family,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. May your love and memories of him bring you “only happy tears.” God Bless and much, much love to you all.
Blake and Kim and family.
Janet Bailey says
Sympathy to all of Mynie and Mary’s family. They are together once again! We will keep all of you in our prayers. Jim, Janet and Donnie
Mark Ator says
Condolences from the Mark Ator family in Colstrip.
Lois St John Thompson & Kathy Tarrell says
We are deeply saddened to here of Mynie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time! Love, your South Dakota St John cousins – Merwin St Johns Family
scott paulson says
So Sorry to hear that Uncle Myron has passed away. He was so proud of all of you! He will be missed.- Sympathy and Love to you all, Scott and Linda Paulson.
Lori Robinson says
To all of the St. John family,
I have such fond memories of being at your family home in Opheim growing up. We had a lot of fun together. My mom and dad sure loved telling St. John stories!!! Cindy, it was wonderful reconnecting with you here in Helena. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.