John (Jack) Philip Mockel, age 87, of Townsend, MT, died on March 15, 2017 at Renaissance Care Center in Helena, MT following a long battle with failing health.
Jack was born in Helena on November 22, 1929 to parents, Esther Williams Mockel and Albert Mockel of Toston, MT. As a young child, Jack spent treasured time with his cousins near Radersburg and recalled many family gatherings at the home of his Grandpa Williams. He attended grade schools in Crow Creek Valley, Toston, and Townsend and graduated from Broadwater County High School in 1947. After high school, Jack attended Montana State University in Bozeman.
On April 12, 1949, Jack married Mary Ann Weiferich in Townsend, MT and together they had four children. They later divorced in 1978.
Jack joined the Air Force December 5, 1951, serving his country in locations in Texas, Illinois and Arizona. Upon his military discharge November 30, 1953, he moved his family back to Montana where he built a home in East Helena, combing sections acquired from a government project on the Columbia River. The construction gave him a sense of pride and proved to be a comfortable home for him and his family. He enjoyed time spent with his family at their cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake and loved the water’s recreation opportunities.
Jack’s early employment included the State Highway Department, State Department of Agriculture and he worked on the construction of the Toston overpass, South of Helena. He labored hard to provide for his family throughout the years as he worked in farming/ranching on the Longhorn Ranch near Townsend. He and his son, Greg, built two mobile courts in East Helena, and Jack owned several rental properties. He was owner of City Vac and Sew and Concrete Septic Tank Co. He also joined Bernie Warren and Lawrence (Larry) Broadwater as partner/vice president of Warren Sales and Service. In addition, Jack later ventured in a real estate and land development company.
Jack was a member of The Masons, The Kiwanis Club of East Helena, The Helena Toastmasters Club, The American Legion and, of course, his East Helena “Poker Club.” Besides his community involvement, Jack had his hobbies of Montana stream fishing, hunting, traveling, reading, dancing and collecting “stuff.” His many beloved tales included stories of hunting camps, fishing with his buddies in isolated and soggy conditions near Terrace, British Columbia, listening to the music of Jim Reeves, “cutting a rug” to the sounds of the Big Band Era and Lawrence Welk Show and discovering that new broken find to occupy space in his already cluttered garage.
Jack married Betty Smith Clark January 16, 1993. They lived on Saddle Mountain, near Helena, and spent winters at their home in San Jacinto, CA. After the sale of their home in California, they traveled every late fall by RV, south to Parker, AZ. While “snow-birding,” they made many friends and went on many wonderful excursions. Much to Betty’s fright, he enjoyed the terrifying rides at Disney World and Disneyland; while exiting a roller coaster, Jack would taunt, ‘just one more ride, Betty?” The couple also traveled to some far-away places that yielded many good memories. Jack particularly enjoyed their cruise through the Panama Canal, prior to 1999, when the Panama government gained sole control of the canal. Another of his favorite trips was their twenty-one day bus adventure to Alaska.
In 2003, Jack and Betty moved from Saddle Mountain and returned to Broadwater co., where they resided just south of Townsend. Their home presented a full view of beautiful Mount Baldy and Jack loved being back in the area of his youth. In 1995 Jack sold Concrete Septic Tank Co. to his son and solidified his retirement. He remained content in their home, filling his time with reading, puttering around the house and yard, tinkering with old/broken things, watching movies and playing computer games.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, many aunts and uncles, cousins, two brothers-in-law – Larry Hillyer and Larry Broadwater, and step-son Philip Clark.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Betty Clark Mockel of Townsend, children – Gregory Thomas (Cathy) Mockel of Helena, Lynn Marie Mockel of Helena, Laura Lee Mockel of Spokane, WA, and Sherri Ann (Randy) OHs-Mosley of Helena, sisters – Marian Hillyer of CA, Monte Jean Broadwater of Helena, half-brother Randy Mockel of Helena, step-daughters Debra Johnson and Pam Clark, both of Helena, and Rebecca Brockway of Spokane, WA. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces, nephews, 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
The family wishes to express gratitude to The Renaissance Care Center’s administration and staff and to Compassus Hospice for their end-of-life care for Jack. Special appreciation goes to Jack’s cousin, Sharley Williams Ragen for sharing her wonderful family memories with Jack on her many visits with him and also to Jack’s son, Greg, for his support and devotion to his father.
A viewing will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway St.,Townsend. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, Townsend. A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Townsend United Methodist Church, 200 N. Cedar St., Townsend. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Deep Creek Cemetery in Townsend. A reception will follow the burial back at the Townsend United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name are suggested to Broadwater County Rural Volunteer Fire Department, 130 S. Cedar St. Townsend, MT 59644 or to the Deep Creek Cemetery, P.O. Box 12, Townsend, MT 59644. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jack.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 22, 2017
Townsend United Methodist Church
200 N. Cedar Street
Townsend, Montana 596044
Burial with Military Honors
Following the funeral service
Wednesday March 22, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Townsend United Methodist Church
200 N. Cedar Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 21, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 22, 2017
Townsend United Methodist Church
200 N. Cedar Street
Townsend, Montana 596044
Burial with Military Honors
Following the funeral service
Wednesday March 22, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Townsend United Methodist Church
200 N. Cedar Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
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ken and hazel chorniak says
sorry to hear about your father greg; sounds like he had quite the life!!!! our condolesnces and our thoughts are with you, kacky and your family.
Curtis Stanghill says
Greg and Family, so sorry to hear that John passed away. John was a great friend and employer when I worked at Concrete Septic. He will be missed by many. Many thoughts and prayers.
Shirley (Nordstrom) McKnight says
Laurie, Lynn. Greg and Sherri, sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Many memories as neighbors in East Helena. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Vukasin says
Dear Betty & Family,
We are so saddened to hear about the loss of Jack. We have so appreciated all that you have done for us! What a special family with such love, kindness and integrity!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time!
Randy & Cheryl Vukasin
Marge Erickson says
Betty and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been gone from Townsend for 14 years but will always remember my friends and neighbors. I lived across the alley from Walter and Verna from 1971 on and only met you a few times. I pray your health is good and will have all the help that you need. God Bless you all.
Marge Erickson
Connie Vergine says
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all the Mockel family. It seems that Jack had a full life, and one that will be celebrated by many! Special thoughts to you, Greg and Cathy as you say goodbye to your Dad. Not an easy day for anyone! God Bless you and give you peace!
Connie and Nick