John "Jack" Seidlitz

John Edward Seidlitz entered into his everlasting life early Saturday morning August 3rd, 2019 at the Chester Medical Center.  He was 88 years old being born December 21, 1930 in Havre MT, the 3rd of 9 children to E.W. (Elle) and Helen (White) Seidlitz.

His entire life was spent in the Chester area serving as Manager of the local USDA ASCS office for 30 years; farming, the love of his life to the present, with the exception of his military service.  A graduate of Chester High School in 1948, he played coronet in Coyote Band.  He attended NMC in Havre for 3 years, playing on the “Dims” basketball team before joining the US Air Force in 1951 serving as an Air Policeman stationed at the Strategic Air Command Offitt Airforce Base.

His duties included guarding incoming US Generals and famous airplanes.  While stationed there he attended Creighton University Night Classes.  He had passed his Cadets test to study to be a pilot returning home because his brother Richard “Dick” had become seriously ailing with heart problems to help in the family farming operation.  He remained a fan of airplanes and would point out the names of earlier air force planes and took a couple of pilots lessons, but farm work took his time.

In 1955 he married Patricia Jodlowski at St. Marys Church, Chester celebrating 64 years of marriage April 16.  Seven children were born to “Jack and Pat” John, Mark, Roger, Kelly, Anne, Paul and Gary.

He was a 60-year member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Farmers Union.  He was one of the first lectors at St. Marys and sang in the St. Marys choir until his present illness.

He was especially proud of his participation with the 3-year ERTZ Satellite program, one of three in the counties in the country doing satellite pictures of farm ground involving Bill Kleinert, the Shelby ASCS, and the Havre office.

He loved music – sang for funerals of friends through the years; singing in several men’s quartets, enjoyed reading and was a learned student of Chief Joseph, the Lewis and Clark expedition and other western literature.  He especially enjoyed trips with Bud and Jeri Broadhurst and Terry and Madeline LaValley trips including pack horses into the Bob Marshall and the Chinese Wall.  Several cruises with family and friends – especially planned by John and Pam.  A Mexico trip planned by Kelly and Annette.

He loved family, hated computers, noting they added a person when they added the labor-saving computers to his office.  He loved farming, hated rocks, loved the Grizzlies, tolerated the Cats.  He loved the Yankees and was an encyclopedia of sports statistics, even to the end.  Cheering on the Celtics and noting the help or weakness of current and past players.

He was dedicated to his family loving and inviting his brother Dick’s children into his home especially during the summers.  The four boys with his four all the same ages working on the farm, swimming and playing little league!  Many Stories here!!!

The “other six” children were the Robert and Helen Dolezal who stayed at his home during school.  They remain special children to this date.  He was so proud of all these children and made his life so worth-while.

He is survived by his wife Pat; five sons, John (Pam) of Great Falls; Mark (Elena) Amarillo, TX; Roger, Chester; Kelly (Annette) Malibu, CA; Paul, Great Falls; one daughter Anne (John), Chester.  Eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Jenna); Jeff (Jennifer); Russell (Nicole); Gabriel; Zack (Charlie); Taylor; Jenny; Derek.  Ten great grandchildren; Mary; Emily; Jacob; Carter; Sam; Jackson; Alexander; Lucille; Khaidyn; Brynlee.  One brother, Ray (Sharon); four sisters; Betty Wolfe; Virginia Dyrud; Adella Wagner; and Patricia Bruce (Norman) and 34 nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Gary Matthew in 1967.  Great Granddaughter Ava Colantuono.  Two brothers, Richard “Dick” (Darlene), Joseph “Joe”, (Carolyn) and sister, Michelle.

Before he died, he was thankful many times for the local medical facility here in Chester and complete trust and love for Patrick Armstrong and Steffani Wanken.  Both went out of their way to visit, counsel, and care for him.  The wonder care he received the last 2 days at the facility will always be deeply appreciated.

Jack said he wished he had said he loved you more, wished he said I’m sorry more, and regretted he could not take Pat to lobster one more time.

Vigil services will be held Tuesday, August 6, at 7:00 PM.  Funeral mass will be held Wednesday, August 7, at 11:00 AM. Both services will held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial to follow mass in Chester Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials to St. Marys Church or Liberty Medical Center.