John Andrew Wigen Jr.

With family by his side, John Wigen, age 78, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, June 29, 2014, from an extended illness.
John was born in Helena to Georgene and John Wigen on March 3, 1936, and spent his childhood at the family homestead in Polson. He then attended schools in Drummond, graduating from Drummond High in 1953.
In December of 1953 John enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and was stationed in California. He was promoted to Private First Class in August 1955, and received the National Defense Service Medal. He was Honorably Discharged in December 1956, and continued to serve in the reserves until December 1961.
In 1955 he married Yvonne Schmidt and they had Mike. They later divorced. On October 13, 1963, he married that cute little Philipsburg girl he always had a crush on in high school, Dorothy Brunette. Together they raised three children, Teri, Tammy, and Jeff. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
After the service, John worked as a food distributor for Mayan Bar Supply in San Bernardino and then returned to Montana working for Bordeaux Foods in Missoula. He then began a career in the automobile industry working for Grizzly Lincoln Mercury where he excelled in sales, then in sales and sales management for 93 Chrysler and 93 Leasing, before purchasing Avis Rental Cars in Billings and Great Falls which he later sold. He retired from his car career after working in Missoula at Jolly Jack's and D'Orazi Car Sales for his long-time friends, Jack Palmer and John D'Orazi. John would go above and beyond to make a sale, including bringing his prospective buyers home for late night dinners that Dorothy would happily prepare. He and Dorothy both have always been hospitable to all; family, friends, and even strangers.
John enjoyed reading, fishing, traveling, sailing, and participating in wild adventures putting big business deals together, one of which took him to Nicaragua. John also belonged to the Elks Lodge. Most of all, John enjoyed his role as "Grandpa" and he had a very special, unique relationship with every one of his grandchildren. Each grandchild held a special place in his heart. Grandpa was their best buddy, always there to offer support with his quick-wit and humor which could make everyone laugh, even during tough times.
John had a caring, kind soul, and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Friendship was dear to his heart, and he treasured his friendships. He always showed unconditional love for all his loved ones.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson Jacob Johns; his sisters Patricia McLaughlin, Sharon Brisco; brother Chuck Wigen; sisters-in-law Shirley Rangitsch, Violet Saimo; brothers-in-law Gene Brunette, Bill Davis.
John is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his daughters, Teri (John) Carey, Tammy McKee; his sons, Jeff (Deanne) Wigen, Mike (Lori) Johns; his step-mother, Myrtle Wigen; ; his sisters, Kay (Ron) Hillhouse, Nancy (Keith) Steever, Donna Svalstad, Jennifer Wigen, Christy Wigen; his brothers, Bill Wigen, Andrew (Lacey) Wigen, Michael (Elizabeth) Wigen, James Wigen, Kenneth Wigen; his sisters-in-law Cleo Keenan, Duskie Dwelle, Dixie Witt; his grandchildren Matt (Brenda) Jodsaas, Shannon (Brian) Davenport, Ashley McKee, Jackson McKee, Holly Wigen, Mathew (Vanessa) Dusablon, Patti (Danny) Faaborg, Jason Johns, Kyla Johns; great-grandchildren, Christina, Chloe, Sophia, Bianca, Caroline, Finley, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 12, 2014, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment of ashes will take place at the Polson Cemetery on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children or the donor's choice.

Read John Wigen, Jr.'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.