Our Hearts have been broken with the recent passing of John David Crnich.
John was born in Butte, Montana, on September 11, 1956, to William A. Crnich Sr. and Lena M. Crnich and passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 10, 2025.
John grew up in Butte and attended schools in Butte graduating from Butte High School in 1974.
His career consisted of working for a car dealership, working at 2 gas stations, and a security guard at Safeway Warehouse. He then went on to work at Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs, becoming the laundry supervisor. He finished his working career as the laundry supervisor at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana and was able to retire at a younger age than most and was able to do the things he loved.
He loved remodeling the home he shared with his wife and son. He could always be found working on cars or anything with a motor. He raced stock cars in his younger years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding motor bikes and his 4-wheeler as well as snowmobiling and jet skiing and just being outdoors with family and friends.
John was a quiet, kind and caring man who loved his family deeply and could be counted on by all who knew him to help wherever with whatever was needed.
He met and married the love of his life, Barbara on September 11, 1976, and they were blessed with 49 wonderful years together.
He and Barbara were blessed with their son David on October 30, 1977. David was his constant sidekick from a very young age, constantly with his dad soaking up everything John showed or taught him. John loved his son so very much more than words could ever expressed and was so very proud of the man he has become, and he passed down his love of the outdoors to him. He was blessed with his daughter-in-law Stefany whom he loved as his very own daughter, and they kept each other on their toes. He was blessed with his precious grandchildren Cameron and Breonna whom he loved with all his heart, they brought so much joy and happiness to his life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; son, David and his spouse, Stefany; beloved grandchildren, Cameron and Breonna and new foster grandchildren; sister, Lori (Pete) Whiteman; father-in-law, Jack Dotson; sisters and brothers in law, Nancy (Tim) Rowe, Cindy (Mark) McNabb, and Jackie (Scott) Campbell; and multiple nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Crnich Sr.; mother, Lena Crnich; grandparents; brothers, Carl Crnich, and William Crnich Jr.; sister, Judy (Leo) Farrell; and mother-in-law, Minnie Dotson.
In accordance with John’s wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at 2pm, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Gold Hill Lutheran Church, 934 Placer St. Visitation will begin at 1pm. Memorials in honor of John are suggested to Camp Mak-A-Dream, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, Montana 59806 (or visit campdream.org), or to a foundation of your personal choice. A reception will follow at the church. A private family interment of his ashes will be conducted at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in Gregson, Montana.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the family and friends who helped and were there for John these past few years and to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, and medical staff who cared for John.
Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of John.
Becky Mattila says
Barb and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing 💔my thoughts and prayers are with you all 🙏🙏
JoAnn Dotson says
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I’m thinking of you all.
Pam (Burns) Mohr says
Barb. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Sending love and strength to you all.
Janice Clark Muniz says
My thoughts,love and prayers to Barb and all of the Crnich Family. May his memories hold dear in your hearts. Rest in peace John and continue to watch over Barb and your family. ((((Hugs))) Janice Clark Muniz
Lenore Ouellette Rowling says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the memories help keep him in your hearts and minds.
Geri Gendreau says
Barb,
I’m so so sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Judi O'Boyle says
Barb,
Ed and I are so sorry for your loss. May all your years together, make all the memories together help you to go on. Love and hugs and prayers.
Sam Walters says
Dave and Barb,
So sorry.
Mary Driscoll says
Barb and family, so very sorry for your loss. John was a great guy.
WILLIAM D RIGBY says
Barb and Family John was a great person!! John was my true friend !!
I think of him more as a brother!! He will be greatly missed by many !!
Love and prayers to you and David!! And all the family !!
❤️
Jeff Miller says
Sincere sympathy to Barbara, David and all of John’s family and friends. Rest in Peace John.
Jeff and Michelle Miller
Heather Johnson says
Barb I am deeply sorry to hear about John. If there is anything I can do for you and your family please let me know. You will always have great memories. Take care
Lee Ann Evatt says
Barb, I am sorry to hear about John. May all the memories of him keep him in your heart.