John Ernest Fallgreen Jr.

MISSOULA ~John Fallgreen, 79, went to be with Our Lord on July 28, 2021. John was born in Auburn, Washington on April 21, 1942 to John and Norma Fallgreen, the youngest of their three sons. His father was a log truck driver, so John and his brothers grew up and attended school in many small logging communities through Washington.

At the age of 17 John enlisted in the U S Navy. He was proud to serve his country and was stationed aboard the USS Nereus where he ran a chemistry lab. He often talked about serving aboard the Nereus during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, John embarked on a sales career in the insurance and trucking industries that spanned 40 years. In 1967, Employers Insurance of Wausau transferred him from Medford, Oregon to Missoula to open their new office and that is when John fell in love with Montana. For the rest of his life Montana was the only place he wanted to be.

John loved the outdoors and in his younger days he spent much of his time fishing, hunting and backpacking with family and friends. He enjoyed camping trips with his family and teaching his sons how to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed trapshooting and won numerous awards for his marksmanship.

On December 26, 1980, John married the love of his life, Joan Bizjak. For 41 years they loved, supported and comforted each other through the bad times and laughed, loved and danced their way through the good times. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Jarred and Jordan. Above all, John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His love for his family was unconditional and never-ending. It is that love that will sustain us for all the days to come.

John had a very outgoing personality and a wonderful sense of humor. Those who knew John will never forget him and his stories will live on for years. He had a great love of animals, especially dogs, and his best buddy, Waylon, will miss him dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Norma, and his brother, Paul. He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons Jarred (Stephanie) Fallgreen of Stevensville, Jordan (Jenny) of Lolo and John of Missoula; daughter Jennifer (Scott) Hall; grandchildren Kaden and Kenleigh Fallgreen, step-grandchildren Lane and Michelle Kelty, brother Don (Nancy) Fallgreen of Medford, Oregon; sister and brother in law, Sharon (Tim) Phillips of Boise Idaho.

A private service will be conducted to honor John and to celebrate his life. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula.