John Caldwell

John Caldwell, 89, of Great Falls passed away on the morning of Saturday, May 2, 2015 at his home with his family by his side.A funeral service for John will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with a one hour viewing prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. After services the family asks for you to please join them for a reception at the Eagles Manor, 1501 9th Street South. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.John was born in Bijou Hills, South Dakota to John Newton Caldwell and Emma Potter Caldwell on September 4, 1925. After high school in Platte, South Dakota, John joined his father in working on the family farm. In 1952, he was drafted and spent 4 years in the Army before being honorably discharged in 1956. After his discharge from the Army, he began a career in the construction business as an ironworker. After spending several years out East, John moved to Montana in the early 1960s to work on the missile silos that were being built at that time.John and Emily Rita Jones were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on August 21, 1970 and they continue to be parishioners there. John and Rita were married for 44 years and together raised 8 children.He enjoyed the outdoors, and the family went on many camping and hunting trips. He also built his family a cabin in the Dearborn area after his retirement, which was enjoyed by all who visited.John is survived by his wife, Rita Caldwell; sons John Shelton Caldwell, Dale Caldwell, and Mike Caldwell; daughter Shelly Caldwell; step-daughters Barb Dempsey and Elaine (Eric) Heffelfinger; step-sons Phil (Terri) Jones and Bill (Kari) Jones; sisters Eunice and Karleen; grandchildren Leah, Bobby, Sarah, Jared, Katie, Paul, Adam, Matt, Chantal, Jessica, Jesse, Amanda and Teri; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.John was preceded in death by his parents, 7 of his 9 siblings, and son-in-law Jack Dempsey.The Caldwell extended family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Benefis Hosptial who helped care for John and to thank Benefis Peace Hospice for this home healthcare. Please accept our heartfelt appreciation for the many prayers said for our dad and our mom to help us in the days to come.