John H. Ressler

John H. Ressler went to be with our heavenly father, surrounded by his family at home, on December 1, 2021. John was born September 20, 1930, in Oregon, PA.He enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17 and worked at many military bases where he received several medals and recognitions. When John was transferred to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, he met his life partner, Lois Speck.They were married in 1951 and had four children. At the time of Lois’s passing in 2019, they had been married for 67 years. John served in the Korean War and would often tell stories of the hardships faced while actively fighting during war time. While in the Air Force, John was trained as a heavy equipment mechanic/operator and chose this as a lifelong career. He was also a master at carpentry and built several homes during his lifetime. John had a very strong work ethic and taught his children the importance of keeping your word. He was notoriously known for being at least a half hour early for any event or appointment and expected others to do the same.John had a passion for the outdoors and lived for hunting season.He said that he always felt closest to the Lord when he was high upon a mountain top or fishing next to a beautiful stream.He loved to camp and spend time at the cabin that he built outside of Neihart, and he also enjoyed winters in Arizona with his wife, son, and other relatives.John is survived by his four children, John Ressler, Jr., Shelly Van Swearingen, Laurie Theisen (Timothy), Lynn (Richard) Town, and special granddaughter Wendy Rolfs-Nguyen.He is also survived by a sister, Mary Ann (David) Good; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.Those who have preceded him in death include his wife; son-in-law, Paul Van Swearingen; his parents; a brother; sister; and many other relatives. The family would like to thank Dr. Warr (and Patsy) at the Great Falls Clinic, as well as Medallion Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to our father throughout this difficult time. A private graveside service will be held in the spring.Memorials may be sent to Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center. “Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.” Anatoli Boukreev