Obituary - John D. Zumbrun Jr.

John D. Zumbrun Jr. of Havre, 66, passed away peacefully Aug. 11th at his home.

In the days preceding his death, John was surrounded by his family and friends, providing a loving and peaceful atmosphere. In May of this year, John had his left leg amputated and surprised everybody with his attitude and optimism. Following the amputation, he had a few other medical problems and was hospitalized twice for pneumonia. It was during his second stay that John was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and though he wasn't given much time at all, his spirit and sense of humor never diminished.

Born August 27, 1951, in Gardiner Maine, John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 18 and was honorably discharged in 1972. He was very proud of being a Marine, and even had U.S.M.C. tattooed on his right forearm. After leaving the Marine Corps, John met and married the love of his life, Virginia Friede, in Havre on August 31, 1973. They had three children and soon left Havre, relocating to Great Falls. There John enjoyed his time working at the animal shelter. His love of animals and gentle nature made this a good fit for him. He then went to work at M&H Gas for many years. In 2003, John returned to Havre. He worked at Zip Trip and First National Pawn until his rheumatoid arthritis got so bad it prevented him from working. John absolutely loved working in the public, seeing people and joking with everyone who came through. He had an amazing sense of humor, and anyone who ever met him would say the same thing.

John enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and especially camping in the Bear Paws. There have been a few stories told of how John would be sitting in front of camp fire and get hypnotized and have to be pulled out. He was very close to his family including his mother and father, Chris and Thelma Heaps, although they would always refer to him as Johnny or Jughead. As his parents aged, John would call and speak with them every night. We believe seeing them again brought him much acceptance during his final days. Although there were miles between them, John loved his sisters, Alta and Debbie very dearly, and enjoyed talking to them on the phone.

John is survived by his soulmate Virginia Zumbrun of Havre; children, Shane (Rochelle) Zumbrun, Great Falls, who always shared his father's love for motorcycles and will continue riding now with an angel by his side, Lisa Zumbrun, Havre, who will continue on with her father's love for the New Orleans Saints, and NASCAR, and Margo Zumbrun, Havre, who will continue on with his quick wit and joy in making people laugh; his beloved grandchildren, Brianna, Bailey, and Brogan Zumbrun of Great Falls, and Madison Zumbrun of Havre; his sisters, Alta and Debbie; and other numerous family; as well as his close friends and his beloved pets Princess, Coco and his big buddy Dryfus.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Thelma Heaps.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will take place on Sept. 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. at 731 Fourth St., Havre. Letters of condolence can be mailed to PO Box 1607 Havre, MT 59501.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit John's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com/.