John W Gee Lewistown, Montana Obituary

John W Gee

John William Gee, D.V.M., 85, of Stanford, MT died at his home on Friday, March 20, 2020. John was born February 23, 1935 in Toledo, OH to Robert and Marie T. (Stein) Gee. His life can be described as colorful and western. As a young boy he would run a paper route on his horse named Blackie. He desired to be out west so much that on a family trip along with his sister Anne, they stopped over in Glendive, MT. John decided to runaway to stay out west; plans made, bags packed. It may be the only time in his life he overslept and he woke up to find he had missed his opportunity.   After high school, John headed to Colorado A&amp;M (now Colorado State); he joined their rodeo team. During John’s three years there they won 1 National Team Title. John was the College National Champion Steer Wrestler 2 years; sandwiched around one runner up finish. He also served one year as the NIRA president. John then returned to Ohio where he attended Ohio State University to earn his (D.V.M.) Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.  John, known by many as “Doc” finally made his way west and went to work in Great Falls, MT for Dr. Doran. In 1963, John bought his practice in Stanford, MT. He also took an interest in starting and operating Green Giant feed lot.  On May 14, 1964, John married Jo Ann Cremer, partnering in life together for 50 years. Jo Ann passed away June 14, 2014. John and Jo Ann started their family and remained in Stanford. He liked to compete within the Montana rodeo circuit and Canada as he could while committing to his family and business. In 1979, he was the first Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Steer Wrestling Champion. He also rode bulls and bareback broncs. He was inducted into the Colorado State Rodeo Hall of Fame in February of 2020; the Judith Basin Stock Growers recognized him in 2013 for 50 years of veterinary service to the community.  John is a man of faith and an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He was instrumental in building the Fairgrounds and a founding member of the Stampede Club. He has enjoyed being active with his children and grandchildren, helping anyone and everyone at the ringing of the phone, and encouraged all to “Buy Local!”  He is survived by his son, John (Lisa) of Stanford; daughters, Maria (Randy) Taylor of Saco and Theresa (Mike) O’Neill of Great Falls; grandchildren, Caleb (Jessica) Gee, Meghan (Tyler) Dellen, Luke Gee; Kelli, Reid, Grant and Grace O’Neill and Ivan Taylor; great-granddaughter Havanna Dellen; sibling, Anne Gee-Byrd of North Hollywood, CA; and niece Jennifer Byrd. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann; son, Leo; his parents, Bob and Marie.  Services are temporarily on hold at this time and will be announced when a date and time are determined. Memorials in John’s honor may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.   Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. John’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at <a href="http://www.creelfuneralhome.com/">www.creelfuneralhome.com</a>
February 23, 1935 - March 20, 202002/23/193503/20/2020
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4 trees planted in memory of John W Gee.
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Creel Funeral Home
May 2, 2020
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Creel
April 25, 2020
Photo Collage of "Doc"
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Jackie Taylor and Linda Hansen
April 8, 2020

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of John W Gee. Plant a tree

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Marcia Rindal
April 2, 2020

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of John W Gee. Plant a tree

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Barbara Han
March 29, 2020
Vet meetings were always more enjoyable when John and JoAnn were there. So many stories! What a fine man. He will be greatly missed. Those kind, smilin' blue eyes were always something special, wow! Al Han, DVM and Barbara Han
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Barr Gustafson
March 28, 2020
I always looked forward to the veterinary meetings because I knew John Gee would be there. I often learned more about veterinary medicine visiting with him than I did attending the lectures. He made me a better veterinarian and he will be sorely missed by the veterina... Continue Reading
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Tom Brown
March 27, 2020
John Gee used to stop over at our farm near East Helena Mt. He was usually traveling to rodeos with Bill Nauman. Things always livened up while they were there. John was one of my heroes.

Years later, when I was traveling the State for Montana Livestock, there w...
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Bill & Penny Meeks
March 27, 2020
Our family is deeply saddened to learn of Doc’s passing. Such a treasured gentleman & friend who left us with a fond memory whenever our paths crossed. One of Bill’s early ones was seeing Doc drive into their family ranch in the green Volkswagen vetinary van after it ha... Continue Reading
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Lana Fortin
March 27, 2020
I never knew you John but I am getting to know your daughter Maria. You raised a wonderful woman. Thank you.
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Shirlee Parini
March 27, 2020
What a wonderful man & family Many great memories rodeoing with this great family RIP John