John Steven Butorovich

OBITUARY MATERIAL FOR JOHN STEVEN BUTOROVICH John Steven Butorovich, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep. His passing was unexpected, and he will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him. John was born on April 19, 1963, in Bozeman, Montana, and was raised in Butte, Montana, a place that shaped his grit, honesty, and unmistakable character. He was the son of Robert Butorovich (deceased) and Rosalie Butorovich, and he carried forward the values of resilience, hard work, and loyalty throughout his life. John was a man of deep integrity and rare openness. He never pretended to be perfect—he spoke honestly about his failures, shortcomings, and lessons learned, believing that truth was the greatest teacher. His courage was quiet but unwavering, especially in the face of significant health challenges. Through it all, John maintained an enduringly positive outlook and a sense of humor that could lighten even the heaviest moments. John possessed a unique intelligence that went far beyond academics. He had an exceptional ability to understand people, situations, and life itself—often seeing truths others missed. He listened deeply, spoke thoughtfully, and had a way of distilling complex or heavy subjects into words that mattered. When John shifted his tone, people paid attention—not out of fear, but out of respect—because his insight carried weight. His intelligence was paired with humility, curiosity, and humor, and it showed naturally in the way he mentored, taught, coached, and connected with others. John’s strength, discipline, and competitive spirit were evident throughout his life, both on and off the field. He earned a full-ride football scholarship to Utah State University, a testament to his athletic ability, determination, and work ethic. In addition to football, he was a state champion in discus, an exceptional shot put athlete, and a talented basketball player, excelling across multiple sports. His love for athletics naturally extended into coaching and mentorship. John coached traveling basketball, youth football, high school football, and high school discus, dedicating countless hours to teaching young athletes not only the fundamentals of sport, but also the values of accountability, teamwork, and perseverance. He had a rare gift for connecting with kids—earning their respect while encouraging confidence, discipline, and resilience. John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, reflecting his deep interest in people, learning, and community. He continued giving back through education by serving as a substitute teacher at elementary, middle, high school, and alternative schools, where his steady presence, humor, and authenticity left a lasting impression on students from all walks of life. Above all else, John was a devoted father and grandfather. He made sure his children always knew how proud he was of them—not just for their achievements, but for their strength, perseverance, and hearts. He was a steady presence in times of hardship, a safe place to land, and a source of laughter when it was needed most. John married Susan Vian on August 24, 1986, and though life later took them on separate paths, in recent years they found their way back to one another. They rekindled a bond built on love, shared history, growth, and mutual understanding. Their renewed relationship was a meaningful chapter in John’s life—one marked by care, companionship, and the comfort of truly knowing one another. John is survived by his mother, Rosalie Butorovich; his wife, Susan Vian; his brother, Dan Butorovich, and sister-in-law Gina Butorovich; and his children and grandchildren, who were the center of his world: Daniel Butorovich and his daughter Rosie Butorovich; Sarah Butorovich and her significant other Chris Burt, and her children Elizabeth Mazzolla, Jacob Mazzolla, Murphy Butorovich (deceased), and Parker Burt; Hannah Butorovich and her children Jaxsen, Harper, and Theodore Jaeger; and Nick Butorovich, his wife Jordyn, and their children Gaia Butorovich and Rocky Butorovich. John will be remembered for his bravery, his honesty, his athletic excellence, his unique intelligence, his mentorship, and his ability to make people feel seen, encouraged, and valued. His legacy lives on through his family, the countless young lives he influenced, and the strength and humor he shared so freely. A Vigil Service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, with visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the Vigil Service starting at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 a.m., followed by entombment at Mount View Cemetery. All are invited to a reception at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Parish Center following entombment. Memorials are suggested to Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, 2100 Continental Drive. May his memory be eternal.

Tributes

John Steven Butorovich

April 19, 1963 - January 8, 2026