John Elich

On the morning of October 2, 2016 John Elich passed away surrounded by his loving family at his home. John was born the third of six children on January 3, 1924 in Butte, Montana to Martha Cacish and Joe Elich. At age 8 he began his career of selling newspapers that lasted for ten years. That included acquiring the prestigious Park and Main corner serving clientele from businessmen to people in Venus Alley. He graduated from Butte High School in 1942 and headed to the Tacoma Shipyards before returning to Butte to work at the Finlen Hotel as a bellman. John was drafted into the Army in 1943 where he received five battle stars for major engagement. He was honorable discharged in 1945. John married Rosemarie Tomich on June 16, 1946 at The Sacred Heart Church. They became proud parents of four children; twins John and JoAnn, Thomas and Rosemary. After working in several different mines John started his 47 years in the bar business at V.F.W. Post 1448. He then moved to the Monogram Bar and finally owned the Four Mile Bar which he owned until his retirement. He was a member of the V.F.W. for over 70 years, The American Legion, the Elks, U.C.T. and the Croatian Fraternal Lodge. A visit to his home was highlighted by a tour of "The Train Room", a large collection of working trains. He was always busy in his home workshop building holiday decorations, doll accessories, cars and planes that adorned the homes of his family and friends. John was famous for hosting his birthday party at his home each January where a constant smile and many jokes were the show. John was preceded in death by his parent, in-laws, John and Agatha Tomich, siblings Anton Elich, Ann Jankla, Madeline (Charles) Neilson, wife of over 60 years Rosemarie Tomich, son John Elich, brothers-in-law David Tomich, John (Diane) Tomich and Jim Ronco. John is survived by JoAnn (Charles) Lewis, Thomas Elich, Rosemary (Ron) Granberg, brother Joe Elich of New York, sister Helen Ronco, ten grandchildren including Jason Elich, Brandon Lewis, Natalie (Matt) Sligar, Nathon Lewis, Jennifer (Leo) Prigge, Marc Elich, Dave (Cori) Hulverson, Dan Hilverson, Amy (Robby) Gunderson, and Melissa (Brian) Demarais. He is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren and numerous special nieces and nephews. Also a special thank you to Dr. Siddoway, Mikelyn McCarthy, Rocky Mountain Hospice and his fishing partner, Art Mills. John was living history. To learn more about his adventures and Butte's heyday, visit the Butte Archives and read "John Elich Memories". John was a man of true integrity. He treated a service worker the same as a president. He always made everyone feel welcome. His goal in life was to make everyone smile, and this could be done by an in depth conversation or seeing his contagious smile. We were truly blessed to be loved by such an amazing caring man who told us to always stay strong, don't be greedy, and be honest. Charities can be made to the Sturge Weber foundation at sturge-weber.org or The Scleroderma Society at scleroderma.org. Express condolences at www.wayrynen-richards.com.

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John Elich

January 3, 1924 - October 2, 2016