John “Johnny” Syminow, Jr., 94, Belfield, died on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home, Glendive, MT. Johnny’s Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Belfield Lutheran Church with Rev. Mike Pretzer as officiant. Military Honors will be provided by the Belfield American Legion William C. Blair Post 144. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be on Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Prayer Service at 5 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Johnny was born in Billings County near Fryburg on November 24, 1930 to John and Hattie (Gawryluk) Syminow, Sr. He attended school in Fryburg and continued to help his parents on the farm with hauling bundles for threshing, harvesting, cutting and raking hay. Well into old age, he always carried a pair of leather gloves in his back pocket when he left the house. As a young boy he enjoyed hunting rabbits, sledding, and playing ice hockey with his best friend George using a piece of lathe for the stick and a rock for the puck. He also liked getting into mischief, but claims he was never destructive. Johnny enjoyed music throughout his life. He played a push-button accordion. His favorite was old-time music, waltzes and polkas. His ability was far beyond that of someone who never had any special training and could not read a note of music. In their younger day, he formed a family band with his children (Dad on his accordion, Rudy on the guitar, Kathy on the piano and Lori with a tambourine.) Mom provided an occasional voice when the song had words. Many evenings were spent practicing; however, our little band never did a public debut of any kind. He took great pride in his two silver-dollar coins which he carried in his pocket until they were worn out beyond recognition.
In the fall of 1948, when he turned 18, he joined the Navy which took him to Europe, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Cuba. After returning to Norfolk, Virginia he was honorably discharged in December 1949. In 1952 during the Korean War he was called back to duty at Pier 91 in Seattle, Washington. In a submarine warfare on the Pacific Ocean, he sailed into Alaska, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, and Mexico. He also participated in patrolling the coast from Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California.
Johnny met Beatrice Coulter in Belfield in 1950 when she worked at the show hall. They attended dances in Fryburg and movies in Belfield. They were married on September 22, 1952 in the Naval Chapel on Pier 91 in Seattle. Shortly after their wedding he returned to duty. His military career ended in January 1954. He had served a total of 34 months of active duty and earned two honorable discharge certificates. In April 1954 they returned to the family farm. At that time he became employed with the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Service. After 34 years there, he retired in March of 1988. During their retirement, Johnny and Beatrice enjoyed spending winters in Las Vegas with Joe and Norma, attending ball games, programs, rodeos, fairs and many other activities which supported the sports teams that the grandchildren were part of. They loved to dance while attending many weddings and anniversary celebrations. Johnny spent a lot of time helping with brandings, and anything farm or ranch related. He became fond of the corn hole game and was very competitive. After the passing of his beloved wife, Beatrice in 2017, Johnny continued to live on the family farm where he was born. Staying very active and social was his daily routine along with journal writing everyday about his family’s happenings. A family friend, Marilyn Putnam was a patient traveling companion for his trips to town and around the region attending funerals and outings. Johnny was a lifetime member of the Belfield American Legion and the Dickinson Eagles Club. He continued his lifelong passion of attending auctions and buying and trading collectibles. All of these activities were curtailed in 2021 when a devastating stroke left him paralyzed on the left side. His life forever changed from that point; but, he still had a good attitude and kept his caretakers on their toes with his personality and love for life. Special thanks go to Matt and Robin, the activities people at the home who provided candy and Pepsi to encourage his involvement.
Johnny will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his children: Katherine (Ray) Hecker, Sheridan, WY, Rodney (Rene) Syminow, Belfield, and Laura (Leon) Armbrust Belfield; grandchildren: Justin (Jennifer) Hecker, Kari (Nick) Hawthorne, Brent (Kaala) Hecker, Cody (Crystal) Armbrust, and Mandi (Mike) Wandler; Rene’s children, Tony (Allie) Hlebechuk, Hanna (Mike) Rear, Dana (Alex) Koppinger, and Cody Hlebechuk; great-grandchildren: Ashton and Callie Hecker, Wyatt and Mataya Hecker, Kingsley and Hudson Armbrust, Hailey and Ty Wandler; and Rene’s grandchildren, Abby Rear, Tuff Hlebechuk, and Sofie Hlebechuk; brother, Roger (Judy) Syminow, Colorado; brother-in-law, Howard Finley, Minnesota; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins, many of which were dear to his heart.
Johnny is preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice; daughter-in-law, Patti Syminow; Rene’s grandson, Oliver Hlebechuk; parents; brother, Steve; numerous in-laws, relatives, and very dear lifelong friends. He cherished many friendships and always enjoyed life to the fullest. Johnny’s Family would like to thank everyone who took the time to visit him in Glendive. It always made him happy to see visitors.
