On a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon in the comfort of his home and surrounded by the love of his family, John W. Urbaska, passed away. For 92 years, this dear world and our family and friends were lucky to have our beloved husband, dad, grandfather, “Pepes,” great-grandfather, and WWII veteran. Born July 20, 1923, in Sheridan, Wyo., to parents who emigrated from Poland in the early 1900s, John was raised with a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for family values, and a love for sports, cars and the great outdoors. John loved to hunt and fish with his dad, “Pop,” and played all the team sports in high school. John was president of his senior class at Sheridan High School, trumpet player in the band (albeit briefly), quarterback of the football team and proud to have been named to the State All-Star Football Team. John often talked about the fun he had with his friends and teammates in high school, but it was meeting Ruth Eleanor Falberg at a school dance that changed his life.
After graduation, John wanted to serve his country, but he was too young to enlist in the Navy on his own, so John’s dad signed for him, a very tender moment between his dad and him. After basic training, John returned to Billings to marry his high school sweetheart, Ruth. While in the service, they lived in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; St. Louis; Chicago; Jacksonville, Fla., and San Diego; and were treated royally everywhere they went. After a tour of duty in the Pacific, John and his lovely bride returned to Billings to establish their home and open the Penguin Ice Cream Store. They were the first to serve 33 flavors, making them a popular destination for Sunday drives. Meeting wonderful people and making many friends made all the long hours and hard work worth it. When their oldest son, Fred, needed medical care, they sold the ice cream store and traveled to California where they stayed for several months for Fred’s treatments.
Returning to Billings, John worked for Winter Hardware Company as sales representative and manager, before retiring. John and Ruth were active in many organizations including their Dinner Dance Club; the Antique Car Club; Golden K Kiwanis Club; Bee Keepers Club; the Al Bedoo Shrine and GI Drill Squad; Masonic Ashler Lodge, and the Scottish Rite Bodies. John avidly sold onions and peanuts to benefit the youth in our community. Taking up golf after he retired, John loved to “chase that little white ball around the green,” especially if he was playing a round with his friends Tom, Don and John or his grandsons Joe and John or joking with the guys at Hilands. He also enjoyed all the family gatherings; his fishing trips with his grandson, John; and taking his children, grandchildren, and the great-grands to the Shrine Circus for over 50 years.
John was a family man and so proud of his children. Family meant everything to him, and he counted his riches by the memories he shared with all of us. Dad also had a special bond with all the pets in his life including his own dog, Bob; the family dogs Max and Sam; the cat, Herman; and later, Cuddles and Cassie, who always knew “Pepes” would have a hot dog treat for them when they came for a visit. John lived his life with respect, kindness, integrity, humor, vitality and compassion " and without any regrets. During his recent illness, he maintained a remarkable sense of humor and expressed his gratitude frequently to everyone who cared for him. John was rarely sick during his lifetime and was proud that he didn’t take any medications. For John to be sick in his remaining days was hard for him, but even then, he joked that he must be making up for all the years of good health.
John and Ruth lived the American Dream. Married 73 years, they lived, worked and raised their family in a community they loved; they owned their own home; enjoyed family camping and fishing trips plus numerous trips to Europe and across the USA as well as the company of many, many friends " especially their dinner club. John was so grateful for his long and happy life. He often said, “Life is just a memory.” John leaves this world filled with so many beautiful memories and all our love. We keep these memories and love in our hearts forever.
Preceding John in death are his parents, John and Anna Urbaczka; his son, Fredrick John Urbaska; and his granddaughter, Mandy Urbaska. John’s remaining family include: his wife, Ruth, and their children: Jane Urbaska and granddaughter, Jelica Summerfield; Jerri Urbaska Balsam (Wref) and grandchildren Jessica Balsam and Joe Balsam; James Urbaska (Diana) and grandchildren Emma Urbaska and Alex Urbaska; daughter-in-law, Maile Urbaska and her children John (Robin) Urbaska and their children Sydney and Marin; and Katie Urbaska Cummings (Kris) and their children, Allie, Lauren, and Olivia.
The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., March 18 at the First Presbyterian Church. The Urbaska family wishes to thank the hospital staff, hospice nurses and caregivers for their tender care, and all their friends for their thoughtful expressions of love.
If you would like to honor John’s life, please consider a donation to the Billings Golden K Kiwanis " BUG Program Club at P.O. Box 20203 Billings, MT 59104; or the Shriners Hospital for Children at 911 W. Fifth Avenue, Spokane, WA 99204. Thank you for your kind remembrances.
The Billings Gazette - May 9, 2016