John Thomas Sistok, 55

John Thomas Sistok, 55, died as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Jan. 20, 2016, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Born to Doris and Victor Sistok on Sept. 26, 1960, he spent his early childhood in West Virginia. His father moved for work to Englewood, Colorado, where he became a lifelong Denver Broncos fan, and spent his middle school years. The family finally settled in Kalispell on Patrick Creek.

John graduated from Flathead High School in May 1978. In September of that year he enlisted in the United States Navy. On his way, he met the girl who would be his best friend for the rest of his life, Lela Combs. They were married May 5, 1979.

During his years in the Navy, John achieved the rank of 2nd class petty officer aviation ordinance man. He served two overseas tours aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation during the Iran Hostage Crisis with 110 straight days at sea. John was very proud of his service to his country and wore his veteran status with pride.

In 2015, John retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a supervisor of postal operations after 30 years. After retirement, he volunteered at the Veterans Food Pantry to honor our nation’s veterans.

John loved Montana. He was an avid outdoorsman that never missed an opportunity to hunt, fish and camp. He had no greater joy than teaching his children and grandchildren how to follow in his footsteps.

John loved his family. He was very proud to wear the title of “Papa” for seven grandchildren, Bryan, Caitlyn, Cameron, Joshuah, Alexander, Conor and Nathalie. He took special care to teach his grandchildren about history and life.

John was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents; his father, Victor; nephew, Shilo; and his close friend of 30 years, Don Burgau.

John is survived by his wife, Lela; daughters, Rebecca Sistok of Evergreen, Heather and James Osborne of Casper, Wyoming, and Meghan and Anthony Rogers of Kalispell; mother, Doris Sistok, of Kalispell; brothers, Michael and Kelly Sistok of Roswell, New Mexico, and Robert Sistok of Kalispell; sisters, Barbara and Dennis Venturini of Kalispell, and Debbie Sistok of Billings.

The family also wishes to acknowledge his many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cherished family friends who all had an impact on John’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Veterans Food Pantry in John’s name.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.