John "Jack" E. Roche

John Edward Roche

June 2, 1932 - October 29, 2021

John Edward Roche passed away peacefully at is home Friday October 29th surrounded by his family. Jack was born in Page Nebraska on June 2,1932 to Edward and Mildred (Holley). He was one of five children - two brothers, Bud (Faye), Eugene (Donna), and two sisters, Janet (Norm) Williams, Mary Ann (Ace) Oestrich.

Jack moved to Anaconda at a young age. Graduated from Anaconda Central in 1949. Went into the Marine Corps in 1951 and fought in the Korean War and was on the front lines as a radio operator. Was Honorably Discharged in 1953. Met his true love Juanita Mehrens, they married 

May 14th, 1955, and raised four children. 

Jack joined the Anaconda Police Department in 1956 and worked his way up to Assistant Chief before retiring in 1976. He loved driving truck and went to work for S&N Concrete, Gray Rock Trucking, Mungus Company & Barkell Trucking. His personalized license plate “TWKDWVR” affirmed his passion for being in the big rigs.

Jack was an avid outdoorsman and love to hunt & fish in his beloved Montana mountains, and why he built the family cabin at Georgetown Lake. He enjoyed Bowling and Snowmobiling. He groomed the trails in the area for the Anaconda Snowmobile Club for 10 years until the age of 84 when Juan put her foot down and convinced him that he is too damn old to be out in the mountains all night by himself. Hard working and a humble man, led by example and always there to lend a helping hand. A real gentle giant but would let you know with his size 17 boot when you screwed up.

Jack, the last of the Roche clan, was preceded in death by his wife Juanita, parents, two brothers & two sisters. 

He is survived by his four children - Jack Roche Jr, Carole (Bud) Fitzpatrick, Dan (Teri) Roche and Patty (Steve) Stanberry.

Grandchildren include Bobbi Jo Lorengo, Trisha (Cory) Heffernan, Scott (Britney) Lorengo, Nick (Callie) Roche, Amanda Cutting, Kellie (Ethan) Green, Abby (Adam) Cook, Matt Roche, Lacey Roche, Cory Stanberry, Dennis Stanberry & Shelbie Roche. He is also blessed with 15 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Jack and Juanita at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on November 18, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.