John D. Kerling, 74, of Belt, Montana, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, with his family at his side.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Minnesota. Cremation is in the care of O’Connor Funeral Home, Great Falls, Montana.

John was born Dec. 29, 1941, to Donald and Georgette Kerling in Austin, Minnesota, where he spent most of his life. He married the love of his life, Mary Jane, in 1963, and they had two sons, Scott and Steve.

He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1968. When he was discharged from the Air Force he worked with the city of Austin for 13 years. After that he worked with Cabela’s in Owatonna, Minnesota, for 15 years until his retirement.

John and Mary Jane moved to Belt in 2013. John loved to be outdoors, especially if he was fishing or gardening.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; sons, Scott (Julie) Kerling of Austin and Steve (Kelley) Kerling of Vaughn, Montana; sisters, Linda (Todd) Hunter of Silvis, Illinois and Kathy Penberthy of Hutchinson, Minnesota; brother, Dan (Aileen) of Olathe, Kansas, and two grandsons, Nick and Jake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Georgette.