John Cerutti

John E. Cerutti, of Missoula, Mont., went to join his Heavenly Father on December 7, 2023. He was 73.

John was born on September 17, 1950, and adopted by his loving parents, John & Peggy Cerutti, days later. In 1954, he was joined by a sister, Jennifer, and together they grew up between Gainesville, Florida, and Anchorage, Alaska.

While the structure of traditional school did not hold John's interest, he had a deep love for all things cars and motorcycles. He could often be found scanning the pages of Auto Trader for a new project, or working out a swap for parts.

Shortly after receiving his GED in 1973, he met Denise, who would become his wife of 35 years. Together, they raised their two daughters between Alaska and Montana, settling in Missoula in 1988.

John held various jobs in Missoula over the years, mostly in the auto parts industry. In 1995, he found his spiritual home at Church of the Nazarene. It was here that John faced his challenges as a father and husband with renewed faith.

In addition to his mechanical gifts, John was a talented artist who enjoyed helping his friend Kirk airbrush the Great Pumpkin every October. He was well-read on a thousand topics and a nightly winner of living room Jeopardy!.

John is survived by his sister, Jennifer Cerutti of Missoula, and daughters Tahra and Tiffani. He joins his mother and father in heaven, as well as his wife Denise and many beloved pets.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 21 at 1:30 P.M. at Missoula Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those wishing to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Missoula Church of the Nazarene or Animeals Missoula.