On the evening of August 11, 2015, John Alvin Toavs passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home north of Wolf Point, Montana. He is survived by his wife Irene, 4 children, Kay (Travis) Lovelace, Cheryl (Joe) Ryan , Johnny (Patricia) Toavs , and Cathy (Doug) Madison, 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Lilly Baker.
John was born on the 13th day of September 1925 the 13th child of 15 children , 1925 to Abraham and Maria Toavs. He was raised on the homestead 14 miles north of Wolf Point. He attended Wide Awake Country School for 8 years and graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1943. He joined the service during WWII. On his way overseas to Japan, the war ended and he spent his military service in Hawaii.
He returned home and married the love of his life, Irene (Rensvold), who loved him from the time she was 6 years old when she first saw him at the wedding of her brother and his sister. They were married and moved two miles east of his childhood home where they farmed and ranched together for 68 years. During their time together John and Irene truly enjoyed an active and full life.
He was an avid reader and also served on the County Library Board for many years. He had a passion for reading almost anything he could get his hands on from mystery novels to westerns and periodicals including Popular Science and Popular Mechanics. His reading always kept him on the cutting edge of modern technologies and innovations. The joys of his life were his home, family, friends, horses, a dance shared with his wife, and any cup of coffee. You rarely ever saw him without his cowboy hat.
As John was born the 13th child on the 13th of September and had 13 grandchildren of which, his first grandchild shares his birthday of September 13th, you could say 13 was a lucky number for him.
Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 2:00 PM at 415 Johnson Street in Wolf Point. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be given to the First Lutheran Church “Raise the Roof Fund.”
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 15, 2015
First Lutheran Church
420 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 15, 2015
First Lutheran Church
420 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Beverly Evans says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
Sharon says
Im sorry to hear of Johns passing. Such a great guy . I appreciated the kindness that he and Irene always showed me as well as the rest of the Toavs family. Be blessed in the memories if you all have with him.
Sincerely ,
Sharon Wemmer
Joy Baird says
My love and prayers are with you. I lift you up to God that he may give you the comfort that
your heart needs and peace in the coming days. Rest on God and he will get you through.
Love Joy
Kathy & Roy Toavs says
So sad to loose Uncle John. We loved him so much. . God speed and our love to Irene and you all . lRoy and Kathy
Tim and Sharon Toavs says
i Did”nt get to visit as often as i would have liked, However, uncle john always had a smile, and a kind word. He will be missed. Tim, Spearfish sd.
fred mcgeshick, jr says
I remember Mr. Toavs as a young boy and at the wp stampede in the 60’s. He was truly the last of the good cowboys and always had smile wearing his cowboy hat at the Sherman for morning coffee. I talked with him at the parade in July and taken his picture with his wife and friends sitting across the street from the Sherman. Rest in peace Mr. Toavs, you are with the boss now in the riding in sky.
Joyce (Jackley) Baer says
My sincere condolences to the family.
fred mcgeshick, jr says
Pray for comfort for his wife Irene and the Toavs family for the loss of one of the last good cowboys. I first met Mr. Toavs in the 60’s at the wp stampede and Sherman. Mr. Toavs was always wearing his cowboy hat and smile from the heart. Rest in peace John and the boss has called you home on a moon beam. He reminded me of the old cowboys in Louis L’Amour western stories.
Prs. Greg & Christine says
Irene and family
We mourn with you for the death of such a wonderful man. His love, faith, goodness and firm opinions will be be missed so much.
We join with you in celebrating John’s life and his resurrection into new life with Jesus.
Love and Prayers to you
Prs. Greg and Christine
Marvin and Judy Ferdina says
Dear Irene and family
We were fortunate enough to visit with John when we were home for Stampede. Marvin
and he talked about ranching and farming, their two favorite things in the world. May
the Lord comfort you now and always.
Love, Judy and Marvin
Tim Cody says
RIP, John. Thoughts and Prayers to all the family.
Bill and Kris Sampson says
Irene, Cathy, Johnny and family,
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you all at this time.
Bill and Kris Sampson
Doug & Milly Eggebrecht says
Irene and Family!
So sad to hear of John’s passing ! He was an awesome man. ! Always a smile on his face !
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this time !
Doug and Milly Eggebrecht