August Birkholz

August John Birkholz, 75, of Great Falls, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2016.A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Peace Lutheran Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.August John was born on July 7, 1940 to August and Ruth Birkholz in Miles City, Montana. He attended schools in Miles City and as a teenager he moved to Minnesota to finish his education. He returned to Miles City to help on the family dairy. He enlisted in the Army for a short time during the Vietnam war. Due to family hardship at the time of his fathers death, he returned home to work on the family farm. He started college at Eastern Montana College and also worked part-time at Western Equipment in Billings. John was later transferred to Great Falls working for Western Equipment. He worked at Abbco (which is now T&E) for many years. John started his own business dealing with heavy equipment parts for a long time to support his family. He retired at age 62.John was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church.He enjoyed genealogy, reading, and music. He loved spending time with his grandkids.John is survived by his wife, Karen; mother Ruth Birkholz of Miles City; sons Shawn Birkholz of Cameron, NC, Shannon (Tara) Birkholz of Great Falls and Shad (Bekah) Birkholz of Helena; daughter Jeanette Stickler of Richmond,Virginia; brothers Paul Birkholz of Great Falls, Theodore Birkholz of Michigan, Robert Birkholz of Terry, MT, Don Birkholz of Broadus and James Birkholz of Texas; sister Judy Boe of Colorado; and six grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his father and two step-brothers.