Our father, John Eshleman, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, after a short struggle with cancer. At 91, he lived an amazing and very full life. Our father, John, was born on January 8, 1935, on his family farm on Reno Creek near Hardin, Montana. His father Emerson and his grandmother helped bring him into the world with no doctor present. John grew up with two sisters, Marie Ann and Dorthy, and three brothers, Dan, Bob and Bill. The 120-acre farm taught our dad Christian values, the importance of family and of hard work. He attended school at Crow Agency and finished high school in Hardin, Montana at the age of 16. In the 1950's he worked for the Cambell Farming Corporation, the largest wheat farm in the world at the time.

In 1955, dad joined the U.S. Army. After basic training he came home to marry our mom, Madge Derenburger and loved her endlessly and faithfully for over 32 years. Mom and dad's mothers were their witnesses, and our mom always said she married dad for his money which was a 50-cent piece that he had in his pocket. From there, they were off to Alaska where dad served in the US. Army learning radio and electronics. While stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, he lived with our mom in a very small camper trailer service his country proudly. It was also there that they both were baptized in Christ. In 1958 they moved back to Montana and began raising a family. in 1960, dad and mom headed to York Christian College in Nebraska and then to Tampa, Florida for schooling as an electrician and a Pastor.

Around 1963 the family moved back to Billings, Montana with their first three children, Carol, Mike, and David. They bought five acres in Lockwood raising a garden, chickens, cows and two more children, Joyce and Janice. With the expanding family, dad set to work to build a five-bedroom home full of laughter, life, love and Christian teachings. "Children obey your parents" was a constant reminder. We caused our parents many gray hairs over these years, but dad always encouraged us to be the best Christian examples we could be. He was a very proud father. 

During these years, dad worked for Sears Robuck Company, preached at Montana Rescue Mission, performed weddings and baptisms, cooked at Church camp, and preached God's word in and out of church. He never took a dime for his preaching but relied on his Sears income. He always believed in God's teaching and would quote, "Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Dad believed in this throughout his life and strived to love Christ with all his heart, mind, and soul. He also had no problem sharing Christ with others and felt the importance of doctors and nurses to be Christians at his appointments. 

Dad was also a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and served for over 30 years in Montana National Guard. He loved his country and had no problem sharing his political views. He was a proud American and believed in an honest day's work, being faithful to your country, family and to the Lord. 

In 1988, our mother passed away from a long illness, leaving our father with a huge loss in his life. They had been together for over 30 years, but our sister Janice decided to set dad up with a wonderful lady from the church. Joy brought joy, laughter and lots of love into our dad's life again. She is an angel that has blessed our family for over 37 years. Moma Joy knew our mother and blessed our father with her love, strength and faith. Our father always said he has had two remarkable women in his life and we all would agree. She had three sons, Mark, Scott, and Bryan. Eight kids! Remarkable!

They lived in Billings for a few years and eventually dad went out and literally "bought the farm". Twenty acres in Worden, Montana. Mom was overwhelmed with all the remodeling and yet through it all the home became a haven full of love. For our dad, it was "home". He loved spending time with mom, looking out the window, sitting on the deck, visiting with family and friends. It was a home with the coffee pot always on and food on the table and a come on in and make yourselves at home feel. He loved the Worden community and the hometown coffee and donut meetings, the senior center, the VFW, and going to church. Dad also served proudly on the Worden Fire Department and Ambulance service as an EMT. He did this for over eight years until medical issues brought him down.

Dad is succeeded in his passing by his wife Madge Thelma Derenburger, his father and mother Emerson (Ella) Eshleman, brothers and sisters Dorthy (Tom) Scally, Dan (Verlet) Eshleman, Bob (Mary) Eshleman, and Marie Ann (Jack) Bartenhagen.

Dad is succeeded in his passing by his wife Joy Eshleman, brother Bill Eshleman, and his children, Carol (Kerry) Baker, Mike (Lisa) Eshleman, David (Mae) Eshleman, Joyce Pierce, Janice Gillespie, Mark (Chrysse) Eden, Scott (Karen) Eden, and Bryan Eden. Our Father had eight children, was the grandfather of 16 and had 10 great-grandchildren. His stories will be missed, and his faith and strength will not be forgotten. Before his passing he was still sharing God's word and said that he was ready to go home.