John Counter

John Counter,56, Big Timber, died May 28, 2024, at Bozeman Health Care from a heart attack. 

John was born October 20, 1967, to Richard and Janice Counter. He grew up in Big Timber and graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 1986. 

At the time of his death, he was employed at the Town Pump in Big Timber. He bartended for nearly 30 years. He also owned a video store in Big Timber. He loved these jobs because he enjoyed talking with people. 

John was complicated. He was a curmudgeon, stubborn, procrastinator, opinionated, smart (but did dumb things), witty etc. He was his own man, lived life pretty much how he wanted. That all changed eight years ago with the birth of his son Steffen John. Then he became Mr. Mom.

He loved hunting, fishing, camping, reading, pulling pranks on his coworkers, arguing etc. But most of all he loved his son. He told Steffen every day how much he loved him. He taught Steffen the art of the hug.

John is preceded in death by his dad, Rich Counter and his beloved Uncle John Maykuth. He is survived by his son, Steffen; mom, Jan Counter; Steffen's mom, Christina Tetica; sister, Joyce Stephens (Mark); nephews, Chase (Jade) and Chance (Kasey); aunts, Betty Emilsson and JoAnn Meredith. 

There will be a graveside gathering at the Big Timber Cemetery Friday, June 28th, at 1PM followed by a reception at the Lutheran Parish Hall. 

Donations may be given to a Steffen Counter savings account at the American Bank, Big Timber, being set up by the Mark Stephens family. As Steffen's Grandmother, I'm starting a story book about his dad to give to him when he is older. If anyone has a story to tell about John, you may email them to jecounter@gmail.com or on the Dahl website. And as John taught Steffen, tell the people around you, you love them and give them a big hug.