John B. Dudis, 79

John Dudis, 79, a devoted husband, father, and respected attorney, passed away peacefully early Tuesday, April 28, at Logan Health, surrounded by his family. His life was marked by dedication — to his work, his community, and most of all, the people he loved.

John lived a full and remarkable life. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Nov. 6, 1946, to Dorothy and Jack Dudis, who owned a jewelry store. Due to Dorothy’s health, the family moved back to her home state of Montana, settling in Laurel, where they purchased another jewelry store. John spent his early years there, becoming a Cub Scout and learning to play the baritone.

The family later moved to Hardin, where they operated a laundromat and owned an A&W Root Beer drive-in. John attended school in Hardin, where he continued his involvement in the band and eventually earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Through scouting, he had the opportunity to travel to the World Jamboree in Greece and the National Jamboree in Colorado.

After graduating from Hardin High School, John attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings, where he studied French, political science, history and business. He excelled academically and graduated at the top of his class. Following college, he traveled to France to study at the Sorbonne, focusing on French and international law.

Upon returning to Montana, John decided to pursue a law degree at the University of Montana. During his time there, he joined ROTC and earned the rank of captain. After law school, he clerked for the Montana Supreme Court and later attended tax school at the University of Kansas City. He then returned to Montana and began his legal career in Kalispell with Murphy Robinson.

Shortly after, John was set up on a blind date by a family friend, where he met the love of his life, Rhonda. They were married on July 30, 1977, at St. Charles Catholic Church. Together, they built a life in Kalispell, where John continued his work as an attorney, and Rhonda taught at Flathead High School.

After ten years of marriage, they chose to grow their family through adoption. They welcomed their first daughter, Amanda, born in 1987, through Catholic Social Services, and four years later, adopted Allison in August of 1991.

John was deeply committed to his community. He served as head of the Republican Central Committee, sat on the Montana Board of Realty Regulation and the Montana Facility Finance Board, and was a longtime board member of Habitat for Humanity. He was also active in the Lions Club, Toastmasters, a local bowling league and the Elks Club. He served on the school board at St. Matthew’s, where both of his daughters attended, and held many other roles over the years.

Above all, John was a devoted husband and father. Family meant everything to him, and he found great joy in becoming a grandfather to Karter and Raffaella.

John is survived by his wife, Rhonda Dudis; his daughter, Amanda and her husband, Mike Horelick; his daughter, Allison Dudis; and his beloved grandchildren, Karter Windbigler and Raffaella Horelick. He is also survived by his sister, Dollyann, and her husband, Bill Willcutt, and his nephew, William Willcutt; his brother-in-law, Russ, and his wife, Judy Pettinato; his sisters-in-law, Renee Mosley and Kelly Pettinato; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Dudis; his mother, Dorothy Dudis; and his beloved brothers-in-law, Rod Pettinato and Charlie Mosley.

John was the funniest, most loving man — patient, kind and someone who truly cared about the people in his life. His presence could light up any room, and his warmth and humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will be deeply missed — not only for the life he lived, but for the small, meaningful moments he gave so freely — his laughter, his stories and the way he always made those he loved feel cared for. He will be forever loved and never forgotten.

A wake will be held on May 11 at 7 p.m. at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory, 1890 U.S. 93, Kalispell, MT 59901. Funeral services will take place on May 12 at 11 a.m. at Risen Christ Catholic Church, 65 W. Evergreen Dr., Evergreen, MT 59901, followed by a reception from 1 to 6 p.m. at Snowline Acres, 3315 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell, MT 59901. All who admired and loved John are encouraged to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Humane Society, Risen Christ Catholic Church or a charity of your choosing. Friends are encouraged to visit the website buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.