John Howard Barsness

John Howard Barsness passed away January 11 th , 2024, surrounded by family, following a long battle
with prostate cancer. John was born in Billings, February 20, 1951. He was raised in Laurel, and
was--for the most part--a lifelong resident. Following graduation from Laurel High School in 1969, he
attended Montana State University in Bozeman, earning a degree in Business in 1973. While at MSU,
John was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and represented his fraternity in the elite Le Bouffons high-
society social club. Also while in college, he met the love of his life, Sedly Sue Dyckman, whom he
married July 17, 1974 in Circle,. John would return to school in 1975, this time at the University of
Montana to pursue a degree in pharmacy. He returned to Laurel, in 1980 to work at the family
business, Gene’s Pharmacy. During his time at the pharmacy, he served as a “pill-er” of society and was
robbed several times, once at gunpoint. He always kept a Louisville Slugger at the ready for such events
but was unable to use it when the gunman took the clerk hostage. John and his wife Sedly would run
Gene’s Pharmacy until their retirement in 2016.
During his time in Laurel, John was very involved with Rotary and AA. He was an avid hoarder of books
(some of which he read), passionate listener of loud music with his favorites being The Beatles, The
Rolling Stones, Willy Nelson, and George Jones. He was also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, The
Montana State Bobcats, and the University of Montana Grizzlies. He was (un)fortunate enough to watch
the FCS championship with two good friends and son before passing. Now that his kids have the last
word, Go Bobcats! John always enjoyed traveling, especially the “blue highways” of America and his
favorite road, Route 66.
John is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Sedly; his son Brigg (Jen) Barsness of Kenosha, WI
and daughter Christy (Seth) Henson of Spokane Valley, WA; grandchildren Elise Barsness, Owen and
Leah Henson; his siblings, sisters Nan Rice of Bozeman, MT and Kay Deane of Fairfield, CA, and his
brother Craig (Lynette) Barsness of Cody, WY. He is preceded in death by his parents Gene Barsness and
Louise (Leper) Barsness.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Woerner at the Laurel Clinic and the angels at Riverstone Hospice who
truly walk on water. Also, thank you to their wonderful neighbors who share the cul-du-sac. Memorial
contributions may be made in John’s name to Riverstone Hospice. A celebration of John's life will be 11:00 am Monday April 1, 2024 at the Rock Church 820 W. 9th Street in Laurel.