John Mangen

John Mangen of Broadus, MT died Sunday, October 24, 2021 at the Billings, MT hospital at the age of 66.

John Jay Mangen was born to Chris and Loretta Mangen on August 29, 1955.  John grew up on the family ranch with his older brother, Chris and younger brother, Dan. Even as a little kid, he always wanted to go with his Dad, even if it was just to sit with him on a tractor plowing on a hot, dusty afternoon.

John graduated from Powder River County High School in 1973 and moved to Miles City to study electronics at Miles City Community College.  He graduated with his Associate of Applied Science Degree in 1975.  His father told him that he had to work for someone else for at least a couple of years before he could come back to the ranch.  He worked as a mechanic along with numerous other duties at Mac’s Frontierland.  During his time in Miles City he met Pamela Hewett and the two were wed on August 7, 1976.  A year later in December, they welcomed their first daughter, Melissa.  Shortly after that, John moved the family back to Broadus to work with his father and continue to build Mangen Angus Ranch.  In August of 1980, he welcomed his second daughter, Amanda.     John was a devoted father to his daughters.  He was always proud to tout (and maybe slightly exaggerate) their accomplishments. 

John Mangen married Mary Alice Bilbrey (Snookums) July 2, 2005 at the ranch.  They made a home together at the homeplace in Broadus, MT.  Between the two of them they have five children, Melissa Reinhardt (Kevin), Amanda Lewis (Hal), Josh Bilbrey (Jana), Jiggs Bilbrey (Marlee), and daughter-in-law Trish Bilbrey.  Grandchildren, Amelia, Oliver, Sam, Claira John, Hayle, Leighton, Ashley, Jaxon, Shaylee, Rickee, Randen, Ridger, Jace, Jeret, J’Ann, Jaxcee, Quinn, and Mallory.  Brothers, Chris Jr (Shelly) and Dan (Ramona) and their children.  Brother-in-laws Keith (Edith) Slovek and Doug (Sandy) Slovek. Sister-in-laws Diane (Charlie) Gittings, Kathy (Greg) Arthur and Laurie (Ron) Mann. Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of many other relatives and friends.

Together with his dad they built the Mangen Angus Ranch that is known across the Tri-State area for their outstanding black angus cattle.  John had a smile that was contagious, his honesty was impeccable and his love for his family, friends and customers was above and beyond.

Throughout John’s life, Masonry was very important to him.  He was inspired by his dad Chris and his Uncle Pete Mangen to join the Fraternity.  He became a Master Mason in 1992.  In 1999 John was asked to become a part of the Grand Lodge Line of Montana.  This was a journey of eleven years, ending with him being the Grand Master (Pooh-bah) of the Masons of Montana in 2010-11.  This was a proud moment for John and his family. 

In 2018 John and Mary Alice purchased land at Keyhole Reservoir. There they created a second home, The Lake House. John was the first to say, let's go to the Lake House, Snookums. This was where they went to relax and make memories, memories Mary Alice will cherish forever. 

 Loved ones gone before him, parents Chris and Loretta, Uncle Pete Mangen, Cousin Doug Mangen and step-son Judd Bilbrey.

Visitation will be Friday, October 29, 2021 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Stevenson Funeral Home, Broadus, MT.

Service will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, 2:00 pm at the Congregational Church, Broadus, MT.