Jack Semmens, a Butte native and Helena resident for nearly 60 years, passed away peacefully at his home on November 16, surrounded by his loving family. He was just hours shy of his 96th birthday. There was joy in heaven that day, as Jack was reunited with his wife Pauline and countless relatives and friends.
Jack was born in Denver in 1926 to Edward and Madge Semmens. Within a couple years the young family returned to their hometown of Butte, where Jack and his younger sisters Peggy and Patsy were raised. The Semmens family lived in the Mueller Apartments in the heart of uptown Butte. As a teenager, Jack took on jobs that were a reflection of Butte’s heyday, including work in a pool hall, as a dealer in a gambling parlor behind a jewelry store front, and at the headframe of the Anselmo Mine, keeping track of miners going into and returning from the copper mines below. In 1944 Jack graduated from Butte Central High School and joined the army, serving in the Philippines in 1945 and 1946 near the end of World War II.
Upon his return, he attended college at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. It was there that he met Pauline Herzog, a nursing student from Butte. After years of friendship and courtship, they married in 1955. They lived in South Bend, Indiana, where Jack earned his PhD in English and Literature at the University of Notre Dame and worked as a professor. Jack and Pauline loved Notre Dame, but their hearts remained in Montana. In 1960 they began their journey west, with Jack serving as a professor at Idaho State University in Pocatello. In 1965, they completed their hoped-for return to Montana when Jack accepted a position as a professor of English and literature at Carroll College in Helena. For 25 years he taught and mentored Carroll students, sharing his love of literature and guiding them to become quality writers themselves.
Jack and Pauline raised six children (born in the span of 7 ½ years)—Anne, Geri, Mark, Dave, Bill and Dan. As parents, they provided free rein for the kids to roam throughout their upper West side neighborhood and the hills behind their house. Each summer the family spent two to three weeks together at a rustic cabin in the Pioneer Mountains built by Pauline’s parents. In his later years, Jack would reflect that his proudest accomplishment was that he and Pauline raised six good kids who remained friends throughout their lives. He was devoted to Pauline, his wife of 54 years, and lovingly cared for her in their home in the years before her passing in 2009 following the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Jack and Pauline were devout Catholics who embraced and lived their faith, regularly attending Mass and volunteering at the Saint Helena Cathedral. Jack enjoyed fly fishing, playing handball, and hosting or attending monthly poker night gatherings with his close friends and colleagues at Carroll. His brilliant mind remained sharp and active throughout his long life. Even well into his 90s his daily routine included reading novels and non-fiction works, completing New York Times crossword puzzles, and listening to traditional jazz music.
More than anything, Jack Semmens embodied the attributes of decency, goodness, humility, and kindness. Those qualities were shown in his roles as son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. But they also were shown to all he came into contact with—friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike. People he encountered, whether store clerks, restaurant staff or nurses, regularly commented on what a joy he was to be around, always engaging, pleasant and grateful. “Such a sweet man!”, was an observation often heard by Jack’s children.
Jack will be missed, but he leaves a legacy that includes six children, a son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He adored them all. And they, in turn, loved him and felt blessed to have been influenced by such a remarkable man.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Peggy (Bob) Holland and Patsy (Rich) Lorello, his brother-in-law Joe Herzog, and his wife Pauline. He is survived by his sister-in-law Maureen Herzog, his children: Anne (Ralph) Yaeger, Geri Semmens, Mark (Rosemary) Semmens, Dave Semmens, Bill (Shanna) Semmens, and Dan (Erin) Semmens, as well as his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Jack’s life will be celebrated with a reception hosted by the family at Jack’s home on Monday, November 28 from 6 to 9, followed by a Funeral Mass at the Carroll College All Saints Chapel on Tuesday, November 29 at 10 a.m. Immediately following the service, the family will host a luncheon at the lower level of the Carroll Campus Center. Memorial gifts in honor of Jack can be made to Carroll College or to the Helena Food Share.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 29, 2022
Carroll College All Saints Chapel
1601 N Benton Ave
Helena,
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday November 29, 2022
Lower Level of the Carroll Campus Center
,
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 29, 2022
Carroll College All Saints Chapel
1601 N Benton Ave
Helena,
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday November 29, 2022
Lower Level of the Carroll Campus Center
,
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Glen J Cuchine says
I’m thinking of you all at this time and celebrating with you the life of this remarkable man. Dr. Semmens made literature come alive for many of us wide-eyed, bushy tailed students at Carroll College. His gentle voice and caring attitude always made an impact. May the many wonderful memories you have comfort and sustain you during this time of grief.
Joanne Ketron says
I was saddened to hear that your Dad passed away, Anne. I know how much he will be missed by all that knew him! Your dad always made me feel so comfortable and asked often about how I was doing. I enjoyed many of our chats, as I waited for you. The strength of his faith was truly a gift and I know I joined you for church many times. Boy did he love his stick shift station wagon! I can picture him now in that car smoking a pipe. Jack will be truly be missed. Heaven gained another angel. Love, Joanne
Diane and Budd Williams says
I have missed seeing your Dad at church. He was always such a positive person and fun to visit with. Your folks were a good match. Since I worked with Pauline for years at Shodair, I knew lots of family stories and still tell some of them! Your Mom was especially irked when your Dad would buy all sorts of things for himself, just before Christmas!! Of course the time he changed the oil in his car in his new jacket, just took the cake.
All of Pauline’s stories caused us to call her life “the Perils of Pauline”. She loved it all, and loved you and your Dad.
Lawrence Urban says
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a jovial guy full of life and vigor! From what I have read and heard from Bill, he lived an amazing and long life! My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Semmens clan on his passing. May all the cherished memories of laughter and fun times with your Dad console you during this time of grief. May the perpetual light shine upon his soul.
Gino Dunfee says
Bill: My condolences to you and your family. May your memories keep your dad forever in your heart.
Patty &John Armstrong says
“Hey Dad Jack’s here”. We could hear one or another of the Murray children calling to our dad every day when Jack came to pick him up from work. Our families were in and out of each others lives for more years than I can count. Dad and Jack were great friends both in and out of the School. Our moms were also great friends in alter society and trips to Lydia’s in Butte for dinner. You will be so missed Jack. “HEY DAD JACK’S THERE”
Dennis Quinn says
Anne & Mark: My heartfelt sympathy to you and all you family for the loss of you Dad. I have good memories of the kind, warm way both he and your Mom treated me and all your friends during our OE days. Lots of love sent to all of you—I feel blessed to have known your Dad, & to have you as such wonderful friends for so many years. DQ
Becky Beard says
Another legend leaves us. Students of Dr. Semmens revered him — so soft spoken, intelligent and passionate about the way of the pen. He will be forever remembered.