John Rodney Wojahn, Colonel, USAF, Ret., passed away at his home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington on Thursday, February 2, 2012. He was 77 years of age.
John was born on January 27, 1935 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of George & Arlene (Ledvina) Wojahn. He was raised and attended school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school in 1953.
On June 2, 1954 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served his country for 23 years. He was a navigator/weapons systems officer serving on B-47’s, B-52’s, F-100’s, F-105’s and B-4’s. He flew over 3,000 hours including 120 missions during the Viet Nam Conflict and received the Meritorious Service Medal twice, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, six Air Medals and multiple Viet Nam medals. He also served as Wing Commander in Alaska and Germany. While in the military he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Nebraska in 1969 and a Master’s Degree from Ball State University in 1977.
After his discharge he made his home in Washington State, residing in several communities in Snohomish County where he was a real estate agent and broker.
John was very active in his community, where over the years he was active in the Lions Club in Snohomish County, serving in District’s 19B, MD39 and 19H, serving as District Governor for 19B in 1996-97. He was also very active in the organizations Lions-Quest program. In 2002 he moved to Boise, Idaho where again he was active in the Lion’s Club. He moved to Sedro-Woolley in 2005.
John was first married in 1956 to Donna Jean Burmeister, and from that marriage his sons, Kevin and Christopher were born. He later married Linda Heller, who preceded him in death, and then in 2004 he married Jeannie (Christensen) Schmidt in Gardena, Idaho.
John is survived by his wife, Jeannie of Sedro-Woolley. Two sons, Kevin Wojahn and his wife Patricia of Boise, ID and Christopher Wojahn and his wife Kirsten of Everett, WA. Step-children, Paul Schmidt (Lori) of Bend, OR, James Schmidt (Suen) of Tacoma, WA, Michael Schmidt (Sue) of Arlington, WA, Ben Schmidt (Blanche) in North Dakota, Terri Hallgren (Duane) of Gold Bar, WA and Shelly Hanson (Tom) of Chilliwack, BC. Four grandchildren, Michael, Chana, Conner & Collin Wojahn; four nephews, numerous step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Sylvia Hoehn.
The family requests memorials be made to the Lions-Quest program thru any Lions Club.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Walt Rice officiating. Interment will be at the Idaho State National Cemetery in Boise. Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
John and I tooted off one day from Eau Claire to Minneapolis. Our intent: to enlist in the U.S.A.F. First off — we had to take a physical exam. John passed with flying colors, but I had chronic sinusitis — not good! I was informed that flying airplanes with a plugged nostril is very painful. So home I went. The U.S. Navy didn’t mind my runny nose; I made petty officer first class in four years, as a journalist. Or “word merchant”, as the job was nicknamed.
Many years passed before John and I made contact again, at a high school class reunion. We kept in touch thereafter — went musky fishing and hunting together, both in northern Wisconsin and in Oregon and Washington. I owned a vending business in Portland, and John was deep into Washington real estate two hours away. John, who retired a brigadier general and was used to being in charge, had a tough time shaking the habit. Example: we were pheasant hunting one day, and got into an argument while crossing a field. Without warning, he fired his shotgun into a fresh cow turd laying on the ground. His aim was perfect; the turd exploded and spattered me from the waist down. It took him 5 minutes to stop laughing. It took me 15 minutes to recover and clean up.. OK John — you win…
I recall him telling me that he was once offered the manager’s job at the airport in Eau Claire, but turned it down. Much too quiet, as he put it.
Are you out there, John — can you hear me? I miss you — cow paddy and all.
Tony
To Jeannie, Kevin and Chris:
We extend our thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time. Memories of Uncle John bring smiles to our faces. His love of life and nature, his continuous wit and sense of humor, and his enlightening smile were a treasure in our lives. Much of this from a distance, but never the less, always present. We have all found some great family photographs that we would love to share with you in memory of John. We will get these to you one way or another.
Thanks to you John for being a grateful part of our lives. Rest in peace and the joy of knowing you are loved by so many.
Love,
Rick Hoehn (for Jim, Craig, Steve and Rick)
Dear Kevin, Chris, and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please accept my deepest sympathies. John was a good man, full of life. He always had a story or a joke to lighten or accelerate the atmosphere of any situation. He was gifted in his interactions with people. He was a favorite uncle of mine and to this day I am indebted to him for help he gave me once, great advice which I have held onto since he gave it to me. He had his own kind of wisdom, born out of life experience in service to this country. Although he would not talk much of that it was clear those years gave him a great sense of pride. I respected him a great deal for that. I echo my brother in that this is a time for celebration as well for he is now at peace and free from discomfort. Let us be glad in that.
With love and prayers,
Craig Hoehn
We miss you dearly Dad/Grandpa,
Love, Kevin, Patti, Mike, and Chana
Dear Kevin, Chris and Family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father. I saw your father a few years back when he attended my Mom’s funeral in Wisconsin. As always he was full of humor and stories. I have several pictures of him from that visit but my favorite is him standing outside of Lambeau Field in front of the statue of Vince Lombardi. Once a Packer fan always a Packer fan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time may it be a celebration even at this time.
Love, Steve, Carlene & Rebecca Hoehn