John Herbold, 62
John Allen Herbold, 62, was born in Kalispell, on July 20, 1962, with a flannel on his back and useful tools in his hands. He graduated Flathead High in 1980 under the slogan "80s Great, 80s Great, 80s G-r-r-eat!!" He met his future wife; Jody Van Leuven at Mooses Saloon fall of '83'. The two were married at in beautiful outdoor ceremony in Evergreen at his parent's house.
While in Montana, John worked in car detailing, lumber and logging. In 1987 they moved to Southern California where John became a journeyman Sheetmetal Worker, Local 105. He had a full career in the union where he helped to teach the next generation of Sheetmetal workers, the trade in which he excelled.
John was heavily involved in church life, becoming a deacon where he engaged in all activities to support the community, he was always the first one to step in when there was something that needed to be done. He was kind, quiet, gentle and generous, he accepted people as their authentic selves. He met people with respect. This respect would rarely be lost because he found that most people were really kind of great.
John and Jody renewed their vows in 2020 on the beach in Ventura, California, in a celebration with friends and family. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer just after he announced his retirement. His treatment gave his family another 2 1/2 years with him. He went skiing, hiking, swimming in Bermuda, visited the Grand Canyon and saw the Death Valley super bloom, where he proclaimed, "this isn't so super." He lived the time he had left to the fullest. His favorite hobby was initially saying no to things he would end up greatly enjoying.
John died quietly at home the morning of July 22, 2024, under the full moon while he held the hands of his wife and daughters.
John and Jody raised two wonderful daughters with a sense of commitment to community, kindness and consciousness.
He is survived by his wife, Jody Van Leuven, and his daughters, Sierra Herbold, and Mads Herbold. He is also survived by his siblings, Mark Herbold, Kathy (Herbold) Thompson, Bernadette (Herbold) Martin, sister, Jessica Herbold, Chris Herbold and many in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Louise (Tennant) Herbold, Leah (Herbold) Davis, Jennifer Herbold, and baby Faith Ann Herbold.
He left no fancy legacy; he didn't drive fancy cars and was never the center of attention. Instead, he was a man who touched the lives of those he met and left a lasting impression of hard work, relaxed attitude, and a surprisingly silly side. The lessons he taught, the patience that he showed, the parts of him that people looked up to, those will continue in the lives he touched. He will be missed by so many.
A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. on Sept. 7, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Burbank, California. Casual attire is preferred.