John Patrick VanValkenburg, 64

John Patrick VanValkenburg, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 19, 2024, at his home in Kalispell.

John was a devoted father and a man with many projects. The Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill was the first bar he put all his own custom designs into. In 2017 John and close friends started the construction and opened in 2020. His eye for detail and creativity created a one-of-a-kind historic lumberjack themed restaurant with a 1905 Brunswick Empire back bar. He also loved his classic mustangs, heavy equipment, and Peterbilt’s. 

He is survived by his daughters, Amanda Walsh and Danielle VanValkenburg, brother, Mike VanValkenburg, son-in-Law, Lance Walsh, grandchildren, Ryder and Colt Walsh and Easton Gietzen, and fur baby Stella Belle. He graduated from Newport High School in 1978, he married his high school sweetheart, Kim Keierleber in 1980. 

He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew him. A celebration of life will be held at the Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill on Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. 

Flowers can be sent to Buffalo Hill Funeral Services 1890 Hwy 93 North. Kalispell, MT 59901. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.