John Stenberg, 68

John Stenberg, 68

John Stenberg, 68, joined our Creator in Heaven on Aug. 27, 2021, from his home in Dalton Gardens, Idaho.

John was preceded in death by his father, George, and his mother, Bonnie, in Eternal Rest. His father served in the United States military in Japan when John was born on Feb. 22, 1953. It was not surprising when he followed his father’s path and joined the U.S. Navy at 19 years old. He served during the Vietnam War working in telecommunications.

He was a volunteer firefighter in Dash Point, Wash., and ran a successful career in stocks and commodities, both trading and teaching other professionals. Through his job he met Jacqueline (Jackie) Babol and was married in 1999. John and Jackie developed a good bond, strengthened by their mutual love for their son, Johnny.

From Federal Way, Wash., they moved to Victoria, Canada. They lived on a boat, traveling to San Diego, Calif., and then Astoria, Ore. John and Jackie finally moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Even after their divorce in 2016 and up until the time of his passing, they remained partners, co-parents, and most of all, best friends. John continued to introduce Jackie to friends as his “God Wife” until his death.

What John loved the most was being on the water, whether it be boating or fishing or just plain relaxing. Throughout his life he had a boat, and even lived on one for a while.

He helped his partner and wife, Jackie, develop and maintain the Foot and Ankle Clinic to make it what it is now. He ran and operated an Airbnb and Bar at Watson’s Resort in Rose Lake, Idaho, after finishing a two-year driving stint in North Dakota.

It was during this time that he developed his passion for learning about the problems with our corporate government, and a strong desire to restore our Constitutional Republic. John joined the Idaho State Assembly and became the Kootenai County coordinator for the Idaho State Assembly in 2020.

Towards his retirement, John remained passionate about his beliefs. He was a lifelong learner with a strong desire to help others. He was particularly active in the Idaho Assembly group, cultivating friendships and camaraderie with people who held the same goals as he had.

John is survived by his ex-wife and lifelong partner, Jacqueline Babol; their son, Johnny; his daughter, Karri Ann; his brothers: Steve, George, and Van; his grandsons: Austin, Dalton and Dean; his nephews: Harry, Van, and Mike; his nieces: Ellie, Anna, Christy, and Lisa; and his adopted father and mother, Grandpa Ray and Mama Lita.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to his favorite charities, American Legion and/or Wounded Warriors Project. There are no services planned.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit John’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com