John Ardell Lindstrom's Obituary
John Ardell Lindstrom, 75, passed away on June 6, 2019 after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born in St. Paul, MN, on June 12, 1943, the son of Anund and Frances (Ahlstrom) Lindstrom.
John was a true Patriot and loved his country. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as a fighter pilot which included a combat tour of duty in Viet Nam. After his retirement from the Air Force , he continued his military career as a civilian with the National Guard for 20 years.
John was an avid elk hunter, fisherman, and boater. He loved to travel, garden, cook, and take his girls to air shows. He was very good at playing cards, completing crossword puzzles, and reading anything about military history. He loved his turquoise ’92 Corvette roadster, and he and Gloria went on “FourVette” road trip vacations with this elite small group of friends and their Corvettes for the last ten years in a row. It was John’s idea in 2017 for the four cars to travel down to Oregon to view the Great American Eclipse. Standing together, on a culvert, wearing funny glasses, and viewing ‘Totality’ was humbling and unforgettable.
John was a dedicated husband, a loving father, gracious host (loved 4th July get togethers), and a helpful neighbor – someone whose presence was always felt in a room, without needing the attention of a spotlight.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria; daughters, Leigh Lindstrom and Jody (Andrew) Yarborough; grandchildren, Madisen Bryan and Emma Lindstrom Dorsett; great grandchildren, Aiden and Nova; brother, Robert (Leta Faye) Lindstrom; nieces, Kathy Gilbert, Kristina Lindstrom, Paula (Mark) Simpson, and Laura (Paul) Evert; nephew, Kai Lindstrom; sister-in-law Carole Lindstrom; mother-in-law Stella Miller; and sister-in-law Karen (Denis) Bernoux; and many others. John is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Lloyd (Jackie) and Ronald.
A memorial service will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, June 27, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1315 North Stevens St., Tacoma. John will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 12:30pm on Monday, July 1, at Tahoma National Cemetery.
Please honor the life and memory of John by leaving cherished memories, messages & photos for his family on the guestbook page.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?