John Bernard Walhof
June 28, 1951 - August 8, 2015
John Bernard Walhof passed away peacefully Saturday, August 8, 2015, after a heroic battle with brain cancer. John was the embodiment of the "John Wayne" strength of character. His many successes were obtained through true grit, integrity and hard work. Known for his supreme quick wit and priceless sense of humor, he could spin a story which inevitably ended in a witty ending, enthralling all in attendance. John also displayed a never ending need to help others, never expecting anything in return. He met his wife Nancy when they were in their teens, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church dances, and on the slopes of Bogus Basin. Both he and Nancy went separate ways in college, enjoying careers and family. They reunited in 2008 and married in 2012. Their time together was short, but the strength of their love and commitment to each other was monumental. John spent his entire career in Human Resources, beginning with Heinz/Ore-Ida and culminating at the City of Boise. His nearly 40 years in the business provided him with incredible insight and fascinating stories. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and his happiest places were on the Alaskan Kenai peninsula and the Salmon River in Riggins with buddy George Rogers. He also loved to relax on the beautiful beaches of Maui, Hawaii. John was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Marcella Walhof; brother, Charles Walhof; and nephew, Brian Rutherford. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; stepsons, Adam (Shannan) Berry and Taylor Berry; grandchildren, Emma, Luke and Nathaniel Berry; sisters, Helen (David) Rutherford and Nancy (Jon) Utpadel; nephews, Christopher (Kristine) Walhof, Eric (Beth) Rutherford and Michael (Susana) Rutherford; nieces, Suzanne Wells, Tanya (Robert) McFadden and Laura (Eric) Baumgartner; grandnieces and nephews, Kate, Meagan, Kassy, Philip and Helen Rutherford; Jordyn, Reagan and John Walhof; Grace Baumgartner; Garrett and Madison Mashburn; Hannah, Liam and Emma McFadden. Lastly, his faithful canine companion, Dutch. The family would like to thank the caring medical professionals at MSTI St. Luke's Meridian, as well as the wonderful medical team from Horizon Home Health and Hospice. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Idaho Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed through the Obituaries page at the Idaho Statesman. Goodbye sweet love, we will see you in our dreams.

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Aug. 14, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Walhof

Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.

22 Entries

Joe and Eldene Holbrook

March 7, 2024

John and I worked together at Ore-Ida in Ontario `78-`´80. He was a great resource. I always enjoyed his sence of humor.He will be missed.

Laura White

May 16, 2018

This is late in coming, but I just came upon this. John hired me in HR after my getting a Master's but no practical experience. He gave me 2 years of great training and experiences that I will always remember. I am so thankful that I got to know him and wish I could have told him what a difference he made in my life! Nancy, I am so happy he reconnected with you and was able to have a family! I always thought that was missing for him. He was a bright light. I had just decided to look him up and see how he was doing all these years later.
Laura Davis White

margie friend

September 10, 2015

Sincere condolences,Nancy. I just learned of your loss. Peace to you as you grieve.
Margie Friend

August 23, 2015

I am so sorry, Nancy. I have heard nothing but great things about John. I wish you strength and inner peace. You are very special.
Lynne Galey

Jeanne Wilson

August 21, 2015

Dear Nancy,
John was such a lovely, sweet guy. I loved his voice. He had such a happy life with you. Your time together was way too short.
Love, Jeanne

August 19, 2015

Walhof Family, We were sorry to learn of the death of your Uncle John. We know how special he was to you. Thinking of you, Mary & Duane Gerstenberger

John & Dan Urresti

August 19, 2015

We lost track of John after leaving high school. He was such a great guy and had the best and unique sense of humor.....he will be missed....our condolences to John's family.

Kathy Urresti Burney

August 19, 2015

I was so sad to read of John's passing. I met John during my freshman year at Bishop Kelly. He was always a good friend over the high school years. I will remember his kindness and his great sense of humor. He always had that playful twinkle in his eye and sweet grin. He will be missed and remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. My thoughts and prays are with the family.

August 19, 2015

So sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts are with the family. Dr. Tim Murphy and staff of Animal's R Us

Linda Hoffman-Burke

August 19, 2015

I grew up with Johnny as a close neighbor and have wonderful memories of all of us playing games in the street. While living in Anchorage, I received a phone call from him prior to one of his visits to Alaska. He impressed me as having grown into a wonderful man with the same fun personality he had as a kid. Reading the obituary, I get a sense of a loving, caring man who lived life to the fullest. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family for their loss. He is gone too soon but leaves a legacy of a life well lived.

August 18, 2015

The Hoffman family shares in your sadness at Johnny's passing. We were neighbors and friends for many, many years. He was the brother I never had. Sheri Hoffman

John and Diane Kelly

August 16, 2015

Oh what happy memories John left us with! His hearty laughter will always be remembered as will his wit and wisdom! May the Good Lord walk hand in hand with you and comfort you as you continue life without John! May happy memories and the love and laughter he shared sustain you all! God Bless!

August 15, 2015

John, You kept me sane at Ore Ida, Ontario with your wit and friendship. May you rest in peace.
Bill Bracht

wilma davidson

August 15, 2015

John Walhofs family' John was a wonderful,kind,and caring man. I cared for his mother while she lived at Atria hillcrest assisted living years ago. His family was very special. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Sincerely,

August 14, 2015

John was friendly, outgoing and welcoming as well as great resource at the City of Boise. He will be greatly missed.
Kris Haustveit

August 14, 2015

Jim and I add our condolences to your entire family. Of course, I have memories clear back to the high school days, when John, his brother and mom and dad were very good friends of our family. John was always kind and a friend to all. Nancy, we send our deepest sympathy.

Jim and Susan Durst

tracy Fitzpatrick

August 14, 2015

Dearest Nance, your time together was too short, but love and memories are forever. My deepest condolences to you and all of your blended family members. Please call me when the time is right for you. Love you always, lifetime friend.

Jan Baxter

August 13, 2015

John was my boss, my peer, and a good friend. I will miss him greatly. My condolences to Nancy and family.

Dean Merrill

August 13, 2015

John My Friend, with great sadness I try to write this. What a wonderful kind and caring friend you were. Will miss your boisterous laughter and your funny stories. I still have the memories and will cherish them always. RIP My Friend

jackie Zalewski

August 13, 2015

Many years ago my husband Jim and I had many memorable camping excursions with John. I loved his humor and wit. I'm sure he and Jim are having a lot of laughs together now. Jackie Zalewski

Diana Bell

August 13, 2015

I will remember John for his kindness and sense of humor. He was a wonderful friend and co-worker. God be with him, his family and friends.

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