John Carl Liebert passed away peacefully after a long struggle with various ailments on September 13, 2024 in the presence of his family. John was born in Seattle, WA on August 16th, 1941. At the time, he held the record for being the biggest baby born in that hospital's history at 11 lbs, 5 oz. We have the article to prove it! He was born to Carl and Adele Liebert. The family soon moved to Blaine where John attended Blaine Schools through 11th grade. For his senior year he enrolled at Concordia Academy in Portland, OR, continuing on to Concordia Junior College after which he transferred to Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. It was there that he met his future wife, Carole. This past August marked their 60th wedding anniversary.

His first teaching assignment was at Grace Lutheran School in Fargo, North Dakota where he served as principal and junior high teacher for 13 years. He spent two years at Oakes, North Dakota teaching 4th grade before retuning to Fargo where he helped to establish a Junior High program at Oak Grove Lutheran School. After 23 years in North Dakota he moved back to Blaine where he taught Social Studies for many, many years. A high light for him was being able to take students for a week long study of the government in Washington D.C.

John coached many sports both in North Dakota and while at Blaine. He "bled" Maroon and Gold for Oak Grove and eventually Orange and Black for the Blaine Borderites. He served 12 years on the City Council including a short stint as Mayor in Blaine (which he proudly told anyone he met) and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.

In 2019 he and Carole moved to Kennewick, Washington to be near their son Jared and his family. There they spent nearly five wonderful years creating bonds with their grandchildren and memories that will last a lifetime. He and Carole found a new church home at Bethlehem Lutheran where they developed wonderful friendships and deepened their relationship with the Lord. Their short time spent at Bethlehem truly was one of his life's most precious gifts. One year ago they moved into Brookdale at Canyon Lakes, an assisted living facility that helped both he and Carole as they transitioned into this final chapter of their lives.

John and Carole were blessed with the gift of three sons along with three "bonus" daughters: Jay and Michelle live in North Carolina with their two sons, JJ and Owen; Noel and Char live in Rogers, Minnesota along with Mitch and Tony. Their only granddaughter, Elizabeth lives in Kansas. Jared and Nicole live in Kennewick, Washington with their three sons: Logan, Luke and Hunter.

John was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Carole, his parents and his infant grandson, Carter and is survived by his sister, Joan Gregory (Blaine), along with his immediate family.

Memorials can be given to Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kennewick or to Grace Lutheran School in Fargo.

A memorial for John and a celebration of life for both John and Carole will be held in Blaine, Washington on November 15th. It will be held at the Blaine Performing Arts Center at 4pm, reception will follow the service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from Sep. 19 to Sep. 20, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John Liebert

7 Entries

Donna Kraft Berge

September 21, 2024

Mr. Liebert was one of my favorite teachers at Grace School. I have so many memories from my years there. Foremost Mr. Liebert taught me that my faith walk is mine and doesn't happen through my parents or school. Facebook gave me the opportunity to reconnect in a small way to him. I thank God for his influence in my young life.

Debbie Vette Meier

September 21, 2024

I spent many Saturday mornings at Grace Lutheran School attending confirmation class led by Mr. Liebert. He was very strict, but I do remember him being a jokester. He and Carole welcomed me into their home when I was home during vacation break from Concordia, Seward. Such a nice couple, I was blessed to know them.

Mark Noonan

September 21, 2024

One of my favorite Teachers. Always greeted me with "I´d rather be dead than red on the head". Aside from his jovial sayings he was a great teacher. Jared, Jay, and other family members my thoughts and prayers are with you.

RIP Mr. Liebert

BHS 1986-1990.

Doug and Wilma Gardner

September 21, 2024

We were so blessed to know John and Carole ("Carol with an E") in Kennewick at Bethlehem Lutheran Church &School for these few years. Can´t tell you how many games of cribbage John beat Doug at. Til we all meet again!

Joan Fiechtner

September 20, 2024

Dear Jay, Noel, Jared, and families.........Where do I start with memories of John Liebert! The first time I met John, was way back in the late 60s. At that time, I was a registered member of Grace Lutheran Church. John was a young teacher/Principal at Grace Lutheran School. Part of John's ministry was to make personal calls to all members of the church with school aged children, with a house call. At that time I was a single Mom and no way could I consider a private/parochial education for my kindergarten and 1st grade daughters. John made it happen.

Soon I met Carole, and we developed a wonderful friendship and communicated regularly over the course of approx 57 yrs. What a loss for me.
Carole and John were reliable and loyal friends in those early years of education at GLS for me and my girls, whom I counted on in those early years as I raised my daughters. Needless to say, they didn't disappoint.
I remember several "Johnisms", but a couple stick out in my mined. 1) "No pain no gain". 2)The team name he gave for the hard working coed softball team at GLS, was "The Gunzels"! So perfect! 3) Wearing athletic shorts way into the fall, like in Nov. at OG football games. Carole and John made a great team. John was a man that never asked anyone to give more, than he was willing to give himself. Carole and John's strong Christian faith was the foundation for their marriage, and their journey together as they ministered to others. In loving memory of my dear friends, Carole and John. Joan Fiechtner

Antonio Bennett

September 20, 2024

So sorry for your Family's loss. He was definitely an original . Enjoyed having him as a teacher.

Darrel and Marvin Liebert ( Son´s of Walter E Liebert, John´s cousin.)

September 19, 2024

Sorry for the passing of both John and Carole. Prayers for your entire family. John was the grandson of our Grandfather, Fred Liebert´s brother, Theodore Liebert. Our dad, Walter Liebert´s cousin. My brother, Marvin Liebert is also a resident of Brookdale @ Canyon Lakes. My niece Jeanette W.(Kennewick) enjoyed their visits @ B,CL.

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