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John Sahlberg Obituary

Sahlberg- John Thomas Sahlberg, 71, of Boise, passed away on July 04, 2024.

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Published by Idaho State Journal on Jul. 9, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sahlberg

Sponsored by Cremation Society of Idaho - Boise.

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Monica Cockerille

August 6, 2024

I was so saddened to hear of John's passing. I worked with John in the legal department at Boise Cascade. He was wonderful to work with and was always kind and supportive. He never let a meeting pass without asking about my girls and family. He will be missed!

Doug Sahlberg

August 6, 2024

I'm a cousin of John's.    My father Don Sahlberg and Tom Sahlberg were brothers.
I didn't know John that well (age difference and my family living far from Pocatello and Boise), but I do know how proud my uncle Tom and aunt Jeanne were of him.     And I'm pretty sure that goes for his brother and sisters too.
Our family was visiting the "Pocatello Sahlberg's" long ago and I remember vividly sitting in uncle Tom and aunt Jeanne's living room, and Tom was telling my Dad about John's latest football game.     "You should have seen it, Don.   John came in on a blitz and hit the quarterback square in the chest, so hard that the guy's helmet went shooting straight off his head and up into the air, strap and all !    Ha ha ha  !!!
I know John was a competitor for sure.    And I can see from the beautiful tribute to him in the obituary that he was a competitor not just in sports but in contributing to the well being of others.     
My condolences to my cousins Bert, Ann, and Jane, and to all of John's family members.     I too will "drink the good wine" in toast to him this evening. 
Doug Sahlberg

Nate and Amy Jorgensen

August 5, 2024

We are very sorry to hear of John's passing. John had an unbelievable presence and impact during his successful career at Boise Cascade. He set a great example on everything he touched that simply made us a better organization as well as better individuals. His genuine respect and care for our team was both obvious and inspiring!!!

Our sincere condolences to Susan and the entire family.

Steve and Maudie Kite-Powell

August 4, 2024

John was an incredibly gracious and caring individual. He always had a smile on his face and was such a joy to be around. Professionally he was a top-notch attorney, always willing to go the extra mile for his clients and friends. his smile and sense of humor were infectious. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and were fortunate enough to have come in contact with him. May God be with him!

Paul Street

August 1, 2024

My condolences to the family. John was a good lawyer, but more importantly, a good person. He will be missed.

Sheila Robertson

July 29, 2024

Our deepest condolences. My heart goes out to you, Susan, Katrina and Jacque and to your families. I know how much he loved you and am so sorry.

Steve Lucas

July 28, 2024

Simply put.....John is one of the top 5 guys I have ever met, and I am luckier for this.

Peace & Love!

Clay Gill

July 16, 2024

What I remember most about John is how much he cared for the well being of others. My father worked with John at Boise Cascade, and when my Dad told John I was heading off to law school in New Orleans, John immediately introduced me to some lawyers that he worked with in New Orleans. Then when I moved back to Boise, John introduced me to numerous members of the Idaho State Bar. I couldn't believe that someone I just met was so willing and eager to help me find a job. John, thanks for leaving the world a better place. And thank you for sharing your wisdom, advice, and time when I was an aspiring young lawyer.

susan sidell

July 15, 2024

I met John in high school. He was kind to all even the quietest girl in school. I was on the school court for years and always knew the one thing I did not want to be was a lawyer. I became a critical care nurse instead. He will be missed by all who knew him. Susan Hohenfield Sidell

Paul and Heidi Cunningham

July 14, 2024

We are so very sorry to learn of John's passing! John was a prince of a guy. John was both a very accomplished professional and a very kind person. We have been fortunate to know and enjoy John's cheerful company for over four decades. Our sincere condolences to Susan, Katrina and Jacqueline. Paul & Heidi Cunninngham

Mack L Hogans

July 14, 2024

I am deeply saddened by the passing of John Sahlberg. I extend my deepest condolences to Susan and the Sahlberg family as you grieve this great loss. I had the honor of serving on the board of Boise Cascade Company when John was a valued Company Senior Executive and General Counsel. He welcomed me to the Company and generously offered his knowledge, wisdom, counsel and kindness throughout. Years later he recruited me to join the board of US Ecology. Our association continued and it is there that my wife and I got to meet and spend time with Susan. John was both deep and wide in every respect. His knowledge was solid, and his communications were clear and exacting! I always felt better when John was around. I last saw John in May and as always, I felt his full measure of comfort and kindness. John was a special man! Mack Hogans, Kirkland, WA.

Diane Plastino Graves

July 14, 2024

I was enthralled with John when we both began our work with Governor Andrus in 1975. Always kind, with a casual grace about him, and clearly great intelligence.

I'm very shocked to learn of his death, and it is a sadness a great many of us share.

Sincerest sympathies to you, Susan, and your girls from Ron and me.

Diane Plastino Graves

Michael Mollay

July 13, 2024

Coaching Jacque, when we traveled for soccer, on a subconscious level, I always looked forward to seeing John and Susan charge out the lobby doors off on their brisk walks about town. There was something beautiful about that...a reminder of their special bond, his love for Susan. His generosity and kind soul always shined through with every interaction. I learned to enjoy oysters, appreciate wine, as we shared some amazing nights of laughter. I loved and appreciated every interaction over the years. I wish I had an opportunity for one more moment. John you are missed. Love and peace.

Matilda Bubb

July 12, 2024

John was a great volunteer leader at the Boise Arts Commission and then City of Boise Department of Arts and History and Arts & History Foundation. I had the pleasure of serving as staff under his leadership. He was always a friend, a pleasure to work with, and dedicated to the arts and community. I hold his family and friends in my heart as you experience the great loss of this kind soul from this earthly place. His spirit lives on in all those he touched.

Terri Dillion

July 12, 2024

It was a privilege and great treat to have worked with John on the Boise Arts & History Foundation - I raise a French 75 to him!

Norm Semanko

July 11, 2024

John was a great encouragement to me as a student at Georgetown University Law Center. Back in that day, there were very few of us Idahoans who had earned their law degrees from Georgetown. John interviewed me in the hotel across the street from the law school and was very kind, providing great advice that I carried with me into my own legal career. Hoya Saxa! Rest in peace. -Norm Semanko, Georgetown Law '93

Cydni Waldner

July 11, 2024

I was so saddened to hear of John's passing - I worked for and with him at Boise Cascade, and he always had a kind word and a supportive thought for me as a young lawyer. I will always appreciate that.

David Mueller

July 11, 2024

Susan , our family is saddened by John's passing. I have many memories of our girls on their play dates and our joint parenting. You are both to be admired for your accomplishments and your contributions to community and our children's lives.

Beckie Nichols

July 11, 2024

My sincere condolences to Susan and family. My heart aches for you. It´s been many years since seeing John but I fondly remember him as a very kind and gentle soul.

Sarah Phillips

July 10, 2024

John was such a kind person I met him in junior hs and he always had a kind word to say to me-I was at the reunion on June 30 and noted his absence
Sarah Phillips
SLC, Ut

Jerry Borrowman

July 10, 2024

Susan, I simply can't learn of John's death without writing to say how much I admired him and appreciated his friendship. My family moved to Pocatello in 1962 in the summer, and of course I was nervous about starting 4th grade in a new school. Somehow I met John during that summer and he instantly befriended me so that I had a friend on the first day of school. He lived on Rosewood, we lived on the next block over on Hawthorne, and we sometimes walked to school together. Later, in high school, when he was elected student body president, he selected me to be the "treasurer" of the student body - not too demanding a job, but a way for him to recognize our friendship that I always appreciated. One of the best stories ever is when speaking at our graduation, John invited all of us to stand up and give three "silent cheers" where we waved our hands, but made no noise. It startled the parents and guests, but was an inside joke for those of in the class and drew us even closer together. He then attended the many class reunions through the year in recognition of his leadership role.

John was such an accomplished man, Harvard, Georgetown, and a senior vice president at Boise-Cascade and adviser to the CEO. I was proud to have a friend with such distinguished credentials. Yet he always had time to acknowledge friends from our high school days, and to speak kindly to everyone in the class, including me. In the past few years we reconnected through LinkedIn, where John often recognized my posts and made fun comments, and again at our last high school reunion.

While I didn't get to know you well, Susan, I remember thinking how distinguished you were when we first met, and I thought you the perfect companion for John. I hope your life with him was happy.

This is a great loss for you and your family. While I can't fully share that grief, I mourn the loss of a great man who meant a great deal to me. I express my deepest sympathy to you and your daughters and hope that you find comfort in these difficult times. I'm sad at this news.

Jerry Borrowman
Salt Lake City Utah

Barry and Margie Zamzow and girls

July 10, 2024

Our hearts break for you all. Katrina, Jackie and Susan sending our love and prayers. Your dad was the greatest. Saved Barry´s butt a time or two! We were lucky to have known him.

Tricia Yokota Codding

July 9, 2024

John was a wonderful person who was always kind to me and who was fun to be around. I met him sometime in junior high school when a group of us ran around together on the west side of town. I have always respected him and admired him. I am glad I got to see him at our last class reunion. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. My condolences for his family. He has left way too soon.

Jeff & Theresa Shinn

July 9, 2024

John was among the smartest people I've ever met. We worked together before he went to law school.

Our condolences to Susan and family.

Lee Green

July 9, 2024

John was my great friend in our youth. When I met him at the beginning of our 7th grade year at Irving Jurnior High in Pocatello, I had no idea how much our friendship would improve me. He made me want to be a better person, work harder, be more courteous, and meet his high standards. His parents and siblings were always very kind to me. I spent a good deal of time in their home. John and I were inseparable though high school. In recent years, I have sent him a bidrthday greeting every year on his birthday. My heart is full of love and respect for him and the deepest sympathy for his loved ones. Many people know him better than I do, knew him longer than I did, but I remember him in our youth as my best friend, who left me all the better for our friendship.

Faye Delbridge

July 9, 2024

I had the blessing of working with John Sahlberg for 10 years. He was an outstanding lawyer and HR leader. He always put everyone else ahead of himself. Was quick to compliment and build people up. He was so kind and thoughtful always. I still have a plant in my yard that he gave me about 14 years ago. He loved working with plants and was very knowledgeable. I truly cannot think of a better man than John Sahlberg, and he will always be in my heart. He is the best boss I have ever had. His passing is a huge loss to his family and friends.

Jimmy jacobson

July 9, 2024

John was my Quarterback I was a lineman whose job it was to protect him which I did to the best of my abilities. I loved him dearly and will always miss him. On of the best people I´ve ever known.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

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Celebration of Life

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Cinder Winery

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Funeral services provided by:

Cremation Society of Idaho - Boise

5541 West Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83705

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