John David Straka

John Straka, 68, passed away in his sleep on March 3rd, 2026.

Born in Buffalo, New York, and having finished high school in Valparaiso, Indiana, John set off to find his own path and settled in Ketchum, Idaho where he remained a resident until his death.

John was a fixture around Ketchum for 50 years, indulging in his passion of skiing, cycling, hiking and most of all, teaching skiing to generations of families, the young and old alike. His long-term friends and Ketchum family, Colleen and Dave Kassner, say he was known for his big smile, wicked sense of humor, corny jokes and most of all, his big, generous heart.

John is survived by his sisters Roxanne Gerry of Tampa, Florida; Mary Rico and husband Raul of Phoenix, Arizona; and Yvette Straka of Tempe, Arizona. John also had a niece, nephews and grandnieces and a nephew that will miss their Uncle Johnny.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for John in Ketchum at a later date in the summer. It will be held in the great outdoors within full view of the mountains that he loved so much.