JOHN RODNEY WOJAHN

1935 - 2012

John Rodney Wojahn, Colonel, USAF, Ret., passed away at his home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington on Thursday, February 2, 2012. He was 77 years of age.

John was born on January 27, 1935 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of George & Arlene (Ledvina) Wojahn. He was raised and attended school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school in 1953.

On June 2, 1954 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served his country for 23 years. He was a navigator/weapons systems officer serving on B-47's, B-52's, F-100's, F-105's and B-4's. He flew over 3,000 hours including 120 missions during the Viet Nam Conflict and received the Meritorious Service Medal twice, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, six Air Medals and multiple Viet Nam medals. He also served as Wing Commander in Alaska and Germany. While in the military he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Nebraska in 1969 and a Master's Degree from Ball State University in 1977.

After his discharge he made his home in Washington State, residing in several communities in Snohomish County where he was a real estate agent and broker.

John was very active in his community, where over the years he was active in the Lions Club in Snohomish County, serving in District's 19B, MD39 and 19H, serving as District Governor for 19B in 1996-97. He was also very active in the organizations Lions-Quest program. In 2002 he moved to Boise, Idaho where again he was active in the Lion's Club. He moved to Sedro-Woolley in 2005.

John was first married in 1956 to Donna Jean Burmeister, and from that marriage his sons, Kevin and Christopher were born. He later married Linda Heller, who preceded him in death, and then in 2004 he married Jeannie (Christensen) Schmidt in Gardena, Idaho.

John is survived by his wife, Jeannie of Sedro-Woolley; two sons, Kevin Wojahn and his wife Patricia of Boise, ID and Christopher Wojahn and his wife Kirsten of Everett, WA; step-children, Paul Schmidt (Lori) of Bend, OR, James Schmidt (Suen) of Tacoma, WA, Michael Schmidt (Sue) of Arlington, WA, Ben Schmidt (Blanche) in North Dakota, Terri Hallgren (Duane) of Gold Bar, WA and Shelly Hanson (Tom) of Chilliwack, BC; four grandchildren, Michael, Chana, Conner & Collin Wojahn; four nephews, numerous step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Sylvia Hoehn.

The family requests memorials be made to the Lions-Quest program thru any Lions Club.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Walt Rice officiating. Interment will be at the Idaho State National Cemetery in Boise.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.

Share memories of John and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.