John Howard Wilfong

John Howard Wilfong (born February 16, 1942 in Vinton, Iowa) passed along to the next level on July 31, 2026. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 46 years, Marilyn. He is also survived by sons Scott (Erika), Jeffery (Julie), granddaughters Alex, Riley, Lainey, Tatum and grandson Jordan, as well as his beloved dogs and cats.

John grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He had the typical mid-west upbringing which included playing all sports. At age 12, he discovered golf, and developed a deep love of the game. He won many tournaments over the years, even into his senior years. John graduated from Iowa State, where he was names "golfer of the year" for 1968.

He was in the army from 1964 to 1966 where he was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco. He supervised army guard personnel on Air Force planes flying nuclear weapons around the pacific rim, as well as, playing on the Army golf and basketball teams which competed against other military units in the Western United States.

After graduating from Iowa State in 1968, John worked in Pittsburg and Chicago (Alcoa) before landing in the Puget Sound area in 1973. He then worked at Weyerhaeuser, West Coast Grocery (SuperValu) and International Paper before retiring in 1955.

He loved all animals and helped Marilyn during her years of rescuing and helping primarily dogs and cats. All animals loved John. He became a vegetarian in 1975 which tied in with his love for animals.

John and Marilyn shared a love of animals, books, live theatre, traveling to the Shakespeare festival in Ashland Oregon every year, Civil War history, and kick butt action movies. 

John was particularly thankful for the extended families brought late into his life by Erika and Julie.

John will be missed by friends, family and all his animal babies.

If anyone is inclined to feel charitable, please make a donation to any group that is helping animals in this world.