John George Zingg

On November 24, 2024, John Zingg passed away peacefully at the age of 86, with his family by his side. After several years of enduring dementia, we take comfort in knowing his struggle with the disease is behind him. 

 Born and raised in Rochester NY, John attended the University of Michigan. After graduating with his degree in Forestry, he moved to the Pacific Northwest. His successful career started at Weyerhaeuser, in the Timberlands Management business, followed by owning four retail stores in the Klamath Falls area. In the early 90s, he ventured to the Czech Republic, where he provided business consulting to regional corporations, government entities, and nuclear power plants. After several years in the Czech Republic, Johm moved back to Washington state where he drove cement mixers until he retired in 2003. 

During his retirement, John volunteered with the Red Cross, beginning with a five-week stint in Pascagoula, MS in response to Hurricane Katrina, and finishing with him serving as a Native American Tribal Liaison within the Greater Spokane region. Finally, he served on the board for Freeman School District, where he received the Award of Excellence by the Washington Association of School Administrators.

 Passionate about the outdoors, John relished activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. He also exceled at shooting, winning several trap shooting competitions in his earlier years, and shifting to steel target shooting in his later years. An avid reloader, he spent countless hours testing various loads and reading up on all the latest strategies for improving the shooting experience. Publishing articles in Varmint Hunter magazine, he showcased his custom-made prairie dog rifle which he thoroughly enjoyed designing and shooting. John was also an avid reader and would immerse himself in topics ranging from WWII history to spirituality. 

 Out of all his accomplishments, John will be remembered most by the countless hours he spent on the phone supporting the people he loved and cared about. John always wanted the best for everyone and would go “all in”, listening and advising for as much time as needed. His warmth and gentleness, his loving nature, how quick he was to smile and laugh, and his impish side which brought out his humor and playfulness will stay with us beyond his time.

 John was preceded in death by his parents George and Ruth, sister Elaine, and daughter Larisa. He is survived by his wife Debra; two sons, Brian and Neil (Kris) of Klamath Falls, OR; granddaughter Tatum and her mother Jeannie, of Boise, ID; and grandchildren Teagan and Darroch, (and their mother Andrea).

 The family would like to thank the staff at Guardian Angel for their wonderful care of John throughout the years, and Hospice of North Idaho for helping make the final journey as peaceful as possible.

 A celebration of John’s life will take place on Friday, December 13th at 1 pm at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N Spokane Street, Post Falls, ID.