John Christian Ibarra, 85, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 14, 2024 in his home in Strasburg, North Dakota. Graveside services will be held at Holy Trinity Cemetery, rural Strasburg at 2:30 PM, Friday, May 3, 2023

John was born on March 27, 1939 to John and Wilma Ibarra in St Louis, Missouri, John grew up in Torreon, Mexico where his father was called to be the minister of a Lutheran church. As a young adult he moved to the United States after enlisting in the Air Force where he served in the Korean War and was stationed in Minot. After an honorable discharge he was hired by 3M in St Paul to work in the research and development division. It was at this time he met his wife Lavonne with whom he had two sons Graham and Philip, Lavonne passed away at the age of 23. John then met his second wife Angeline with whom he had two more sons John JR and Peter.

At that time he had started his own business in cinema and photography in St Paul, mentoring troubled youths. He was nominated for the Roberto Clemente award for his work with inner city kids. In 1976, he embarked on a different path in industrial and advertising photography with a company he founded called Teknal Communications that evolved into Foto Concepts involving enlarging and restoring historical images. In the Late 1980s he took a position at Dahl Tech Inc where he developed and implemented a quality control dept. in the manufacturing of plastic blow molding. John worked there until his retirement in 2014.

He then relocated with his wife and son Graham to Strasburg where he enjoyed his remaining years dabbling in local politics due to his passion for historical preservation and advocacy, he helped raise the status of the Welk Homestead to a state park.

John had many interests' talents and ambitions. He was an avid bicyclist, competing in numerous races becoming a champion in his class, winning several medals and accolades. He was also a main event champion boxer in his prime, when he was stationed in Minot. He had a lifelong passion for jazz and classical music. As a lifelong learner he had an ever-increasing list of projects to occupy his curious mind never being diminished by obstacles. John loved sharing his knowledge and experiences with anyone who would listen. He cherished the time he spent with Angie working on community projects and the city council. John really just wanted to be home to work on his ambitious projects.

He truly appreciated the community of friends and neighbors who would stop by to visit, adding years of enjoyment to his full life that he enjoyed until the very end.

John is survived by two sisters, Dolores and Evalina; two sons, Philip and Peter; two grandsons, Kyle and Ryan and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Luis; first wife, Lavonne; second wife, Angeline; two sons, John Jr and Graham.

A celebration of his life is to be announced shortly.