John Medrano passed away at the age of 67 on Oct. 24, 2017, in Elko, Nevada, where he resided for the last 20 years. John was born Aug. 15, 1950, in Costila, New Mexico, to parents Juanita Ortega Medrano and Luis Medrano. The family left New Mexico and took up residence in Grantsville, Utah, in 1951. His family grew to include three sisters and five brothers, and countless aunts, uncles and cousins. During his school years, John was active in sports especially baseball and track.
After graduation from high school, John joined the service as a U.S. Marine where he earned a rifle expert badge and received a national defense service medal. He was honorably discharged in 1974. After his discharge, he went on to marry April Theobald and together they had four children. They remained married until April’s death in May 2013. He was a great husband and father, taking an active role in his children’s lives and always coaching their sports teams.
John worked as a millwright for over 40 years until his retirement in 2014. John enjoyed watching and playing baseball and softball, and was a gifted coach. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting baseball cards, and spending time with his extended family.
John is survived by his children, Dana (Chris) Ribera, Danelle McKenzie, and Kelly (Heidi) Medrano; 12 grandchildren, Arden, Jordan, Christopher and Christian Ribera, Lexus and Madison Harris, Logan and Garrett McKenzie, and Sydney and Saige Medrano; and one great-grandchild, Simon Crenshaw.
John is also survived by his siblings, Jenny Lou Martinez, James Medrano, Andrea DuBois, Jacob (Jennifer) Medrano, Robert (Kristine) Medrano, and Jamie Medrano; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife April Medrano, son Jason Medrano, parents Luis and Juanita Medrano, brothers Clarence and Louis Medrano, and sister-in-law Karel Medrano.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Dec. 1, 2017 at 11 a.m., at the Grantsville City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dalton Hoopes Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Online memories and condolences may be shared at daltonhoopes.com.