Survived by his wife Susan of Joshua Tree, CA, his children Erich, Katrina, step-children Ashley, Brett and Caresse Gardner, his mother Margaret Fedorka, and former wife Victoria. Also survived by his sisters and brother Linda Keaford, Mary Painter, Dolores Bader, Magi Fedorka, Renda Walker, Shirley McDonald, and George Fedorka. Deceased brother Tom Fedorka. Also survived by sisters-in-law Renee Fedorka, Donna Fedorka, Sherry Hudson, brothers-in-law Leonard Bader, Frank Walker, Bob McDonald nieces and nephews Victor, Arthur, Theodore, Charles, Juliana, Evan, Jessica, Jaqulin, Jacob, Shawn, Brian, Leslie, Megan, Alicia, Andrew, James and Jesse.

About John 

John was friendly and had many friends. He was energetic and ambitious. He went to college in Riverside for Heating and Air-Conditioning and worked in this field for some years before moving to and enjoying desert life. He loved working outdoors and had a landscaping business for a time. From his youth he was a Ham Radio Enthusiast and had a 30’ antenna in his garage. He traveled as a truck driver, on a ship and with family to Hawaii, Europe and other places including Chicago for Granma Devaney’s memorial.

One vacation out on a catamaran, John jumped in the water and stayed so long, they called him on the bullhorn to get him back onboard. He shared a vacation with his new stepdaughter and bought her a dog to help her through some tough times. John enjoyed his dog Lily. He cherished his large family and made a point of giving counsel to younger siblings when he thought it could help. He often spoke fondly of cousins, aunts and relatives. His children were his pride.

Childhood & Early Adult Years

John was an adventurous child, even wandering off to be returned home by police. He was affectionate too, letting his mom know that he needed her. John was the Marble Champ in elementary school and charmed the girls at school. As a youth he played little league baseball, participated in boxing, loved swimming, learned to shoot a BB gun and then a 22 rifle. John insisted that Levi jeans were required and had long hair for years. He was always on the go with his shoeshine business, go-carts, moped, motorcycles and trucks and gave a few wild rides which will never be forgotten. 

On the family farm with his brothers and sisters, John milked the cow, fed the pigs, chopped wood and was even the point person for shooting the pig at butchering time. He played pool for hours with his older brother, Tom and together with his siblings, basketball and ping pong as well. As a teenager, John converted a small backyard shed into a CB station and talked to new friends all over the country. Teachers vividly remembered John and spoke fondly of him to his younger siblings. With his quick mind he graduated at the top of his class and a semester early. His dad was so proud! He moved on to work at Turner Construction, then Kaiser Steel Mill and bought his first home in Fontana.

End of Life

In his last days and weeks, friends and family visited and phoned to encourage him, to show their love and appreciation to him and to pray with him. Lifelong friend, Sherri Morrison, visited with him and helped “John Boy” enter eternity with peace and faith in Christ. His wife Suzie said that he smiled in his last moments. Deacon Victor Gonzales from St. Elizabeth’s of Desert Hot Springs gave him his last rites.