John J. Jendryka Jr. passed away at home December 21, 2021, after battling cancer for many years. He was surrounded by his loved ones. He was born November 1, 1937, to John and Angeline Jendryka in Goodman, Wisconsin. The family settled in Napavine, Washington, when he was an infant. During WWII the family moved to Vancouver, Washington, while his father worked in the shipyard. After the war they returned to Napavine where he attended grade school at Jackson Prairie and then St. Mary’s Academy in Toledo. He attended W.F. West High School, graduating in 1955. He was a member of the FFA. During high school he began working in the logging industry, which he continued for the rest of his career. He and his brother, Ray, owned Jendryka Brothers Logging. John drove his log truck, “Spot,” until he retired in 2005 when his first battle with cancer began. In addition to his logging career, John served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1954 to 1962. In 1966, John was married and had four children. John had strong faith and was a lifelong Catholic. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus from early adulthood through the rest of his life. After retirement John enjoyed clam digging, camping, mushroom hunting, huckleberry picking, and fishing with his companion of over 30 years, Betty Breidel. He also loved wood working and made several pieces that we will always cherish. In addition to Betty, John is survived by three children; Amy Jendryka, Cindy Jendryka-Wirkkala (Tony), and Mark Jendryka; grandchildren, Rhianon Hull, Zachary Wirkkala, Benjamin Wirkkala, Topher Jendryka, Matthew Jendryka, Johnathan Jendryka, Katelynn Jendryka, and Elysia Jendryka; great-grandchildren, Ashton, Aubree, and Aydan Ives; sister, Angeline Hall, brother, Stanley (Kathy) Jendryka; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Anna Zigler, brother, Raymond Jendryka, and his infant daughter, Jill Ann Jendryka. A Rosary service will be held Thursday, January 6, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Francis Xavier Mission in Toledo, Washington. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 7, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Mission in Toledo. A graveside service and reception will follow.
