Final Salute

John Richard Holwege III, 82, of Longview, Washington, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, in the loving home of his daughter, AngelaJean, with his son, John, by his side. During his final days, his children cared for him, surrounded him with family and love, kept him comfortable, and, most importantly, made sure he was never alone.

John was a lifelong resident of Longview and a man whose presence was hard to miss. He was big, rugged and tough, with a booming voice and an appreciation for a good, strong handshake. He could certainly be intimidating when you first met him, but beneath that tough exterior was a teddy bear known well by those fortunate enough to see that side of him.

John proudly served seven years in the United States Navy in the Seabee battalion, with 3 years deployed in support of the war in Vietnam. Following his military service, he spent the majority of his working life building bridges with Hamilton Construction. He was a man who knew how to work with his hands and took pride in building things that lasted.

The outdoors was where John was most at home. He loved hunting and fishing, and he especially treasured time spent hunting with his niece, Tania, and nephew, Buddy, along with the many friends and family members who shared those experiences with him over the years. He loved boats-not only being around them, but building them. He enjoyed taking care of his lawn, working on projects, tying flies, and simply creating things with his own two hands.

And John really loved fish-not just catching them, but eating them, too.

John lived life on his own terms. He was fiercely independent, strong-willed and unmistakably himself. He was the kind of man whose voice filled a room, whose handshake meant something, and whose presence wasn’t easily forgotten.

John shared many years with his wife, Barbara Jean Holwege, whom he married around 1996 and lost in 2021. He was also preceded in death by his parents, John Richard “Jack” Holwege Jr and Florence Elsie Grazier Holwege, and his sisters, Carol, and twins Katherine and Kathleen.

He leaves behind his daughter, AngelaJean Maroni; his son, John Richard Holwege IV; his stepdaughters, Traci Jacobs and Terri Bradley; his grandchildren, Kaydence, Kolton, Chance, Jayden, Rowen, Lailen, Destiny, and Sierra; and 11 great-grandchildren, nephew Buddy Sherman and niece Tania Webb. He also leaves behind extended family, friends, hunting and fishing companions, and others whose lives crossed paths with his during his 82 years.

There was something especially beautiful about the night John left this world. As his children remained beside him, the moon was entering a lunar eclipse. Eclipses have long been seen as symbols of transition-the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another-and for his family, the timing felt especially meaningful.

As the shadow moved across the moon, John’s own long journey came to its end. He was at home, cared for, comfortable, surrounded by family, and never alone.

For a man who lived such a big, rugged life, there was something remarkably peaceful about the way he left it.

John will receive military honors at Willamette National Cemetery on October 9, 2026, where his service to his country will be recognized and he will be laid to rest with the dignity and honor he earned.
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