John August Lindbeck born in Portland to Katie and Anson Lindbeck November 5, 1918. He attended Salem High School and Willamette University prior to his appointment into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. John was a member of the class of 1942 which was pushed forward to graduate in 1941, 14 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After becoming an officer with a degree in Electrical Engineering he went on to serve aboard the U.S.S. Rogers, Rich, Raleigh, Monro, Navasota and the Springfield. His tours of duty included the South Pacific, Europe, Asia, Seal Beach and San Francisco.

John married Carolyn May Brady of Salem in 1955 and began their family with two daughters Mary Kate and Carolyn Ann. The family enjoyed many years of adventure and travel following John wherever he was stationed overseas. John worked to achieve the rank of Captain and after 27 years of service, retired.

After the Navy, John worked at Willamette University as their Business Manager for 10 years. At the same time, he was also helping his wife Carolyn harvest many a “perfect” peach, apple, prune and berry for the U-pickers of Salem. While farming, he was also working to remodel their 150 year old farm house.

A real craftsman, John enjoyed woodworking, designing and building many of the pieces of furniture in their home wherever they lived.

When John was in high school his interest in magic led him to become a card-carrying member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He performed on the stage of the Elsinore Theater as a magician and ventriloquist with the Mickey Mouse Club of Salem. He also performed at private parties as a way to support himself through school.

He loved fly fishing, drift boating, hiking, and camping. He was an original member of the Old Coots Coffee Club, that gathers to comment on and solve the world’s problems. He served on the vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. John’s sense of humor was fearless and always present.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Carolyn Brady Lindbeck, his brother Albert Lindbeck, children Mary Kate Lindbeck and Carolyn Ann Wulff, husband Steve Wulff, and grandchildren Lauren, Lindsay and Collin Wulff.