John Louis Holmberg

Born on December 10, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, John grew up on Sherren Street in Roseville with his parents, Kermit and Anna, and his younger brother, David. Sherren Street held a truly special place in his heart—it was where he built a lifetime of cherished memories and forged lifelong friendships with his childhood buddies, Dale, John, and Wayne. After graduating from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1963, John attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

Knowing his draft number was approaching, John decided to take control of his own path. Upon learning his draft notice was waiting in his mailbox, he walked straight to the Air Force Recruiting Office and was sworn in on the spot. He completed basic training in Texas, attended Officer Training School, and was assigned to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in late 1971.

It was at Eglin AFB in the summer of 1973 that John met the love of his life, Jackie, who had just started working in his office. Shortly after meeting, John was reassigned to the NASA Ames Research Center through a joint Air Force exchange program. Love moved fast, and in June 1974, John and Jackie were married in her hometown of Ferriday, Louisiana.

After a brief assignment at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio—where they welcomed their son, Matthew, in 1977—NASA approached John in 1978 with a civilian offer to return to Ames Research Center as a Wind Tunnel Test Engineer. The family settled in San Jose, California, welcomed their daughter, Ashley, in 1980, and built a home full of warmth on a corner lot where they would live for decades. John served proudly in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years, reaching the rank of Captain, and dedicated 38 years to NASA before retiring in 2016. Following his retirement, John and Jackie moved to Chandler, Arizona, to enjoy their golden years together.

John was a man of quiet strength, incredible patience, and endless generosity. He was deeply active in his church community in Milpitas, California, serving as a Deacon, Vice Moderator, Head Usher, and small group facilitator. Whether he was leading Saturday morning work crews, volunteering at the local homeless shelter, or building homes with Rebuilding Together, John made a point of always being available to lend a hand to anyone in need.

He had a lifelong passion for sports and staying active. John grew up skiing and ice fishing in Minnesota, played on church softball and volleyball teams, served as a local Cub Scout leader for Matt, and coached and refereed youth soccer for Ashley for many years. At home, he was always keeping busy—working in the garage, tending to the yard, or curling up with a good James Michener novel. Above all, he loved being a dad, famously helping both of his kids win their science fairs by building working mini wind tunnels with them.

John was preceded in death by his father, Kermit Holmberg; his mother, Anna Holmberg; and his brother, David Holmberg.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jackie; his son, Matt Holmberg, his wife, Tami, and their daughter, Autumn; and his daughter, Ashley Holmberg, and her husband, Paul Bomongcag.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in Arizona this fall, with the specific date and details to be shared with family and friends once finalized.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Aries, Harvey, Kris, and the entire staff at Class Act Assisted Living Home in Mesa, as well as the Ascension Hospice team, for the extraordinary care, respect, and compassion shown to John in his final days.