John Charles Hrdina went to be with the Lord, dying peacefully at home on May 31, 2021. He was 88 years old at the time of his passing. John, or

“Johnny,” as he was called by those who knew him best, was born on October 14, 1932 to John and Marie Hrdina. Johnny spent most of his time growing up here in Humboldt County. He met the love of his life Marlene while she was working at the old Rialto Theatre in Eureka. They were married in July 1955 and were married for 65 years until Marlene’s passing just this last February. Johnny was fully devoted to Marlene for all of those 65 years.  They had three children (Rick, Dennis, & Cindy), who they raised here in Humboldt County. 

Johnny worked as a millworker in Humboldt County from about the age of 20 until his retirement at the age of 62 in 1994. He spent most of his years working at Georgia Pacific and then later at Louisiana Pacific. In more recent years, Johnny volunteered with Marlene as greeters on Sunday mornings at Faith Center Church in Eureka. Johnny and Marlene also enjoyed attending the Prime Timers group at Faith Center. 

Johnny loved having a good laugh, and it would not be unusual for him to bellow out his train whistle, then sing out Johnny Cash’s “I Hear the Train a Coming” in a deep voice. Johnny was also known for busting out some of those dance moves from his younger days while at family gatherings. He really enjoyed visiting and having fun with his grandchildren. He always accepted people as they were and engaged in conversation with enthusiasm. He was a humble and kind man.

Johnny is survived by his son Rick Hrdina and wife Bonnie; son Dennis Hrdina and wife Kay; son-in-law Kurt Harpe; and brother-in-law Carl England.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Rebekah Kencke, Laurie Hrdina Shepherd, Jennifer Hrdina Mathieson, Rachel Hrdina, Michelle Buckingham, Audry Hrdina, Stacia Harpe, Zach Harpe, Lisa Harpe, and Julie Harpe as well as 17 great-grandchildren & numerous nieces and nephews.

Johnny is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marlene Lois Hrdina; his parents, John Hrdina & Marie Hrdina; brother Anthony Prudek; brother-in-law Albert England; brother-in-law Clinton England and his wife, Gloria England; sister-in-law Loretta England; sister-in-law Wilma Nevers and her husband Frank Nevers. He was also preceded in death by his beloved and precious daughter who he adored, Cynthia Harpe (Cindy). 

A special thanks and deepest gratitude to the staff at Redwood Coast Pace as well as Visiting Angels who faithfully provided in-home health care for Dad.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3, 4

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Johnny Hrdina’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.