John Joseph Gierek, Sr. was called home by the Lord on March 16, 2026. John joins his parents, Michael and Gertrude Gierek, as well as his siblings Michael Gierek, Helen Scuri, Mary Hoffman and Paul Gierek.

John was a lifelong resident of Eureka, born on February 4, 1935. He attended Nazareth Academy and Eureka High School. Upon graduation, he went to work at Hammond Lumber Company until he was drafted by the US Army and was deployed to serve in Germany. After his return, he became a journeyman carpenter and married our mom, Joyce Evenson. They enjoyed 63 happy years together.

John managed Humboldt Moving & Storage after his brother’s death and worked there until his retirement. John loved his community. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka and served on numerous local boards – including the American Cancer Society and the St. Joseph Hospital Board of Trustees and Foundation.

When John saw a need in the community he always strived to lend his assistance and help. He was instrumental in the creation of the Evergreen Lodge, which was created to help house patients who had to travel to Eureka to undergo cancer treatments at St. Joseph Hospital.

John’s sense of humor and cheerful smile were contagious and will always be remembered. John loved to garden and was always happy spending time in his shop woodworking. He built his family’s home as well as numerous pieces of furniture and toys for family children.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Gierek, as well as his children John (Heather) and Laurie (Chris); grandchildren Caitlin (Mike), Alex (Nathan), Jonathan (Nicole), Lane (Emily), Elizabeth, Lucas, Catherine and Natalie; and great-grandchildren Mary Gwen, Graham, and Hattie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at St. Joseph Hospital for their outstanding and compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph Church in Eureka on April 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Evergreen Lodge Fund at Humboldt Area Foundation, or to the charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of John Gierek Sr.’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.