John Lindstrom

After one last adventure to visit his ND family and Yellowstone park. John returned to Palisade and died at home July 5, 2016 after a 6 year battle with cancer. He was born to Gloria and LaVerne Lindstrom, May 6, 1949. He and brothers Cary and Galen were raised by their Grandmother Helen Johnson until their teens and then by their aunt Lois Billehus with the help of uncles and aunts.

After graduating from Minot High School, John found his wings and traveled from San Diego to Rancho de Taos, New Mexico, eventually setting in Denver. Here he pursued leather craft and became certified as a forestry technician at Red Rocks Community College. He later earned an AS degree in Computer Science from Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA.

John's adventurous spirit led him to Colorado's high country where he met the love of his life, Charlene Weider, while working as a cook at the Hand Hotel in Fairplay, CO. They soon discovered the bounty of Palisade where John was embraced by Charlene's family. They married August 28, 1976.

John found work at the Museum of Western Colorado which led to a career in archaeology. He continued working in this field off and on until 2012. In 2016 he was awarded the Museums of Western Colorado's Heritage Award for Archaeology to honor his dedication.

John's lifelong artistic nature led to creations of leather work, antler art, photography, and rock art reproductions. He also loved Native American culture and the history of the West. He led incredibly informative walking tours for the Palisade Historical Society. Music delighted and inspired him! He taught himself to play guitar and ukulele and he especially loved cowboy songs and their lore.

Their Palisade life led to building a home, planting peach trees, raising llamas, growing dahlias and cultivating friendships. He was a Mesa County fair board member from 1997 to 2002. He and Charlene ran the Palisade Cafe from 2000 to 2009. His last pursuit was working at the Ace Hardware store in Palisade where he befriended even more of his community.

John is survived by his wife Charlene Weidner of Palisade; brother Cary (Laurel) Lindstrom of Reno, NV; nephews Justin Hanson (Minot, ND), Matt Lindstrom (Denver, CO), Eric Lindstrom (Canby, OR), Cody Lindstrom (Reno, NV); aunts Lois Billehus (Minot ND) and Mona Johnson (Minot ND); and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Galen.

John will be remembered as one of the most beloved characters in Palisade

A memorial service will be held for John at 3:30 pm on Sunday, July 17 at Maison La Belle Vie Winery located at 3575 G Road, Palisade, CO. 81526.