John Arthur Holmgren
February 01, 1949 - May
John Holmgren, a lifelong Californian and longtime resident of Upland, went home to the Lord and was reunited with his wife, Kathy on May 25, 2026.
Born in Long Beach, California, in 1949 to Carl and Hilda Holmgren, John spent his early years there before moving to Corona, where he graduated from high school.
John went on to apprentice as a mold maker and became a respected craftsman in the tool, die, and mold-making industry. His passion for the trade never faded, and he continued working part-time well into his seventies simply because he loved it.
He met Kathy, the love of his life while taking vocational courses at Mount San Antonio Community College. They married in 1971 and built a life together in Upland, where they raised their four children: Jacob, Phillip, Sarah, and Julie.
John was a loving husband and amazing father who lived his faith, valued precision, had an impeccable work ethic, and was kind but tough with a core of steel. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren whether they came to him, or he was able to travel to them locally or across the country. He was always mechanically gifted and had a lifelong love of hot rods, especially Mopars, and enjoyed spending countless hours tinkering in the garage —there wasn’t much around he could not figure out how to fix. He also loved road trips and family vacations, particularly exploring the beauty of Joshua Tree and Giant Rock. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling parts of the world with his beloved cousin, Thom Johnson, and enjoyed reminiscing about their adventures.
He remained a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church throughout his life. He served actively in the church until he was unable to attend in person. He took great pride in seeing all four of his children complete their Confirmation there where his positive influence and presence will always be felt.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy, who was lost to us far too soon to cancer in 2006; his parents, Carl and Hilda; his brother, Carl Edward; and his sisters, Martha Howard and Camille Branch.
John is survived by his children, Jacob Holmgren, Phillip Holmgren, Sarah Holmgren-Casillas, and Julie Holmgren.
He will also be missed by his six grandchildren Sean, Ian, Ryan, Wesson, Wynter and Cora. He leaves his sisters-in-law, who loved him as a brother; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Upland, with Pastor Thom Johnson, John's cousin, officiating. A Celebration of Life reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in John's memory to support Parkinson's research through The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
