John R Mrak

John was born on July 29, 1936, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the son of John F. and Mary Mrak. He had two older sisters, Rosemary Strojek and Frances “Marge” Lowseth. He graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1954. He attended the University of Colorado for three years and then entered the United States Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base on January 22, 1960. He was assigned to several different bases in the U.S. and Asia where he participated in refueling missions during the Vietnam War as part of his tour of duty.

He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1973 after serving in the reserves for several years. He began flying with Western Airlines in 1969 and continued with Delta Airlines until his retirement in 1996 after 27 years of service. He loved flying and could not have imagined any other career as fulfilling.

In July of 1964 he married the love of his life, Judy, and they had two wonderful daughters, Janel and Joni. He was a longtime resident of Thousand Oaks after moving here in 1970 with his family. John enjoyed traveling, cooking, reading, designing and building projects and socializing with people. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

John is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Janel Downes and Joni Berg; sons-in law, Nathaniel Downes and Russell Berg; grandchildren, Julia and Cameron Downes and Sarah, Thomas and Christopher Berg; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church in Thousand Oaks on Thursday, October 20, at 10:30 a.m. followed by graveside services at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park.