John Christian Bietsch, 33, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 10, 2019, surrounded by his loving parents, Vicki and Tom Bietsch.

John was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, and from the start, he faced challenges with determination and resilience. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age, he refused to let it define him. He tackled life with a gracious heart, unwavering perseverance, and a passion for sports, and later a passion for learning.

John shared an unbreakable bond with his older brother, Tom, who came to live with the family when John was just six months old. Despite their 12-year age gap, they became inseparable. John would often crawl into Tom’s bed, and though Tom would playfully complain, he cherished their deep friendship. Together, they formed a lifelong brotherhood filled with brotherly love, laughter, and unwavering support.

John’s love for sports was evident early on. His father and brother spent weeks teaching him how to dribble a basketball, a skill that did not come easily due to his condition. One early morning, everything clicked—John dribbled and moved with confidence. Overjoyed, his father called Tom, and they spent hours celebrating his newfound skill. That perseverance led him to join the Special Olympics basketball team at 13, where he eventually became the team’s point guard. John’s energy and skill helped lead his team to many playoff runs, earning him recognition as a basketball hero.

Academically, John faced hurdles in reading and math, but with dedication and support, he thrived. Summers at Kumon helped him gain confidence in his studies, and when a foreign language requirement threatened to block his high school diploma, his mother, Vicki, found a way. She petitioned for him to take an American Sign Language course at Diablo Community College, which he successfully completed—allowing him to earn his high school diploma from San Ramon Valley High School.

The highlight of John’s high school years was serving as the Varsity Football Equipment Manager for all four years. Introduced to the role by his junior high PE teacher—who also coached the high school team—John embraced it with unmatched enthusiasm. He attended every practice and every Friday night game, earning the admiration and respect of his teammates. His Letterman Jacket was his greatest source of pride, a symbol of his dedication and the love he received from his classmates.

After high school, John explored different career paths. He became a licensed Pharmacy Technician but struggled to find an opportunity to practice in the field. A close friend, John Fett, helped him secure a job at Walgreens, but he was never given the chance to advance. Still, John never stopped striving.

As Uncle John, he was deeply cherished by his nephews—Tom and Bianca’s four boys in Texas. They proudly celebrated him with his favorite T-shirt that read: “This is what an awesome Uncle John looks like.” John and Bianca shared a special bond, spending time together shopping, tackling chores, and, most of all, simply enjoying each other’s company. Their relationship was built on mutual love, mutual respect, trust, and unwavering kindness. We were incredibly proud of the man John had become and the love he shared with his family.

John was 7 and Tom was 19 when we started attending the annual Father-Son Fishing Trips in Leavitt Meadows, located in the mountainous area of the high Sierras at 7,500 feet. We attended for 20 years, hiking, fishing, and sharing time with other dads and their sons. The first year, we carried John on many of the hikes. It didn't take many years before we could not keep up with him. John loved the outdoors, hiking, and fishing with his friends he saw each year. He caught his first fish on the Walker River and then loved finding good fishing holes throughout the high country. Being with his friends was his biggest joy. John was a generous and kind boy, and as he grew older, he would teach the younger boys to hike and fish.

In his late twenties, he found a true passion—water conservation. A family friend, Brian Schumacker, the superintendent of a large wastewater treatment plant, became his mentor and guided him toward becoming a Wastewater Plant Operator. John enrolled in Sierra College’s Water and Wastewater program, worked through the coursework, and even spent time visiting water plants with his father to understand real-world operations. He was on the verge of obtaining his certification, excited to begin a career in protecting and sustaining water resources—a cause close to his heart. We were so proud of his dedication and perseverance in pursuing this meaningful career.

During this time, John worked several jobs, most recently unloading trucks at RC Willey. Tragically, it was during this period that doctors discovered a cancerous mass in his chest. Within days of the diagnosis, John passed away, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and determination.

John came from a Navy family and once aspired to join the Navy himself, though he did not pass the entrance exams. Still, he carried the spirit of service and dedication throughout his life. Given his passion for water conservation and sustainability, it felt only right for John to be laid to rest at Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve in the Valhalla Veterans Section, next to his mother, Vicki. The location could not be more fitting for John—a man who loved fishing, hiking in the high country, and protecting the environment.

John was more than his challenges; he was a man of grace, perseverance, and unwavering kindness. He overcame obstacles that would have stopped many and never let his hardships define him. He was a mentor, a teammate, a brother, and a son who deeply loved his family and friends. We could not be prouder of his accomplishments and the incredible man he became.

John was a good man.

We love you, John.