John F. Neilssen passed away peacefully at his home in Satsop, Washington, Sunday morning, October 15th, 2017 while surrounded by his loved ones. He was born July 6th, 1950 to Robert and Elsie Neilssen in Olympia, Washington. 

John grew up in Satsop, Washington and attended Elma High School. After graduating high school, John began working in the logging industry for many different logging contractors and absolutely loved his work. He enjoyed it so much that he participated in the Loggers Playday Parade in Hoquiam, Washington for many years. He married his loving wife, Janet Neilssen at age 21 and they built a house together on his parents' property in Satsop to raise a family. There, they had 3 children: Melissa, Jacob, and James. John worked in the logging industry until 1987, when he decided to pursue a career as an electrician as the logging industry was disappearing. He worked as an electrician until 2007, when he retired after 20 fulfilling years. John was always an extremely kind and happy person and was rarely seen without a vibrant smile on his face. Anyone that knew him knew that he was always chipper.

John was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting with his brother, Gail Neilssen, and cousins. He loved to fish on the Satsop River for Steelhead and Salmon and also loved to go saltwater charter fishing near Westport, Washington. His favorite time of year was when the family would take trips to Alaska and Canada to go on guided hunting or fishing trips together. John was also a lifelong musician, playing the guitar, violin, and cello and loved to entertain his grandchildren by playing music for them. 

John is survived by his wife, Janet Neilssen; his brother, Gail Neilssen; his children, Melissa Neilssen, Jacob Neilssen, and James Neilssen; his grandchildren, Hannah Foshaug, Caleb Foshaug, Tanner Foshaug, Jason Neilssen, Tyler Neilssen, Sarah Neilssen, and Hunter Neilssen; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a private memorial service held for family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later time. Any donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.