John Jerauld Muckler, 89

John Jerauld Muckler died in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Oct. 19, 2023.

He was born Dec. 15, 1933, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to parents Raymond and Elsie (Rozum) Muckler. He spent his boyhood in Humboldt, S.D., where the love and support of his family and the citizens of Humboldt gave him a solid foundation, the memories of which he fondly carried with him throughout his life. In the tradition of his uncle Charlie Rozum, his uncle Leo Rozum, and his Purple Heart-recipient uncle, Tom Rozum, John went on to enlist in the military, serving in Navy communications/intelligence. He was stationed in Guam and Germany during his service. 

After his honorable discharge, John went on to attend Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D., graduating with a degree in engineering. He married Viola “Vi” Clare Mihin in 1959 and began work for North American Rockwell in Los Angeles. During his tenure there, he was promoted into their strategic defense group, where John regularly presented his and his team’s designs to the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. These designs were then put into use in defense of our country and are still in use today. In 1974, he and Vi decided to put the defense industry behind them and moved their family to Sandpoint. 

John owned Coast to Coast Hardware in Sandpoint from 1974 to 1995, which he, Vi, and the family operated. He also served in various civic groups, including the Sandpoint Lions Club, of which he was elected club president. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing, sports which he began as a boy in Humboldt and continued to enjoy in Idaho. 

John’s passing is a great loss for his family and many friends, who miss him dearly.  His ashes will be interred at Pinecrest Cemetery in Sandpoint.  

Family and friends are invited to sign John’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.