John Michael Flerchinger, 92 yrs. young, a longtime resident of St. Maries, Idaho passed away peacefully at his home April 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving devoted family.     

John Jr., was born August 31, 1933, in Winchester, Idaho, to John Sr. and R. Everta Flerchinger.  Shortly after, the family moved to a ranch on Harris Ridge above Kooskia, Idaho.  The ranch is still owned today by his younger brother Eddie. 

The family grew up going to a small one room grade school that they walked to and from until they became high school age.  He graduated from Kooskia High School with the class of 1951. 

Shortly after graduation John answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He served stateside in San Diego, California and Corpus Christi, Texas, and completed extra training in Florida and Tennessee.  John proudly dedicated four years of active duty and four years of inactive service. 

In 1954, John married his brown-eyed high school sweetheart, Ruby V. Fairhurst in Grangeville Idaho--a love story that began in younger years and carried throughout their lives together until the passing of his beloved Ruby in 2021.

Following his honorable discharge in November 1955, John moved his wife and new family back up into the Northwest where he began building what would become a lifelong career marked by hard work, determination, and skill.

John started his civilian life in Orofino, Idaho, working for Roy Miles Body and Fender. Later he managed the body shop at Portfors-Johnson Ford. And in 1969, John fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening his own business, John's Auto Body.  After selling his business in 1977, he began a career with Farmers Insurance as an automotive adjuster, relocating Ruby to Rathdrum.

Later, John worked with Fairmont Memorial Gardens before relocating and making their home in St. Maries.  There he worked alongside his son at Chase Chevrolet and eventually established Two Rivers Glass which he operated until his retirement in 1997.

John was truly a jack of all trades. He enjoyed getting his hands dirty and feeling tired at the end of the day.  He loved spending time in his garage, working on old cars, restoring old houses including their retirement home in St. Maries.  He enjoyed woodworking and left his handiwork with two local churches, St. Maries and Fairfield SDA churches. He also made his grandchildren little tables and chairs and  trucks. The great grandchildren and other church children received gifts of handmade roadsters. A showing of his generous heart.  He cherished time outdoors, especially fishing on the Salmon and Clearwater Rivers. He was a steward of his garden and yard.  He grew and harvested fruits, vegetables, and nuts sharing his bounties with neighbors, family, and friends.

Above all, John will be remembered as a man of faith, a devoted and loving father, a hardworking provider, and a loyal friend.  His steady presence, kind nature, and willingness to lend a helping hand left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his children: Debra and Rod Burger of Four Lakes, Washington, Michael and Sharon Flerchinger of Royal City, Washington, Jack and Morleen Flerchinger of Stites, Idaho, Sandra Flerchinger of St. Maries, Idaho; and Steven and Alex Flerchinger of St. Maries, Idaho; his brother Gerald "Eddie" Flerchinger of Kooskia, Idaho; sister-in-law Gail Lyons of Stites, Idaho; 18 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Phyllis Laine, Rex Flerchinger, and Maxine Hemphill, and his beloved wife Ruby.

At John's request no formal services will be held locally.  He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Ruby, in Lewiston Idaho.