John Howard Vachal, 82, left his earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 31st, 2025 while surrounded by his devoted wife, Elaine of 60 years, his children, and loving family.

John Howard Vachal was born February 24, 1943 to Louis and Cecile (Butterfield) Vachal in Minot, North Dakota. He is the oldest of 4 siblings; Barbara, Stewart, and Ginny. He graduated from Stanley High School in 1962 and then attended MSU prior to North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton where he graduated.

He married Elaine (Barstad) on August 20, 1965 and had three children, Curtis, Shawn, and Julie. John spent much of his life working hard even into his 70’s at the Vachal Telecommunications company he owned and started with his wife. As well as farming and ranching the Pearl Valley that was founded in 1906 by his Grandfather and Grandmother, Peter and Barbara Vachal. He grew up there and was fortunate enough to raise his children and pass peacefully in that home.

John was an avid hunter of many game big and small. From gophers to moose and found much joy passing this passion to his children and grandchildren. He found joy spearfishing with his friend George Berger every birthday. Picking rocks with his grandchildren and teaching them to waltz and polka. Spending time with his beloved hunting dogs was some of his most cherished hobbies. John enjoyed making friends everywhere he went, talking to anyone that would listen to him. He found it easy to make friends with his quick wit and entertaining humor. John loved to say things just to get a reaction out of people. John was proud to be Bohemian and proud to show off the Vachal Bohemian nose. John will be remembered by all of his great attributes, his daily pot of coffee, and by some of his famous sayings. “Talk is cheap, it takes money to buy whiskey” and “Penny for your thoughts”.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Cecile and Louis Vachal; great-granddaughter, Chloe Vachal; and longtime friends, Jack and Judy Cvancara, Jerry Dobrovolny, and George Chambers.

He will be loved and missed by many including his wife, Elaine; children, Curtis (Lynnette) Vachal, Shawn (Kim) Vachal, and Julie (Vachal) Okeson; grandchildren, Beau (Kim) Vachal, Cassandra (Phil) Petz, Austin (Abi) Vachal, Sydney (Carl) Ritzschke, Jayden (Jalen) Okeson, Danae (Michael) Gunderson, Josh Vachal, and Katarina Vachal; and great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Jaxson (Dustie), Sophie, and Brooklyn Vachal, Cooper Petz, Kyler, Chandler, and Dekker Vachal, Jameson and Hadley Gunderson; siblings, Barbara (Lee) Naugle, Virgina (Rex) Herring, and Stewart (Carol) Vachal; as well as many other loved ones.

Thank You