John Walerius

John Richard Walerius left this world on October 14, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Kathleen (Borman) Walerius and Raymond John Walerius, foster brother Michael Veblin and sister in law Barb Veblin.

John leaves his wife Linda (Springstead) Walerius, sister Luanne Swanson and her daughter Shawna Marcial, brothers in law Perry Springstead (Suzi), William Springstead and sister in law Deborah Springstead Ford (William), numerous nieces and nephews, Jason Springstead, Lake Springstead (Andrea), Jesse Baxter (Justin), Morgan Ford (Amber), Jordan Ford (Julia), Nicholas Springstead and Laurel Springstead (Ben), and grand nieces and nephews, Addison Baxter, Cooper Baxter, Hailey Baxter, River Ford, Gabriel Ford, Ash Ford, Wilder Ford, Hayden Springstead and Maxton Springstead.

John grew up in Coon Rapids, Minnesota and graduated from Anoka Senior High School. He studied printing and was always an avid car enthusiast, mechanic and drag racer at Minnesota Dragways. His passion for cars lead him into car mechanics and later automotive sales and management. Until his death he continued to enjoy his love for cars by attending car shows and auctions in Gilbert and Scottsdale.

John and Linda married in Minnesota in 1967 and later moved to Arizona in 1974 where he worked at Courtesy Chevrolet, Brown and Brown, and Honda Cars of Mesa. They lived in Gilbert, Arizona until his passing.

A celebration of John’s life is planned for Saturday December 13, 2025 1:00 PM at their home in Gilbert. For more info: azdford88@gmail.com