John Henry Von Tress Jr., 88, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away at home on December 22, 2023. John was born on March 15, 1935, in Santa Rita, to Alice and John Henry Von Tress Sr.

As a child, he loved to ride the wild donkeys around Santa Rita with his friends. The family moved to what became the family farm on the Mimbres River. He worked construction as a young man and returned to the farm to raise his children and care for his sister, Mary Alice, after the death of their mother. John and his family farmed and delivered hay, equipment, and supplies to ranchers and businesses throughout the western states. John and his wife, Louise, sold the family farm in 2006 and moved to Las Cruces to enjoy retirement.

Many of John’s friends were blessed to share stories and see photos from his “Ugly Book”, a book of his adventures and the interesting characters he met along the way. John embraced life with a sense of humor and dedication to those he loved. Family remembers truck rides working with him, his beloved dog (Peggy Sue) riding in front of him on his four-wheeler, shooting and reloading, listening to Johnny Cash on repeat, capturing life stories from people he admired with a camcorder, after dinner coffee, and a cheerful whistle that followed him wherever he went. 

John’s unwavering faith in God was the cornerstone of his life. His kindness, generosity, and compassion were an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, unwavering faith, sense of humor, love for his family, and commitment to serving God.

John is survived by his wife, Louise (Dingman) Von Tress, of 57 years, his children: Gaylene (BJ) Agnew of Gila, NM; Larry (Charity) Von Tress of Pie Town, NM; and Dan (Tunelle) Von Tress of Safford, AZ. He was known as “Granddaddy” to his grandchildren: Rebecca (Fabian Beltran) Agnew, Jennifer (Neil) Kaspar, Esperanza Reyes, Lynette Von Tress, Wyatt Von Tress, Josh Agnew, Garrett Von Tress, Wesley Von Tress, and great granddaughter Gracie Clark. He is also survived by his sisters Elaine Justus of Albuquerque and Clella Kubiak of Friendswood, TX, and his numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alice (Smith) Von Tress, his brother William (Sonny) Von Tress and his sisters: Bea Gates, Margaret Collins, Sarah (Tincey) Cargile, and Mary Alice Von Tress.

A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 11:00am at Memory Lane Cemetery, with Larry Von Tress officiating. 

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .