John Bielenberg September 2, 1967 –November25, 2020

John Bielenberg, 53,of Salem,Oregon, died in a motor vehicle accident on Wednesday, November 25, 2020.John was born in Silverton, Oregon, September 2, 1967, the youngest of 10 siblings. He was raised on a small farm in the hills above the tiny community of Scotts Mills, where he attended school through the eighth grade, and went on to attend Silverton Union High School, graduating in 1985.

He was an accomplished student and athlete. John achieved All State Honors in both football and Wrestling. He was on the Oregon Wrestling Cultural Exchange team to Germany as a Junior in 1984 and won the 4-A State Wrestling Championships for the 275 weight-class in 1985. He earned a scholarship to wrestle at Oregon State University where he placed 4th in the 1986 PAC 12 Wrestling Tournament as a freshman.

John went on to explore several careers and worked as a baker, a butcher, and construction contractor. He started his own business, Missouri Ridge Construction, with a specialty in foundations and framing, and built his own home in Stayton. He also helped coach the Silverton Wrestling Team 2000-2002.John was considered extremely bright and his bubbly personality with infectious smile made him liked by all he encountered.He was a big man with a big and giving heart. He will be fondly remembered for his amazing baked goods and signature sweet rolls and biscuits and for the holidays.

John married Cassandra Osborn in 2004. John is survived by daughter, Emily Bielenberg, 15, of South Carolina, plus his nine siblings: Beverly Currier (Richard) of Beaverton, OR, Laura Anderson (Paul) of Silverton, OR, Thomas Bielenberg (Carol) of Scotts Mills, OR, Larry Bielenberg (Vicki) of Millersburg, OR, Kathy Currie (Jim) of Canby, OR, Jan Van Rossen (Pete) of Port Angeles, WA, Chris Bielenberg (Pam) of Albany, OR, Steve Bielenberg (Cherie) of Mt. Angel, OR, and Carrie Flickinger (Jerry) of Lyons, OR. Plus, his 25 nieces and nephews, and multiple cousins and extended family. John was preceded in death by his parents: Francis (Fritz) Bielenberg and Irene Sprauer Bielenberg of Scotts Mills, Oregon, along with brother, Edward, who died in infancy. Unger Funeral Chapel of Silverton, Oregon, is handling final arrangements. John will be remembered in a private graveside service, with a memorial Catholic mass said for him at a later (post-lockdown)