PLACERVILLE, Calif. — John Miguel Lohmiller, a lifelong Placerville resident whose working years spanned heavy construction, the Operating Engineers Union and rural mail delivery throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills, died peacefully at his home Nov. 23, 2022. He was 88.
Born May 23, 1934, in Placerville to George and Catherine (Erecart) Lohmiller, John built a life rooted in family, hard work and a love of the outdoors. He remained connected to the community where he was born throughout his life.
His family remembers him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who was always willing to lend a hand.
A lifetime of hard work
Lohmiller began his working career while attending Folsom High School, taking a job as an oiler with Natomas Dredging Company.
He later joined the International Union of Operating Engineers, where he worked as a crane operator and oiler. His membership in the union continued from his high school years until his passing.
At age 35, an on-the-job injury left him disabled, affecting his right arm and bringing an end to his career in heavy equipment operations.
But retirement from one profession did not mean retirement from working.
In 1989, John began working alongside his wife, Ruth, as a rural mail carrier. Their route extended from Placerville to Sierra Ski Ranch, requiring them to deliver mail six days a week.
The couple continued the work for decades before retiring in 2015.
For residents familiar with the winding roads connecting Placerville to the Sierra Nevada communities, rural mail delivery represented a commitment to serving people across a geographically diverse region. For John and Ruth, it became another chapter in a life spent working together.
Family, hunting and fishing were his greatest passions
Outside of work, Lohmiller found his greatest enjoyment in the outdoors.
Hunting and fishing were among his favorite activities, particularly when shared with his wife Ruth, his son John Jr., his grandsons and his nephew David Bibby.
Following his retirement in 2015, those pursuits became an even bigger part of his life.
According to his family, mentioning a hunting or fishing trip was often all it took to get John ready to go. He was willing to head out with family and friends anytime, any day.
His enthusiasm for outdoor activities reflected the close relationships he maintained with the people around him.
Motorsports also held a special place in his life. He enjoyed watching his son race stock cars at Placerville’s Hangtown track and took pleasure in watching his grandchildren ride dirt bikes on the family property. He especially enjoyed following Jonathan’s dirt bike racing.
Whether outdoors with a fishing rod, on a hunting trip or watching family members compete on the track, John preferred spending his time surrounded by those he loved.
A family spanning five generations
Perhaps the most significant measure of Lohmiller’s life was the family he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth C. Lohmiller, with whom he shared 67 years and five months of marriage.
His surviving children are Terry (Teri), Carol, Christina and John Jr.
His grandchildren include Michael, Joseph, Jason and Jonathan, along with granddaughters Shelli and Keri.
His family also includes great-grandsons Kristopher, Connor, Ryder, Jack and Barrett; great-granddaughters Kaylie, Jolie, Emma and Asa; and great-great-grandsons Soren and Karter.
Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved nephew, David Bibby of Placerville, who had shared his enthusiasm for the outdoors.
Remembered for his generosity
Lohmiller was a lifelong Catholic, and his family describes a man whose generosity extended well beyond his immediate household.
The family remembers him as someone who would help anyone, regardless of the circumstances or location.
In their words, “He would help anyone at any time or any place.”
That simple description captures the legacy his family says he leaves behind: a man who valued relationships, showed up for others and found fulfillment in the everyday moments shared with family and friends.
His passing was a significant loss for those who knew and loved him, particularly the generations of family members who grew up with his example.
For a man whose life began in Placerville and remained connected to the surrounding foothills and mountains, his story reflects a lifetime of work, family commitment and appreciation for the outdoors.
John Miguel Lohmiller was 88 years old when he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Celebration of Life
The family announced plans for a Celebration of Life to be held in the spring following his passing. The original announcement asked friends and relatives to check back for additional details.
Those wishing to make a donation in John’s memory were encouraged to contact the Lohmiller family directly or make arrangements at the Celebration of Life.
His family closed its remembrance with a heartfelt farewell:
Rest in peace now, dear sweet Dad. You may be gone, but you will not be forgotten.
Source: Family-provided obituary and biographical remembrance for John Miguel Lohmiller. The dates and family details in this article are drawn from that account. No independent public records or additional interviews were provided.
