John "Jack" Charles Liljenberg

John “Jack” Charles Liljenberg passed away at home on August 28, 2026. He was born on February 16, 1944, at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces.

Jack’s life was closely tied to Grand Junction, a place that shaped so many of his memories and relationships. He moved from Minneapolis in 1951, and both he and Ruth Ann grew up in Grand Junction. He and Ruth Ann started dating in 1960. He attended old Junior High and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1962. During his high school years, he worked for KREX Channel 5, and he also enjoyed racing his 1956 Chevy down the old racetrack. Jack lived with his stepfather Art, at the Old State Home for several years

Jack and Ruth Ann loved going to the drive-in theaters. Those early years on North 12th and Texas Avenue remained part of the story of a life rooted in family, adventure, and the pleasures of everyday living. He later attended Mesa College for two years.

Jack built a long and accomplished career in the computer industry. He began working for IBM in 1965 in Denver and spent 30 years with the company, including a time in California. Later, he worked from home in Grand Junction for Ciber and Lenovo, continuing in computer programing. Over the years, he earned various awards for his accomplishments, attended many conventions, and was often praised for his ideas. He was respected for his work and for the contributions he made wherever his career took him.

Outside of work, Jack embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He had numerous hobbies over the years, including buying campers, trucks, and boats. He loved fishing from his boat and camping, and some of his happiest times were spent at Lake Powell with friends and family. He also enjoyed taking cruises to Alaska, the Bahamas, and Hawaii with friends. At home, he brought people together in memorable ways. For several years, Tuesday poker games were held at the house, and his friends never wanted to miss them. Jack transformed the basement into a casino, creating a place of laughter, fellowship, and tradition. He also delighted in using his 3D printer to make statues of himself and Ruth Ann, a reflection of his humor and playful spirit.

Jack was known for being fun and welcoming. He was loved in the many places he traveled, drove or flew. He had a generous, easygoing way about him, often asking, “What are you in the mood for?” or “What kind of food do you want?” Those simple questions captured something essential about him: he wanted others to feel comfortable, included, and cared for.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann (Lesko) Liljenberg of Grand Junction, they married in 1989 in Greeley, Colorado; his sons, Todd Liljenberg and his wife Caren of Florida, and Jesse Liljenberg; his stepson, Aaron Nyuha and Jenn Chow; and his grandson, Reese Nyuha. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Gary Leszko, Ricky Leszko, Eric Turnquist, and Robert Archuleta; his sisters-in-law Lynn Liljenberg, JoAnn Turnquist and Diann Lesko; his nieces Wendy Liljenberg, Connie (Grischa) Denmark, Jackie Cottingham, Jennifer Lesko, Ashley Guevaro, and Maria Lesko as well as his nephew Randy (Kathy) Liljenberg; and by Will and Kathy Chow of Hawaii, (grandparents of Reese Nyuha) , Ed and Cece Rayder, and Woody, Vickie Walcher, whose friendship was part of the circle of companionship that enriched his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wendell Liljenberg; his mother, Esther Samulson; his brother Gary Liljenberg; his stepfather, Arthur “Art” Kennet; his father-in-law, Joe Lesko; his mother-in-law, Helen (Philpott) Lesko; and his grandparents, Grandpa, and Molly Samulson. Jack lived with his grandparents most of his life.

Visitation will be held on September 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Snyder Grand Valley Memorials, Inc., 292 26 1/4 Rd, Grand Junction, Colorado. The funeral service will follow there from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Private entombment will take place that afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens, 2970 North Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado.

Jack will be remembered for a life filled with work he took pride in, pastimes he enjoyed wholeheartedly, and the many gatherings, trips, conversations, and shared meals that made people feel welcome in his presence. His memory lives on in the family he loved the friends who filled his home, and the many stories that will continue to be told.