Beloved father, coach, mentor

John Thomas Kusleika was born on July 6, 1968, to Tom Kusleika and Janey Cole in Monte Vista, Colorado. Two years later his brother Dant rounded out the family.

In 1984  the family moved to Redlands, California, where they both graduated from Redlands High School. John attended the University of La Verne, where he played football and earned his undergraduate degree. Following graduation he was a graduate assistant for the football program while earning his master’s degree in education from the University of Redlands.

Soon thereafter he began a successful coaching and teaching career which spanned three decades. He lived in Upland for many years until his death.

“John has been a mentor and role model for thousands of students who revered him,” his family shared. “His pride and joy were his wife, Lynn, two daughters Analise and Brenna, and his son, Cade.”

He was an avid golfer, and the golf course was one of his favorite places. Every year he and his family traveled to Montana to camp, raft, sing around campfires, and ride horses.

“John was steadfast in his love for his students, colleagues, friends and especially his family,” his family added. “After a valiant fight against a cancerous tumor, John passed away on March 9, 2024.”

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at La Verne Church of the Brethren, 2425 E St., La Verne, CA 91750.

Donations in his memory may be made to givebutter.com/RH-coachjohnk.