John C Pladson

John C Pladson

John Cochrane Pladson was born June 2, 1954, to Hale and Frances Pladson in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The youngest of four siblings, he spent his youth working with his hands and learning the carpentry trade from his father. He was introduced to the guitar by his brother-in- law, Bob Hatlestad, and playing the guitar and singing was one of the joys of his life. John traveled in his young adult life and found a passion for sailing the Florida Keys. Later he moved out West and began working in the oil fields. He welcomed his daughter Laura Mae (Pladson) Walker in 1989, and raised her as a single father, settling in Montrose, Colorado for the remainder of his life. John founded Alpine Stove and Fireplace 25 years ago, and with his best friend and business partner Dana Clarkson, poured his heart and soul into becoming the premier dealer and custom fireplace designer on the Western Slope. His work can be seen in countless beautiful mountain homes throughout the west and even as far away as Europe. John passed away unexpectedly February 23, 2019 and will be sorely missed by the Grand Valley and his many friends and family.

John is survived by his daughter Laura Mae (Trey) Walker, Grandchildren River, Donovan, Eero, Ari, Castle Walker, and Aubrey Alexander. His siblings Jean (Bob) Hatlestad, William (Ann) Pladson, and Robert Pladson and nieces Anne Cooper, Halee Hatlestad, and nephew Robert Hatlestad. He is also survived by Dana Clarkson, Bridget Clarkson, and Breanne Clarkson whom have been like family and his longtime girlfriend Sherry Miller.

He is preceded in death by his father Hale Pladson, mother Frances Pladson and his nieces Summer Pladson and Robyn Pladson.

Service will be held at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel on Friday March 1, 2019 at 2pm.  In lieu of flowers or for any memorial donations, please consider supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado.