Dr. John Elliott Willardsen was born September 3, 1969 in San Bernardino, CA, and died on July 6, 2024 in Newport Beach, CA. John was a loving husband, father, son, sibling and friend. He was a source of happiness to all who knew him. John had many nicknames such as Dr. Da
Gluer and Hogie Toes, but his most cherished name was "Ju Ju," a self-proclaimed grandpa name for his granddaughter, Winnie. John was born to George Arthur Willardsen and Carol Ann Braithwaite Willardsen. He was the fourth of six children. John married Marie Garff on May 21,1993 in The Salt Lake City, Utah LDS temple. They were sealed for Time and Eternity by Marie's grandfather, Ken Garff.

John was a wonderful father and husband. He adored spending time with his children. He looked forward to family adventures at their home in Montana. John loved mountain biking, skiing, boating, riding motorcycles and going to the beach. His happiest moments were spent with Marie, his children, and Stan the dog.

John attended Brigham Young University. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 1997. John's exceptional career included a dental specialty in oral implant surgery. He started a successful surgery center in Newport Beach, California in 2016. John also
had a practice in Redlands, California and he assisted at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. John's expertise was admired and revered by his colleagues and peers. His counsel and professional advice were sought out by doctors and patients across the country. John served a mission in Salta, Argentina for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. John was an active member of his church and he enjoyed spending time in the Newport Beach LDS Temple.

John is survived by his wife, Marie, 3 sons, 1 daughter, 1 daughter in-law and a granddaughter: Zac (Halle Toolson), Dane, Seth, Elsa and Winnie (granddaughter). He is also survived by his mother, Carol Ann Willardsen, South Jordan, UT, and siblings, Memory Dixon (Matt Dixon), South Jordan, UT, James Willardsen (Andrea Hart), Provo, UT, Rosanne Cressman (Clark Cressman), Nolensville, TN, Joseph Willardsen (Audree Shelton), Las Vegas, NV and Jared Willardsen (Patty Willardson) Draper, UT. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, as well. John leaves behind friends and extended family members who will remember him for his big smile and even bigger heart. He served silently and loved loudly.

John is preceded in death by his father, George Arthur Willardsen (December 25, 2003).

Services will be held Saturday July 20, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 2150 Bonita Canyon in Newport Beach, California.

A Go Fund Me has been established to help Marie and her children with funeral expenses