IDAHO FALLS — John G. Ourada died peacefully Thursday, April 18, 2019, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center after a short illness.

John G. Ourada, (formerly know as Giovanni Auletta), was born Oct. 6, 1946, in the village of Calciano, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. He and his younger brother, Thomas, were adopted by Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Ourada of Fairmont, Minn., when John was 5 years old. Soon, John and Tom were joined by four more adopted siblings, and Tony and Mary’s daughter, Mary Margaret. John enjoyed some of the activities involved in operating a 47-acre hobby farm, on which Dr. Ourada raised Angus cattle. Winter chores excepted. John graduated from Fairmont High School and attended community college in Marshall, Minn., for a term, then joined the U.S. Navy.

He was on board the destroyer Herbert J. Thomas for two years, then extended his enlistment for another year in Vietnam.

After his military service, John worked as a bartender and restaurant manager. He worked other jobs, including being houseman for Mr. and Mrs. Charlton Heston in Beverly Hills.

After retirement, John enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle, particularly around Yellowstone National Park. He doted on his canine companion, Suzie.

Left to honor his memory are Thomas (Beverly) Ourada of Los Angeles, Ann Strubler (David) of Lake Orion, Mich., Mark Ourada (Merrilee) of Buffalo, Minn., Elizabeth Ourada of Hutchinson, Minn., Mary Pedersen (Thomas) of Smyrna, Ga.; nieces and nephews.

To offer condolences, go online to www.woodfuneralhome.com

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