The family of John Richard Pontsler has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
John was born on 14 May 1948 and entered into Eternal Rest on 5 May 2025.
John served in the US Navy AF Reserves from 6 January 1967 to 30 October 1970, serving four tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Ogden and the USS Cavalier as a Chief Petty Officer/Gunner’s Mate.
After his Military Service, John was a lineman for Pacific Bell for 34 years.
John loved spending time with his wife of 45 years and his kids and grandkids. His hobbies included surfing, traveling across the country, cooking, riding his motorcycle, spending time outside with some good music, his pipe and some good whiskey.
John is survived by his wife, Judith; daughters, Gretchen Nemechek and Jessica Lane; sons, Aaron Pontsler and Adam Pontsler; 7 grandchildren; brother Mark Karlin; and sisters, Cathy Rowe and Carol Karlin.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approx. 57 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Monday, 9 June 2025:1130 - Stage at England Family Mortuary, 27135 Madison Ave, Temecula, CA 92590
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xpHT61Nytdh5E5Z871145 - Mission Briefing
1200 - KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://maps.app.goo.gl/u9Ep2TtLBjJA4TPm71330 - ETA at Miramar National Cemetery
1400 – Flag line of Honor, Funeral Service with Military Honors
R/C Robert “Chopper Bob” Mahoney
SoCal Patriot Guard Ride Captain(760) 201-7905
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
