A candle was lit by Steve, Mary, Casey, Tessa and Molly Caron
on August 30, 2017 12:35 PM
A candle was lit by Ken & Mary White
on August 29, 2017 1:01 PM
A candle was lit by Fr. Marty Schaefer
on August 29, 2017 10:48 AM
My prayers and friendship are with you Mary and with the whole family. John inspired me to have greater trust in Christ and to give all to the Lord. John had a heart for others that flowed from his love for Jesus. May John and all the faithful departed through the mercy of Christ rest in peace...
A candle was lit by Fr. Marty Schaefer
on August 29, 2017 10:45 AM
Message from Rob and Tammy Baden
August 28, 2017 10:04 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
A candle was lit by Dennis Shannon and Anthony Paplow
on August 28, 2017 8:34 PM
A candle was lit by Debbie Hagen
on August 28, 2017 3:27 PM
A candle was lit by Ricardo, Nelly, Andres and LIssette Garza
on August 28, 2017 2:24 PM
A candle was lit by Kira Stiles
on August 28, 2017 1:42 PM
A candle was lit by Ed and Lynne Herrmann
on August 28, 2017 1:38 PM
Message from Mike Zinnel
August 28, 2017 12:26 PM
Dear Mary, Daniel, Katie and Sam. May you find peace in knowing that John's life- long example a life well lived...and well loved has been a great inspiration to so many people. He will be remembered by many, many people for his good works, his love of family, community, nature and wildlife conservation, and his endless kindness shows to others. May the hands that carried him to his eternal home be the same hands that holds your hearts today.
A candle was lit by Mike Zinnel
on August 28, 2017 12:20 PM
Message from Rich and Trudy mulder
August 28, 2017 11:48 AM
Thoughts and prayers are with you
A candle was lit by Mike Marcotte
on August 28, 2017 10:48 AM
A candle was lit by Jerry and Irene Moline
on August 28, 2017 10:38 AM
A candle was lit by Jake and Val Vogt
on August 28, 2017 7:32 AM
Message from susie mieloszyk
August 28, 2017 7:09 AM
Mary, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
A candle was lit by Russ and Jean Bonnstetter
on August 28, 2017 1:34 AM
A candle was lit by Grant and Melinda Bose & family
on August 27, 2017 10:02 PM
A candle was lit by Henry & Shelley (Widboom) Moreno
on August 27, 2017 5:34 PM
Message from Fr. Denny Labat, Riverbend TEC Coordinator
August 27, 2017 4:15 PM
Mary and family
My sympathy on John's death. I am so proud of John, you and your whole family. I am not aware of another individual, couple and family who had been such an inspiration going through this struggle. John's fight against the cancer was strong, his faith was strong, It sounds like you bonded even more deeply as a family. I am so thankful that I came to visit when I did. I know that leading up to death, death and the time after is an emotional and faith roller coaster. The Lord will carry you and love you in many special ways. You have had and will continue to have many people praying for you.
I promised John that I would come for his funeral when I visited. However, I have had a slight change in my life. On August 21st I had triple heart bypass surgery in St Cloud. I was able to come home on Thursday, August 24. I am staying at my sister's place for a few days. Even though I cannot come for the visitation or the funeral I will be praying for John and the whole family and will offer a Mass for him soon.
Christ is counting on you.
Love in Christ
Fr. Denny Labat
Riverbemd TEC Coordinator Emeritus
Heart of Jesus Area Faith Community
Pastor
A candle was lit by Diane & Jim Engelkes
on August 27, 2017 12:47 PM
A candle was lit by Joyce Reese
on August 27, 2017 12:33 PM
Katie,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time of sorrow. May God keep and comfort you and give you peace now and always. Know that your love for him and his love for you will always be forever. Again, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Love,
Joyce
A candle was lit by Joyce Reese
on August 27, 2017 12:20 PM
Message from Toshia Loving
August 27, 2017 10:07 AM
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that the Lord is with your family during this time and he will hold and guide you throught this.
Love ,
Toshia and Nick
A candle was lit by Toshia Loving
on August 27, 2017 10:04 AM
A candle was lit by Marlys & Leon Hegstad
on August 27, 2017 10:02 AM
A candle was lit by Jenni Sindt Eisbrener
on August 27, 2017 9:05 AM
A candle was lit by Kay Kreun
on August 27, 2017 8:07 AM
A candle was lit by Keith Carlson
on August 27, 2017 7:34 AM
Message from James J. Seitz
August 27, 2017 5:29 AM
Mary and Family,
I was saddened to hear the news of John's passing from Mike Kirchner. My condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to all of you. Mike often shared updates on John's condition and their time precious time together. Please know I joined the countless in praying for you all along the way. I loved knowing how prayer sustained you and lifted you and John up on those days. As scripture says, "In life and in death we belong to the Lord." John now belongs to the Lord in a new and everlasting way where there is no more tears. He will always belong to you and your family as well, and now what is left for you is sacred memories, his contribution to Creation and the people who continue to walk on this precious earth, and the virtue of hope. The hope of one day seeing our loved ones again. I have learned that death can be the most beautiful of things when one has faith in God. I am grateful to hear John Gerald was surrounded by his loving family and love and hope was running over. He fulfilled his dream and made cancer bow to him. . I have my own beautiful moments with John (and family) watching school events and happenings. Confirmation classes, and church events. Promise of prayers these days ahead. Remember, hope is a good thing. It may be the best of things. Here's hoping one day to see John again and all of our loved ones. Praise God for his mercy
Father James J. Seitz
A candle was lit by Charlotte (Diekmann) Anderson
on August 27, 2017 1:18 AM
A candle was lit by Karen Levra
on August 27, 2017 12:19 AM
A candle was lit by Larry and Gina Diekmann
on August 26, 2017 11:15 PM
A candle was lit by David & Deborah DePauw
on August 26, 2017 10:13 PM
A candle was lit by Dean,lisa Josh,Emily Ackerman
on August 26, 2017 9:17 PM
A candle was lit by Debbie Harrell
on August 26, 2017 8:34 PM
A candle was lit by Dale and Linda Nelson
on August 26, 2017 7:57 PM
A candle was lit by Mike and Gail Engebretson
on August 26, 2017 7:54 PM
A candle was lit by Janelle (Bonnstetter) Anderson
on August 26, 2017 7:35 PM
A candle was lit by Barb Staples
on August 26, 2017 7:00 PM
Message from Eric and Sarah Dahlgren& family
August 26, 2017 5:45 PM
So sorry for your loss. John will be missed here on earth. Heaven gained a wonderful, smiling angel.
Message from Linda Tobias
August 26, 2017 5:44 PM
Mary, Katie, Sam and Dan: John did indeed teach us all how to live. He touched many people to the depths of their souls including me. I am grateful for having the experience of knowing John. All of you showed courage right along with him in his cancer journey. RIP in peace good and faithful servant. Heaven is glowing today with the presence of John for sure. .
A candle was lit by Eric and Sarah Dahlgren & family
on August 26, 2017 5:43 PM
A candle was lit by Linda Tobias
on August 26, 2017 5:40 PM
Message from Bruce Leinen
August 26, 2017 5:15 PM
I am so sorry for your loss! I talked with John on occasion and truly loved his vision for wildlife. I grew up knowing a lot of the family through the restaurant and DNR. May you have many fine memories and always know he love you!
A candle was lit by Charles Walther
on August 26, 2017 4:39 PM
A candle was lit by Deb Swart
on August 26, 2017 4:24 PM
A candle was lit by Jeaneen Nelson
on August 26, 2017 4:17 PM
A candle was lit by Tim,Stacy,Brian, Morgan and Paige Behrends
on August 26, 2017 4:02 PM
A candle was lit by Dawn, Randy, Tyler and Alyssa Groves
on August 26, 2017 3:47 PM