Rudy John

Rudolph “Rudy” John, age 85, passed away peacefully at his farm on July 8, 2021, in Long Prairie, MN.

Rudy was born on February 25, 1936 in Little Elk Township, Todd County, and was the second youngest of nine children to Stanley John and Anna (Motzko).  He graduated from Browerville High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1956 thru 1958 and was honorably discharged.

Rudy married Marlene Lisson on October 27, 1958 and they made their first home on a farm six miles SW of Staples until 1962, when they moved to a farm in Browerville, going into a partnership with Rudy’s brother Roman.  In 1969 they purchased a nine-acre hobby farm on the outskirts of Long Prairie where they raised their family and proudly created a forever home, residing the rest of their lives with Marlene passing away on March 5, 2006.

Rudy was a skilled livestock jockey, who could judge the health and weight of all forms of livestock with amazing accuracy.  Livestock was sold in sales barns across Minnesota, North and South Dakota.  It was a big deal for his children, and later his grandchildren, to accompany Rudy on a livestock run which always involved eating at Dad’s favorite cafes and food stands at the sales barns. Rudy was very proud to be a part of the livestock industry, working hand in hand with farmers, livestock dealers, auctioneers, and processors, providing farm to table food for our communities.

Rudy was the original “MacGyver”, capable of building, welding, wrenching, assembling all forms of trailers, trucks, campers, boats, lawnmowers, conversion buses - and all projects always started with these five words….”so, let’s get to work”.  Rudy was an avid fan of heavy-duty Ford trucks, always running big motors, dual tires, and maximum trailer towing equipment.  This fandom was passed along to his son David who has kept the Ford heavy duty legacy going strong.

Rudy loved his wife, who loved to fish, which led them on many, many road trips to Northern Canada in pursuit of large pike and walleye.  These were more than just fishing trips, they were fun filled adventures with brothers, children, grandchildren, nephews, neighbors, and friends including a special trip escorting newlyweds Duane and Tracey on their honeymoon.

Rudy was blessed with emotional intelligence and authenticity which drew him to people, and people to him.  He had many wonderful relationships with nephews and nieces that he treasured deeply. He was a fabulous storyteller with astonishing memory, and to hear him tell a deer hunting story verbatim over the course of decades was a true blessing.

In Rudy’s final chapter he treasured his soulful, wisdom sharing conversations with Deanna, and a great appreciation for the daily care and love provided by Darla and Amelia.

Rudy is survived by his children Don (Linda) John, Deanna John, Duane (Tracey) John, David (Darla) John and Darla John; his grandchildren Michael, Danielle, Spencer, Sasha, Sarah, Jami, Jacob, Zachary, Fletcher, Jasmine and Amelia; great grandchildren Europe, Gabriell, Kyia, Kody, Penelope, Jerric, Kip, Alvis, and Viola; brothers Eugene and Gerald; and many treasured nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Marlene; son Daniel John, daughter Denise John-Williams; grandson Daniel John Jr.; brothers Roman, Edward, Ervin, Victor and Dennis John, and sister Florence (John) Rischmiller.

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, July 14th at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Long Prairie with Rosary at 9:20am, Visitation from 9:30am to 11:30am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30am.

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