John Lester Ahmann
Saturday, October 11, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Age:
90 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday February 27, 2021
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday February 27, 2021
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Grandview Memorial Gardens [ view map ]
Saturday, October 11, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Age:
90 years old
Saturday, October 11, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Age:
90 years old
John Lester Ahmann
John Lester Ahmann passed away February 10, 2021. He was born October 11, 1930 in Winona County to John F. Ahmann and Ramona Bergfeld Ahmann. John graduated from Eyota High School in 1949. He was drafted into the army in October of 1949 where he was sent to the Army Athletic School as a result of his baseball skills as a pitcher. The Korean Conflict had begun and he was sent to Korea as a radio operator forward observer. John was awarded the purple heart after he was wounded and sent to Walter Reed Hospital where he spent 9 months in recovery and rehab. John returned to Rochester, where he and Kathryn began their journey, getting married in 1957. He worked for Sears and Roebuck for a time, and then joined Northwest Airlines in 1952 as a radio operator and later a ticket agent. John retired in 1992. A self-proclaimed handyman, John loved working on cars and fixing washing machines, dryers, and stoves. In fact, he turned his handyman passion into a side business with his brother-in-law Marvin Mcgowan, focusing on washers and dryers. John also had a love for the outdoors and spent many an hour fishing in northern Minnesota and Canada, as well as the occasional upland bird hunt with his son and grandson. In his later years, John would venture to Lanesboro to spend a few hours on his favorite trout stream. After retirement John and Kathryn spent every winter they could at the beach on the Gulf of Mexico and enjoyed their game nights with friends, playing any number of card games or marbles on one of the boards John made. John took up wood carving, as well as building fishing rods and birdhouses for the song birds he so enjoyed. Of the hundreds of birdhouses built, the majority John donated to local charity organizations. His love of wildflowers was evident in the ditch behind his and Kathryn’s home, which was always bursting with color from the flowers he had planted.
It is said John never met a stranger, he loved meeting people and telling stories, and greeted everyone as if he had known them for a lifetime, often with a clap to the shoulder. He would help anyone in need at the drop of a hat. John was involved in several community organizations, including the Quarterback Club, Rochester Woodcarvers, and Exchange Club, but his heart was always with his fellow soldiers, and he focused his time and charitable efforts on veteran organizations.
John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathryn Pretzer Ahmann; his son, Steven (Valerie) Ahmann; grandchildren, Kaley Ahmann and Jacob (Abigail) Ahmann; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Glenn.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial with military honors will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Seasons Hospice.
Condolences
The family of John Lester Ahmann has received the following condolences.
Dear Auntie Kate, Steve, Val, Kaley, Jake and Abbey-
Wishing you comfort and peace at this time of great loss. Uncle Johnny lived a good life and fought a good fight. I’m very glad I got to talk with him before he passed. He talked about being happy and grateful for the life he had. Family was everything. He was happy for for all the people he had come to know. I know our lives are better because he lived. I know heaven has him now. Love and prayers for you.
Dear Kay and family,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a kind and caring man, always offering to help others. He had a warm smile and friendly greeting for everyone he met. Even though it was my parents who lived next door, he always made me feel like a welcome part of the townhome neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With deepest sympathy.
Hi Kay and Steve,
Im sorry you lost John recently, and I was surprised he was 90! Time goes by so fast, it doesn’t seem that long ago when you lived 5th Avenue. I’m 75 now, so I guess it’s been awhile.
I’ll always remember him as a kind man with something, always, good to say. I know too, that my parent and siblings always thought John was top shelf. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by many.
Love,
Steve Lampman
My Christian sympathy and the peace of our living Savior, Christ Jesus, be with each of you! I had the pleasure of meeting John and Kay at our Snowbird residence in Perdido Key, FL. I enjoyed visiting with him and learning of his many experiences! I appreciated and thanked him for his service to our country! We shared many humorous moments!
I pray God’s grace and strength and comfort be with you all today and in the days ahead! Peace be with you!
Fred Theiste
My deepest sympathy to you Kay and your son Steve. I will always remember John as a kind soul who always smiled with a twinkle in his eye. You guys were the best neighbors a young girl on 16th Street could have! Peace to you! MJ
We are So sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless you and keep you. We know that He already has John in his arms and John has found peace and relief from all pain and sorrow. Kay and Steve, you were so lucky to have John for so many good years He will definitely be missed! Our love and hugs.
Melanie & Mark Seamon
Dear Aunt Kate, Steve, Val, Kaley, Jake and Abby,
Our hearts are very sad in the loss of John. Not only was he a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, he was a most amazing Uncle to us. He was so kind and giving and fun to be with. I always looked up to my Uncle even when I was a little girl. We always enjoyed visiting him and Kate in Rochester and always had wonderful talks and reminisced about memories, etc. His wood carvings were incredible! I just framed John and Kate's photo to display on on mantel. Wish we could be there for his service.
You all are in our thoughts and always will be! With deepest sympathy and love,
Jan and Jeff VanDenBerg
Big John was a great friend and mentor. I will always remember fondly the time I spent with him, whether it was fishing or just conversation. He was a great American and will be missed by many.
Dear Kay and Family,
I'm sorry to hear of John's passing, my thoughts and prayers will be with you always. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by everyone especially his Airline breakfast group. Take care, stay well and safe.
Bessie Rucker
Dear Kay, Steve, Val,Kaely & Jake,
our hearts are so sad to hear that our dear friend John passed away!
We enjoyed so many years with you playing Aggravation, going out to eat & just being friends who supported each other!
We will all meet again in heaven!
We are praying for you all! God bless you!
We love you so much!
✝️?
Tom & Lonnie Rishovd
!
Dear Auntie Kate, Steve, Val, Kaley and Jake,
So sorry that Uncle Johnny passed on. He was a very good man. Always positive, kind and encouraging. There was never a time that he didn't have a word of encouragement for us. I know he loved you all so much. He talked fondly of you and was very proud of each of you, and the positive difference you have made in this world. He was a difference make too. He will be greatly missed.
Our love and prayers continue go up for each of you.
XOXOXO
Jeff and Jackie Maher
Dear aunt Kate and family. Uncle Johnny was the sweetest, kindest uncle ever. I will always cherish the memories of him on the farm. Sending loving thoughts with enormous hugs your way. My love to all, Gail
Kathryn and Family,
So sorry to read of your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m sorry for Loss Kay, I just new John from many years ago at airport. I remember you both from gulf shores. Will miss him at minn breakfast prayer to your family carol floen
To Dear Kay and family....lloyd & I send our heartfelt condolences to you. John was a wonderful man and I know how you will miss him. I walked that journey once. Always remember to lean on the Lord.. Your friends, lloyd&Joanie