Eagan, MN - Age 98, of Mankato, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026.

John was preceded in death by his brother, William. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Rosemarie (aka "Rosi"); his children, Patrick, Michael (Regina Kovach), Daniel, and Therese (Charles Jones); his cherished grandchildren, Charlie, Reggie, Emily, Joe, and Paige; and his brother, Thomas.

A lifelong member of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Mankato, he attended SS. Peter and Paul Grade School and Fitzgerald Middle School; he was a starter on Loyola High School's state champion basketball team before graduating in 1945. Although he earned a football scholarship to the University of Minnesota, he went on to play football and baseball at the college of St. Thomas in St. Paul while completing its pre-med curriculum in two years. John served in the United States Army in Korea from 1947-1948.

An outstanding athlete and student, John received offers from multiple professional baseball teams, but he chose medicine instead. He graduated from St. Louis University Medical School, completing his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1957. During his internship in Denver, Colorado, he met and married Rosi in 1959 and then returned to Minnesota to join the Mankato Clinic and start their family. In 1965, he began his own private practice in Mankato and was "on-call" around the clock for the next 20 years, bringing more than 10,000 babies into the world. Patients and nurses recall always knowing when John was in the hospital by hearing his cheerful whistle as he was doing rounds.

In retirement, John enjoyed golfing, racking up 8 holes-in-one and often "shooting his age" into his 80s. John and Rosi spent their winters in Fountain Hills, Arizona, where they were active members of FireRock Country Club and Ascension Catholic Church. There they built lasting friendships with people from across the country. John and Rosi always delighted in being with their children, and the grandchildren affectionately gave John the title of "Bumpa" - a role he loved.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Lexington Pointe Senior Living and at the VA Hospital and Hospice for their compassionate care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Church of St. Peter, 1405 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, masses and memorials are preferred.