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.
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