John Richard Close

John Richard Close died on Sunday, June 8, in St. Peter. He was born on July 29, 1939 in Leicester, England, the son of David and Mary Close.

He grew up in Leicester, where he attended school and discovered his passion for metallurgy. After completing his apprenticeship, he thrived as a metallurgist, a career that took him to various corners of the globe, including Scotland, Germany, Japan, Canada, Pennsylvania, New York, and finally settling in Mankato Minnesota in August 1982. He finished his career in Mankato as the vice-president of Dotson Iron Castings.

A man of faith, John was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church, where he found community and joy. In his younger years, he was an active Boy Scout, and his love for camping and fishing provided unforgettable moments spent with loved ones.

John is survived by his children: Susan, Helen, Shawn (and their mother Barbara Close), David and Andrew (and their mother Faith Close), as well as his sister, Elizabeth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Patricia.