John E. Wells

John Emory Wells, age 77, went to his heavenly home in the arms of his loving wife of 53 years on Friday, June 13th, 2025.

John’s Celebration of Life with military honors is on Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 11:00AM at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 105 Hosanna Dr. Mankato, MN. A livestream of the service can be found here. Visitation is on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 from 4:00-7:00PM, and also one hour prior to the service, all at Hosanna. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN at 10:00am, Tuesday, July 15th, 2025. www.mankatomortuary.com.

John was born on November 4, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to David and Helen (Evenson) Wells. He was one of four children. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. John graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville, MN in 1965. He joined the US Navy, earned his aircrew wings and served for four years. His time was spent between the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, CA and Andrews Airforce Base near Washington, D.C. His duties included the privilege of flying the Admirals and Secretary of the Navy to various locations. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1970. He was honored to serve his country and was a proud veteran. He continued his service to his community and country as a member of the American Legion Post 616 of Good Thunder, MN and also served as a post commander. John began his career and was employed with Lundin Construction Company (later named Southern Minnesota Construction) as a loader operator. He belonged to the International Union Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 labor union and was a union steward for the rock quarry. He was a dedicated loader operator for 25 years. He then became a business agent for the IUOE Local 49 and worked in this role for 10 years mainly covering the southern Minnesota territory. He retired in January 2010. Shortly prior to retiring in 2009, John was elected as a member of the board of directors for Benco Electric Cooperative in Mankato, MN. He was re-elected multiple times, serving 15 years to the present time. He greatly enjoyed this opportunity to serve Benco’s members through his retirement years. In addition, he also served on the board of directors of the MN Rural Electric Association for 7 years before resigning due to health issues.

John’s hobbies included enjoying his HD motorcycle, Ford Thunderbird convertible car, and boating on his pontoon. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren which meant the world to him. He touched many lives and seemed to always run into a familiar face when out and about. He loved to joke around, tease and make others laugh. He was rarely found without a smile on his face. He met his abundant health struggles over the years with perseverance, grace and a positive attitude. He was also known to joke and laugh regularly with his medical team. John leaned on his faith consistently throughout his life. He and Peggy are proud members of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato, MN.

John met the love of his life, Peggy Tischer on a blind date at a dance at the Prom Ballroom in St. Paul, MN in 1971. They were married in March of 1972 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Good Thunder, MN. They began their life together just outside of Good Thunder, MN where they built a home that they reside in today. They were blessed with two daughters and later five grandchildren who provided a lifetime of love and memories. We are grateful for all of the joy and memories he provided and he will be greatly missed.

Survived by his wife Peggy, daughters Jennifer (Darol) Fiala and Janelle Connolly, grandchildren Hannah & Molly Fiala, Noah, Evan & Ava Connolly, and sister Deborah Wells & her special friend George. He is also survived by his in-laws Jackie Wells, Patty Wells, Karl (Debbie) Tischer, Gail (Larry) Bergemann, and Karen (Mike) Doyen as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents David and Helen Wells, his brothers Donald and Dick Wells, infant brother & sister, and son-in-law Colin Connolly.