John Tobin

John Tobin, age 72, of Ortonville, died Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at his home in Ortonville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville with Father Brian Oestreich celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery in Ortonville. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, June 10, at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday for one hour prior to the time of Mass at church.

Urn bearers include John’s grandchildren: Leah, Jill, Allie, and Susan Heselton, and Aiden, Anna, and Sarah Tobin. Honorary bearers are John’s Meadowbrook Friends and the Ortonville Men’s Golf League.

John Robert Tobin was born September 12, 1943, in Ortonville, MN to Emmett and Isabel Tobin. John attended Ortonville High School followed by college at St. Cloud State. John was united in marriage with Audrey Leuthard in 1968. They were blessed with two children: Kelly and Jason.

John wore many hats over the years, and lived life to its fullest every day. He worked as a teacher at Cooper High School (1968-1973) and Ortonville Public School (1987). From 1973-1986, he owned the Hilltop Manor Mobile Home Park in Ortonville, and also owned the Montgomery Ward Store in Ortonville and Milbank along with other branches. He then returned to his love of teaching as a Small Business Management Instructor in Canby followed by the South Central Technical College in Faribault from 1987 until his retirement in 2007.

John played football and wrestled as a young man. He loved golfing, traveling, fishing, playing cards, boating, watching all sports including Gopher wrestling, and especially loved watching his grandchildren’s sports and activities. John and Audrey enjoyed many trips including a trip to Ireland in 2006 to golf and attend the Ryder Cup. John recently also worked the Amen Corner at the 2014 Masters golf tournament.

John was involved in many organizations and organizing activities. He was involved in Toastmaster’s Club International, Ortonville City Council member, Ortonville Alumni Association chairman, St. John’s Catholic Church religion teacher in Ortonville, St. John’s Catholic Church fall dinner chairman, and lector at St. John’s Catholic Church, Faribault’s Sertoma Club of America, Divine Mercy Catholic Church Finance Committee in Faribault, and lifetime member of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce.

John passed away June 8th following his valiant eighteen-month battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer at his home surrounded by many countless family and friends over the past couple weeks.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife: Audrey; his children: Kelly (Dan) Heselton of Lakeville, MN; and Jason (Kari) Tobin of Faribault, MN; his seven grandchildren: Leah, Jill, Allie, and Susan Heselton of Lakeville, MN; and Aiden, Anna, and Sarah Tobin of Faribault, MN; his siblings: Sandra Knippen of Ortonville, MN, Sheila (Duane) Hanson of Lakeville, MN, Rosemary (Larry Penk) Tobin of Carlton, MN, Tom (Paula) Tobin of Ortonville, MN; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. His story telling and outgoing personality will be missed by so many.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Leroy Knippen, brother-in-law David Leuthard, nephew Brian Holt, niece Amanda Tobin, niece Micki Gilliam, nephew Chad Erickson; and great nephew Michael Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to be designated by the family.