John H. Mesenbrink

Funeral services for John Mesenbrink, of Holloway, Minnesota, will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church – Fairfield Township in rural Holloway with Reverend Reed Stockman officiating. A visitation will be on Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. 

John Howard Mesenbrink was born on March 18, 1950, in Morris, Minnesota the son of Howard and Marlys (Vollmer) Mesenbrink. He grew up on a farm in Horton Township and was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Morris.

John graduated from Morris High School in 1968 along with his high school sweetheart. He joined the United States Airforce in 1968 and served until 1972. 

On June 14, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Olen at Zion Lutheran Church in Morris. The couple farmed with John’s father and brother and later had their own farm where they raised four children, Stephanie, Heather, Nicole and Matthew. In 1990, John went to work at the Appleton Prison for one year and then began working at Morris Coop until his retirement in 2015. He really enjoyed working with farmers on day-to-day basis creating many life-long relationships.

John was a family man. He enjoyed being married to Janet and raising his children. He loved a good conversation with anyone who would lend an ear. After retirement, he enjoyed driving the river bottom feeding the pheasants and began spraying lawns for a few neighbors. He continued to help on the farm even in retirement. John had many other interests including, riding his Harley, spending time at the lake, fishing, hunting, traveling, cooking, gardening and especially enjoyed grilling his favorite meal: pork chops with a side of brussel sprouts while watching his favorite show, WWE wrestling.

John was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township where he taught Sunday School for many years. He was also involved in the American Legion in Morris.

John died of natural causes on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home. He was 74 years old. 

John is survived by his; daughters: Stephanie (Jayson) Sherod of Ottertail, Heather (Jon) Panitzke of Waynesville, NC, and Nicole Merdan of St. Joseph; son, Matthew (Kristi) Mesenbrink of Watkins; eight grandchildren: Jacob Mesenbrink, Joshua Sherod, Jed Sherod, Logan Merdan, McKenzie Merdan, Gavin Mesenbrink, Teyton Mesenbrink, and Ryker Mesenbrink; two great-grandchildren: Jase and Evelyn Mesenbrink; brother, David (Lynn) Mesenbrink of WY; sisters-in-law, Patty Mesenbrink of Brooklyn Center and Jean (Lee) Bergen of Waukee, IA; brother-in-law, Jon (Michelle) Olen of North Branch and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Janet in 2024; parents, Howard and Marlys; brother, Bill Mesenbrink and sister, Beverly Barta. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Morris FFA.