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John T. Isaacson Obituary – 4/17/2018


John Theodore Isaacson, age 75, of Dassel, died Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at his home.

He was born Dec. 1, 1942, at Meeker County Hospital in Litchfield, the son of Vernon Hamlin and Virginia Marie (Johnson) Isaacson.

John was a lifetime member of Gethsemane Lutheran, and he was baptized, confirmed, and married there.

As a child, John loved being a part of farm life. He cherished animals and the land. Side-by-side with his parents, he helped with chores, milking, and the fieldwork.

While attending school, John was involved in FFA, tumbling, school plays, and he played the accordion. John graduated from Dassel High School in 1960.

John was united in marriage to Patsy Vehanen Dec. 10, 1966. The couple made their home on the family farm, which became a Century Farm in 1997. They had recently celebrated 51 years of marriage.

John and Patsy enjoyed traveling with family and friends.

In his 75 years, John had many animals: cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, horses, and always at least one loyal companion, his dog. He loved animals, and they loved him.

He was a hard worker, and was proud to be a dairy and crop farmer. The Isaacsons were named Meeker County Farm Family of the Year in 2003.

John also served on Gethsemane Lutheran church council, Land O’ Lakes District Board, Meeker County Farm Bureau Board, American Dairy Association Board, and Dassel Co-op Creamery Board.

John loved history, reading, collecting vintage tractors, and a Sunday afternoon drive.

He adored his family, and really enjoyed the time they spent together. Attending church, sharing dinner, music, and watching children open gifts were all part of the family’s annual Christmas Eve tradition.

In recent years, John’s grandchildren brought fun and joy. He took them on countless tractor rides, and if you caught him working in the field, most likely he would be in the cab with a child and his dog, Buddy.

John would not miss a birthday, family event, or a cup of coffee; his coffee pot was always on. He enjoyed going out for coffee and pie with his friends; and he will be missed by his family and his many friends.

John is survived by his wife, Patsy; children: Sarah (Colin) Graham of Eden Prairie, Susan (Bradley) Isaacson Zimney, Christine (Owen) Schott, all of Minnetonka, and David (Rochelle) Isaacson of Dassel; and 10 grandchildren: William, Annika, Benjamin, Vivian, Bo, Caleb, Virginia, Emil, Margaret and Mildred.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Virginia; his brother, Harlan; and an infant sister.

The funeral service took place Monday, April 23 at 11 a.m. at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel, with Pastor Laurie O’Shea officiating. Interment followed at the Dassel Cemetery.

There was visitation Sunday afternoon, April 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel; continuing Monday at the church, one hour prior to the service.

The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel handled the arrangements.

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