John Raymond Mell

John Mell of Rush City passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the age of 71. He had struggled with congestive heart failure for many years and fought stubbornly to live life on his terms until the end.

John Raymond Mell was born on May 30, 1952 to Wendell and Aylee (Anderson) Mell in Rush City, Minnesota.

He attended Rush City schools graduating with the class of 1970 and was voted the class clown. His whole life he was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He always had a joke or funny story to make everyone laugh.

John spent most of his career working as a carpenter and retired from the St. Paul Carpenters Union. In his earlier years, he was self employed as a small business owner. He owned and operated both Martins Resort on Rush Lake and Banshee Construction. His years as a small business owner earned him the nickname “Charitable Honest John”.

John had many hobbies including cutting wood, hunting, fishing, woodworking and gardening. He built raised garden beds on old hay wagons and grew many vegetables that he would share with family and friends. He was a good cook and enjoyed canning and pickling. He was skilled at small engine repair and restoring old vehicles. He built many odd contraptions over the years, most of which were loud and could be ridden. Most days he could be found tinkering in his shop, he always had several projects he was working on. Of all of his hobbies, his favorite by far, was attending happy hour and playing pull stickers. Just about any night of the week he could be found in a local tavern enjoying a Miller High Life, looking for serial numbers and ladies (Sea Hags) to charm. He had what the kids today call “rizz”.

John is survived by his son Branden (Ann) Mell of Rush City; daughter Elizabeth (Perry) Kane of Harris; grandchildren Carlie Mell of Minneapolis, Hudsen Mell of Cincinnati Ohio, Mitchell Mell of Minneapolis, Colton Kane, Connor Kane and Casey Kane of Harris; brothers Bruce of Hill City and Scott (Deb) of Rush City; sisters Connie (Mike) Mallinger of Cottage Grove, Shelly (Jeff) Lustig of Harris, Wendy (Elvin) Norling of Mora and Penny (Ronald Markusson) Mell of Rush City; many nieces, nephews and cousins from the Rush City area.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wendell (Sol) and Aylee Mell; brother Casey Mell; brother-in-law Charles Hamett; nephew Todd Mallinger.

Reverend Dr. Vicki VanderVegt will officiate at John's funeral service: 4 PM; Friday, March 22, 2024 with a time of visitation and reviewal planned for two hours prior to the service all at the Calvary Lutheran Church of Rush Point. Dinner, with time of sharing in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. A commemorative happy hour to be held at Flickabirds Resort beginning at 6:30 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com