During the Great Depression and at the beginning of WWII, John Thomas Wurm was born on November 4, 1933, at home in Royalton Township, Pine City, Minnesota, to Joseph F. and Mary (Bazile) Wurm. John passed away at his home in Dalbo, MN., on May 28, 2025. He was 91 years, 6 months, and 23 days old.
John grew up on the family farm with his sister Grace. He attended the Connaker District #9 Schoolhouse before graduating from Pine City High School in 1950.
John grew up during the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold Wars. He enlisted in the US Army in June 1954. After his mandatory active service, he continued to serve in the Army National Guard, completing over 22 years and receiving numerous awards and medals.
John married Mary Ann L. Jansen in October 1957, at Immaculate Conception Chruch in Pine City. To this union, 6 children were born. They lived on the now century-old farm that John bought from his parents. During the day, John worked at jobs with Stoffel's Home Improvements, JB Rentals, and he installed fencing along the freeway. During the evenings, he was farming.
John was an active lifelong member of the American Legion Post 640 in Ogilvie, MN. He held many positions during his time. He loved to bring his famous Settler Beans to the meetings.
John enjoyed working on TVs and radios, small engines, and tractors. He used to take his engines to local thrashing shows, showing his homemade can crusher. He found like-minded individuals, and they called themselves the “Tractor Gang”.
Later in life, John found Marian Wendberg and married on May 15, 2004, at St. Kathryn's Church in Ogilvie, MN. He gained four stepdaughters and many grandchildren from this union.
John loved to travel by car. He used the now-outdated paper maps. He was able to find unique landmarks during his travels, which made him a great traveling partner. He was always up for telling a good joke and loved receiving hugs. He loved to play dominoes, bird-watching, and was always up for watching a good Western. He was happy to spend time with his great-grandchildren, Michael, TaySean, and Neveyah.
He put God first, but he also loved his wives, children, grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and enjoyed the family gatherings and holidays. He was always ready to help family and friends. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Grace Mangan, his son Alan, and his wives Mary Ann and Marian. His stepson-in-law, Doug Peterson.
He is survived by his children: Helen Hutchins of Norman, OK; Christopher Wurm of Pine City, MN; Elizabeth Wurm of Cabool, MO; Anne Groe of Dalbo, MN, and Stephanie (Jake) Vonallman of Cabool, MO; step-children Deanne (Randy) Johnson of Cambridge, Ann Peterson of Dalbo, Linda (Eric) Heilman of Fallston, MD, and Beth (Craig) Erickson of Cambridge; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends and relatives.
Father Derek Wiechmann will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for John: 11:00 AM; Thursday, August 7, 2025 at St. Kathryn's Catholic Church in Ogilvie, with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Dalbo Baptist Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel
St. Kathryn's Catholic Church
St. Kathryn's Catholic Church
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