Funeral Services were held Monday, November 18, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie, MN for John Urman, Jr. who passed away Tuesday at his home in Long Prairie. The Rev. Noah Wehrspann officiated and burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls.
John was born March 15, 1932 in Bruce Township to John Sr. and Sadie (Zelgert) Urman. He graduated from Swanville High School. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1954 and continued serving in the Navy Reserve until 1960. He married Donna Souhrada on June 8, 1957 at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville.
John’s faith was evident by how he lived his life and served his church. Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, confirmed and married is also where he raised his family. For years he also served as a trustee and taught Junior Bible Classes. From time to time John also preached when the pastor was away. John farmed near Swanville and also worked as a salesman for Standard Quality Pre-mix, a feed company out of Omaha, NE. Agriculture was in his blood. He enthusiastically researched and was always willing to try new and improved farming methods. John genuinely enjoyed people. Sales calls could become long visits. He was always willing to help others. His sense of humor and one-liners kept people smiling. Hunting everything from birds to elk, and fishing, especially spearfishing, were favorite pastimes for him. Though moving from the farm was difficult, when health concerns made it necessary, John was grateful for the opportunity to live at the Meadow Place Assisted Living in Long Prairie where he received excellent care.
John is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Dawn (Mike) Karner of Woodland CA; sons, Jim of Browerville, Mark (Angie) of Alexandria and Paul (Stacey) of Long Prairie; sisters, Delores Steffen of Kandihoyi and Judy Taylor of Sacred Heart; fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cindy Dunn; sister, Alice Striech; and brothers, Raymond, David and Rev. Leroy Urman.