John Vesel

John Joseph Vesel, beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 85 on July 9 th, 2024, after a yearlong battle with cancer. John spent his last weeks at home in Nashwauk, MN. He was born on July 6 th, 1939, in Virginia, MN to the late Mathew and Mary (Micketts) Vesel. John graduated from Nashwauk High School and went on to study at the University of Minnesota. He then started his family and his career at Great Northern. He dedicated his life to his family and enjoyed a career change to join Harold Chevrolet and other sales positions. John decided to return to the railroad and continue his career at Burlington Northern as a carman and moved up steadily. The family traveled with him and his career from Bloomington to North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Washington. He retired from the railroad and traveled back and forth between Minnesota and Arizona with the weather. John enjoyed time with his family, time at the cabin, and time with his grandkids. He was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Mary Jane, with whom he shared 63 years of love and companionship. Together they built a life grounded in love and shared values until her passing on January 5 th, 2024. John was a role model to his children, Michael John, Susan Marie, and Daniel Edward (Barbara) Vesel. John liked to share his love of trains, cars, stocks, coin collections, and life with anyone who would listen. He loved to play the piano and many other musical instruments. He liked to swim, jog/walk, and ride his bike around the area he was residing in at the time. He loved to go to the high school games when he was in Nashwauk and to join in at the community center when he was in Sahuarita. John was very proud of his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Samuel. He didn’t miss an opportunity to share stories of them and with them. John had three brothers, Lawrence (Judy) Vesel, James Vesel, and William/Buddy (Mary) Vesel. He is predeceased by his wife, Mary Jane (Meyer) Vesel, his brother, William/Buddy Vesel, and his parents, Mathew L. Vesel and Mary (Micketts) Vesel. John is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly. A memorial service for both John and Mary Jane Vesel will be held on Friday, September 13 th, 2024, at St. Cecelia’s church (326 2 nd St, Nashwauk, MN 55769). The church service will be at 11:00 am. After the church service, there will be food in the church gathering area. John and Mary Jane will be spending eternity together in Nashwauk Cemetery in the family plot. After the food at the church there will be a short gathering at the cemetery for anyone who wants to join the family.

In lieu of flowers please plant a tree or donate to your favorite charity in their names.