John P. Berdan

John Patrick Berdan was born March 26, 1931, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, to Stella Berdan. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1949. In July of 1952 he joined the US Army and was honorably discharged in June 1954. In 1957, he graduated from the University of St. Thomas and went to work for Firestone in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1959 he returned to Sleepy Eye and taught Social Studies, English, and was head football coach at St. Mary’s High School until 1963. In 1963 he began working as a traveling salesman for Paper Packaging Corporation. He married Patricia Albachten on November 27, 1965, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. After marriage they moved to Burnsville and Jack began working for Menasha Corporation. He was General Manager for Menasha when he retired in 1991, and although retired, continued to do consulting work. Over the years Jack and Patti lived in Prior Lake, Lakeville, and Northfield. Patti passed away on March 20, 2001, and Jack has lived in Arizona since 2003.

Jack is a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, All Saints Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion.

Survivors include his daughters: Tami and husband Ken Ronnfeldt of Naperville, Illinois, Sarah and husband Vince Matthews of Aurora, Colorado; 3 grandchildren: Morgan, Megan and John. He was preceded in death by his wife, his son Stephan, and his mother.

Jack passed away, with his daughters by his side, on Monday afternoon, July 28, 2008, in Chandler, Arizona, at the age of 77.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at the church of St. Dominic in Northfield with Bishop John McRaith officiating. Music will be provided by Marlys Mouser. Interment will be at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Lakeville. Casket bearers will be Pat Berdan, Ron Berdan, Jim Mickus, Dan Ahmann, Gene "Archie" Fahlhaber and Dave Remes. Honorary Casket Bearers are David Berdan, Don Berdan, Jim Curran, Donavon Pautzke, Pat Farrell, Glenn Hasse, Mike Giles, Curt Swenson, Jim Losleben, Jerry Sackmaster, Marv Grundhoefer & all other friends. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Monday, August 4, 2008, at the Benson and Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.