John Corrigan

John Corrigan, age 67 of Northfield, passed away Saturday, December 26, 2009 after an unbelievably courageous fight with a 30 year illness. John Corrigan is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dar; children Terri (Dean) Sim of Winona, Bill (Nancy) Becker of Northfield, Bob Becker of Northfield, Cheri (Paul) Ekstadt of Lakeville; grandchildren Ian and Addison Sim, Wendy Davis, Adam, Jamie, and Erin Becker, Andrea Becker, and special helper, friend, and grandson Nick Becker; brother Mike Corrigan of Farmington; sisters Kathleen (Hal) Blair of Oakdale, Agnes (Robert) Van Tassel of Savage; many nieces and nephews and his cat Peanut. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Wednesday, December 30th at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield with burial at Calvary Cemetery in Northfield. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-8:00 pm at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield and at the Church on Wednesday 1 hour prior to Services.

John Patrick Corrigan was born October 29, 1942 in Farmington, son of John and Margaret (McAndrews) Corrigan. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Farmington High School in 1960 and then attended St. John’s University. He spent his entire working career of 47 years at Schjeldahl’s in Northfield where he was a valued employee and friend. In 1972 he married his best friend and soulmate, Dar, and together they shared 37 years of marriage and raised 4 children. John’s main interests were his family, cars-especially his 1970 Mustang Convertible, traveling to Arizona, and fixing things or solving problems for family and friends.

In 1979 he was diagnosed with polimyositis, a rare and debilitating disease. In 1990 he received a heart transplant. He then fought complications including pneumonia, infections, and strokes and was near death countless times, but he refused to give up. Even three days before his death when staff and family discussed hospice care, he said he wasn’t ready for that yet.

John’s family thanks the University Of Minnesota Hospital, doctors, nurses, aids and staff for their extraordinary care, compassion, and friendship through the years. John felt comfortable and safe there. Go to biermanfuneralhome.com to register on line.

Arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.