John D. DeHaven

Age 85, of Scandia – Lino Lakes – Forest Lake – Little Canada, passed away peacefully on August 24th, 2020.  He was born on April 29th, 1935 in Saint Paul, MN. Preceded in death by his daughter, Gabriel; parents, Harold & Thelma; sister, Janet; brothers, Gary and Jim; and second wife, Martha. Survived by sisters, Diane (Ray) Ricci, and Carol (Jim) Smith; daughter, Amy (Kevin) Vineski, sons, David (Theresa Kline), Thomas, Stephan (Renee), and Samuel (Emily); and first wife, Lyda DeHaven. John is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; Emma (Doug) Folk and daughter Odelia, Jonathan DeHaven, Jacob (Amanda) Rollings-DeHaven, son Jack and daughter Loretta, Emerson Rollings-DeHaven, Samuel Rollings-DeHaven, and David Vineski; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.  John was an athlete; playing hockey, basketball, figure skating and golf. He loved golf, winning countless trophies, along with three holes-in-one, and played in two weekly leagues until just last week. His sense of humor was unique and all his own, and always present even on his last days. He spent his life using his hands and creative talents in everything he did; his life-long tool and die career, working for large corporations, along with starting and operating his own shops; designing and building four homes and always ready to assist in any building-related project; and hobbies displaying his talents, especially enjoying taking pictures and painting everything from ballerinas to religious depictions to barn quilts. He always encouraged and supported those around him. John was always willing to help in any way he could. He found the balance between family and personal endeavors.  John was a loving and involved father; giving his time and support in his everyday, upbeat way… going to tennis matches, basketball games, horse shows, ski races; hunting, fishing and camping trips. We played lots of games; teaching us cribbage, chess, gin, 500, horseshoes, and so on. Our family life was full of horses, boats, dirt-bikes, pool tables, cars, vacations, holidays and celebrations of all types, dogs, cats, chickens and on and on… always anticipating, providing and caring for the needs of his family. He always realized, and said, the material things were “just stuff”, but it was another of his ways to express love for his family. We weren’t rich, just lucky to have good parents.  John traveled throughout the United States and Europe. John was never old and feeble; always young at heart. He never slowed-down; active and sharp until the very end.  It would take a lifetime to describe him, and we are all so fortunate to have shared him. He touched many people through his long and rewarding life; happy with his many accomplishments, family, and at peace with the Lord.  He will be greatly missed and remembered by so many.  There will be a private family interment service.