John Ankeny

John Ankeny, age 97, of St. James passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society-Pleasant View in St. James. A private family service will be held at the graveside on Monday, February 15, 2021 with Rev Joe Faldet officiating and military honors provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James. John Irvin Ankeny was born Jan. 28, 1924 to Maude Cheatle Ankeny and Irv in Ankeny. He was the fifth child in a family of seven. He was raised on a farm near Winnebago, MN. He attended a country school for 8 years. He was active in 4-H. He graduated from the Winnebago High school in 1941. He then attended Air Craft school in the cities. From there he went to San Diego to work in an air craft factory. He joined the Air Force after Pearl Harbor and served in the South Pacific in the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan. After an honorable discharge he enrolled at the University of Minnesota for a degree in Agriculture. While in college he was active in the Farm House Fraternity and Wesley Foundation. It was there he met Lois Gust who was the love of his life. He graduated from the University on a Sat. night and the following Monday he started work as a County Agent in Watonwan County where he spent his entire professional career. When he retired from that job he spent ten years working for the Watonwan Farm Service company as a professional consultant. He and Lois were married July 19,1952 at the Mehtodist Church in Verdi, MN. They adopted four children ; Richard John, Robin Louise, Ronald Karl and Risa Lynne. Rachel Anne was born to them later. They all took many trips together traveling around the US attending the National County Agents meetings. After the children were grown he and Lois took trips out of the USA. John has always been active in the Methodist church serving in many capacities. He was a member of the choir. Couples club, Sunday school teacher, usher, church board. Financial Secretary and spent 25 years lovingly caring for the church landscaping until he was no longer able to do it. He was very community minded. He helped revive the Community Fund serving as chairman and then then treasurer for 8 years. He helped start the Relay for Life and served as chairman of the food stand for 5 years. Served as Co-chair of the Rotary-Lions Turkey dinner. Assisted in construction of three Habitat for Humanity Homes. Served for years as an election judge . Delivered Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the Jaycees, St. James Historical Society, concert association, Watonwan Historical Society, Opera House Restoration and Rotary. He was a courier for the local hospital transporting blood, x-rays/ etc. to and from local hospitals. He transported animals to the Vet for the Humane Society. He was a 10 gallon plus donor of Red Cross blood. Because of his commitment to serving the community he received many awards. He retired as a full professor from the University of MN. WCCO Good Neighbor Award, Watonwan County Out Standing Senior Citizen, Outstanding Jaycee, Region 9 Area Agency Out Standing Senior Citizen, Sertoma Service to Mankind, Honor Flight to Washington, DC and Induction into the National County Agents Hall of Fame. John often commented on the wonderful life together he and Lois had. He is survived by his wife Lois Ankeny of St. James, children; Rick and Carol Ankeny, Hartford, SD, Robin Ankeny , Lengby, Mn, Ron Ankeny, MN, Risa Carlson, Elmwood, Wl, Rachel and Jake Johnson, Akeley, MN. Six grandchildren: Shawn and Brooke Ankeny, Miranda and Chris Jacobs, Jamison, Jakob and Rianna Carlson and Gabby Klicker. Five great grandchildren: Jaiden, Libby, Evelyn, A'vayah, Austin and Shawn Richard John. One sister Cecile Carroll and many nieces and nephews.