John Mangen

Born July 20, 1995, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Dennis Bernard and Christine Ann Mangen, John was attending Minnesota State University in Mankato taking nutrition and exercise science classes in his first year at MSU. John was a talented athlete and sports were a big part of his life. He was a three-sport athlete in high school: football, basketball and baseball. In his high school career, he was a two-time recipient of the baseball All Conference, football All-Conference, and lettered seven times. John loved to play baseball. He started at Park Rec t-ball and moved into Sleepy Eye Blue, which his dad coached. As he got older, he was playing baseball nearly every night in the summer, even continuing to play on a men's traveling team his first semester of college. When he wasn't playing sports, he was watching ESPN and could always tell you exactly how a team ranked. John enjoyed summer trips to professional baseball parks with his dad, friend Brandon, brother Beau, and friend Cody. He also went to many sporting events with his buddy Streich. John also participated in plays and FFA at Sleepy Eye High School. One of his most memorable performances was as Santa Claus in 2nd grade where the pillow slipped out of his costume as he crossed the stage. John also tutored younger students while in high school and spent time with his many friends. John was a big family guy. From willingly going on errands with his mom (as long as going out to eat was involved), and being the jokester of the family during vacations. John enjoyed the outdoors. He liked going hunting with his Uncle Neil and his cousins. John bought a snowmobile with money he saved and would snowmobile with his dad and brother, near their home in Fairfax. John will always be remembered for his huge infectious smile, sense of humor and his caring attitude. John had many friends of all ages and was known and loved around the community. Survivors include Dennis and Christine Mangen of Fairfax, MN (parents), Erin (sister, 25) and Adam of Sioux Falls, SD, Beau (brother, 24) of St. Paul, MN, Alexa (sister, 22), Pablo and Adrian (nephew, 6 months) of Mankato, MN, and his Grandpa Carl and his wife Sherrill of Princeton, MN. He is also survived by many, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bernard and Sylvia Mangen, Carol Newberg and great-aunt, Millis Savelkoul. First Visitation 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tuesday, March 11, 2014 Sleepy Eye Public High School Gym 400 4th Ave. SW Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Second Visitation 9:00 am - 10:30 am Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Trinity Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye, MN 217 Brackenridge S.W. Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Service Information 10:30 am Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Trinity Lutheran Church, Sleepy Eye, MN 217 Brackenridge S.W. Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085