John Joseph Spitzner

On February 4, 1980, God made a farmer. On Monday, April 25, 2016, God called that farmer home. John Joseph Spitzner, age 36, passed away at Mayo Clinic Health System-St. James. John Joseph was born on February 4, 1980 in St. James, MN, the son of Larry and Kathy (Keim) Spitzner. He graduated from St. James High School in 1998 and continued his education at South Central Technical College where he studied Agribusiness. From 1998 to 2013, John worked for Heller Construction, later moving to Romsdahl Construction/CAG as a concrete foreman. During that time, he also shared in the responsibilities of the family farm operation. After his father, Larry, became ill, John started managing the farm full-time with the help of his brother, Brian, all of which could not have been achieved without the rest of the family's help. John carried on his father's passion for raising various farm animals, except for the horses and llamas, which he still tolerated all for his love, Amanda. John was a skilled craftsman, whether it be with concrete, metal, woodwork or machinery repair. He always made time to participate in the Watonwan County Fair, local tractor pulls, and the Butterfield Threshing Bee. He was very active in 4-H and passed his knowledge on to Trenton and other 4-H youth. John was a born leader, always encouraging others to do their best and take pride in their work. He looked up to many other farmers in the community, often going to them for advice after his father, Larry, passed away in 2014. His sense of humor drew people to him, and his bright blue eyes danced with his laughter. John had a special place in his heart for his daughter Abigail, whom he loved blowing kisses to, playing peek-a-boo and allowing her to get as dirty as she wanted in the shop. On Saturday mornings, he would often watch cartoons with Trenton. His family, friends, and neighbors could rely on him for good conversation and a cold beverage in the shop, where he loved to spend most of his evenings. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Abigail and Trenton's college fund. Survivors include the love of his life; Amanda Petermann of St. James, their daughter Abigail and her son Trenton, mother; Kathy Spitzner of St. James, siblings; Brian Spitzner of St. James, Rebecca (Kyle) Keller of Shakopee, Amy Spitzner and Christine of Rochester, MN, nephew and niece; Samuel Spitzner of St. James, Greta Keller and Baby Keller "on the way" of Shakopee, grandmother; Lila Keim of St. James, aunts; Dorothy Spitzner of Mankato, Mary Zimmerman of St. James, uncle; Donald Spitzner of St. James, cousins; Anthony and Adam Zimmerman, Tyler, Kinzie, and Deanne Keim. He is preceded in death by his father; Larry Spitzner, grandparents; Norman Keim, Alois and Christine Spitzner, uncles; Arthur Keim and Wayne Zimmerman. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, April 29, 2016 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Christian Mothers Rosary Friday, 3:30pm at the funeral home. Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Saturday, April 30, 2016 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Saturday, April 30, 2016 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery- St. James East of town on CR 27 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Fellowship At Marian Hall following services.