John Crawford

JOHN LESLIE CRAWFORD was born on August 5, 1924, to James and Bessie (Schenck) Crawford in Beaver Creek, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm west of town. Following graduation from Beaver Creek High School in 1942, he first attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota and later the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. During this time he took some time off from college to return home and help with the family farming operation. In 1955, John graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Pharmacy. He then moved to Worthington, Minnesota and first worked at Ahll Drug, before later working at Rexall Drug. On January 30, 1960, John was united in marriage to June Hedger in Tracy, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Worthington until 1970, when John moved his young family to Pipestone, Minnesota and purchased the Luksik Rexall Drug Store. John operated this store and eventually opened a pharmacy and variety store in Jasper, Minnesota. With the help of his wife June, he later opened The Thoughtfulness Gift Shop in Pipestone and another pharmacy in Brandon, South Dakota. In addition to all of these ventures, John remained a farmer throughout his life and was often found working in the fields on nights and weekends. Following the death of June in October 2006, John closed the last remaining store which he operated and continued to just farm. Due to his health, John became a resident at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne, Minnesota in 2008. On Saturday, April 16, 2016, John died peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 91 years, 8 months and 11 days.

John was a member of the Presbyterian Church during his life and strengthened his relationship with God while farming the land. In his earlier years he enjoyed bowling, golfing and photography. Throughout his whole life, John simply enjoyed farming. Odd as it may seem, he especially enjoyed walking beans and picking rocks. He will be remembered as a quiet giant for the relationships he shared with people.

John is lovingly remembered by his three children, Jane (Glenn) Gurtcheff of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Brett Crawford of Maple Grove, Minnesota, and David Crawford of Beaver Creek; brother, Fran “Whimp” (JoAnne) Crawford of St. Cloud, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, June; son, Brian Crawford; parents, James and Bessie Crawford; and three brothers, Harold, Howard and James Crawford.