John Allen Grussendorf

John Allen Grussendorf, 71 of Esko went home to be with Jesus on January 21, 2017. He traveled quite a journey in his life. He was born September 8, 1945 in Duluth to Deke and Hulda Grussendorf. He graduated from Hermantown High School in 1963 and UMD in 1968. He married Mary Aili on June 15, 1968. They settled in Esko on an 80 acre farm on the North Cloquet Road where life started out with a bang - four beautiful daughters in five years. He was outnumbered, but said his vote counted two-thirds. John had the words, "Praise the Lord" painted on the barn which remained there for 20 years. John's father, Deke, founded Grussendorf Nursery in 1952 and taught his four sons the art of landscaping. John always enjoyed the work of beautifying people's yards. Grussendorf Nursery is more than just a business but a place to fellowship. John taught and coached basketball at Mellen, Wisconsin, Clover Valley, Toivola-Meadowlands, Albrook, Esko and Hamilton, Montana. John didn't only teach the game of basketball; he taught the game of life. The most important thing was having Jesus in your heart. His four daughters had the privilege to be coached by their Dad going to the state tournament in 1988 and 1989. John loved coaching and never quit as he continued to "bark" orders at his grandkids on their own home courts. After three death bed miracles John was led to write a book, "Triple Overtime." Many health issues arose through the years since age 32, but he always managed to come home. This time he is rejoicing in his heavenly home. John also was a 35 year bone marrow transplant survivor. His brother Tom, gave him life. He enjoyed the simple things in life - his must have indoor or outdoor saunas, watching old westerns, fishing, hunting, and being called "the Birdman" for all the partridge he got. John was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Tom and J.D., and brother-in-law, Edward Puumala. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary; his four daughters, Miranda (Steve) Sundland, Angela (Tom) Pantsar, Brenda Cid, and Tanya (Tim) Pagelkopf; grandchildren, Broc, Blake, Brett, Ben, Derek, Travis, Ryan, Rachel, Emma, Abby, Sara, Betsy, Jessica, John Boy, and Adam; sister, Ellie Puumala; brother, Carl (Doris) Grussendorf, sisters-in-law, Bette Grussendorf and Sandie Wilson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to thank the many excellent surgeons, physicians and nurses John had throughout the years. Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Apostolic Lutheran Church, Esko. Burial will be in the spring in Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute see, www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com