John (Johnny) Splettstaszer
March 27, 1936 ~ September 19, 2012
John passed away on Wednesday, September 19 from pneumonia. He was a longtime resident of Alexandria, MN. He spent the last four years at Clayco Nursing Home in Barnesville, MN. John was assisted by the dedicated staff at the Clayco Nursing Home at the time of his death. He was 76 years old.
John was born in Mayville, ND to Charles and Olga (Johnson) Splettstaszer. He was raised in Clifford, ND where he attended Clifford High School. John lettered on the high school basketball team and was famous for his hook shot. He married his high school sweet heart, Donnalee Arneson and in 1958 John was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Germany as a chauffeur to the General on base and did maintenance on radio equipment.
John was honorably discharged from the Army in 1960 and took his electronics experience and obtained employment with Pioneer Telephone in Northwood, ND. John spent several years in Northwood where he was involved in the community. He served as President of the Jaycees, President of the Park Board and was a member of the Sheriff’s Posse.
In 1977 John moved his family to Alexandria, MN where he lived until he suffered a stroke in 2008. During his time in Alexandria John worked his way up to Station Supervisor for United Telephone. John taught country line dancing to many people in the area and was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. John was an avid motorcyclist and visited the 48 contingent United States on his bike.
John is survived by his wife of 27 years, Donnalee (Arneson) Splettstaszer, mother of Tim (Ann Kelley) Splettstaszer; Cindy (Scott) Jacobs; Rick (Maureen) Splettstaszer; six grandchildren; Brett (RaeLynn Erhardt) Splettstaszer; Michelle (Tyler Campbell) Jacobs; Brady (Sara Knaus) Splettstaszer; Brandon Jacobs; Olivia Splettstaszer; Remington Splettstaszer; one great grandchild; Jacob Tyler Campbell; Two brothers; Mark (Peggy) Splettstaszer; Paul (Linda) Splettstaszer; nieces; Andrea (Brian) James, Taylor, Carson; Lyndsi Rutherford; Brandy (Trevor) Sellden, Kinley; Brittany Splettstaszer; aunts; Ethel Smith; Kathleen (Carmen) Lopresti; many cousins and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; Charles and Olga Splettstaszer; daughter-in-law Rebecca (Olson) Splettstaszer; nephew TJ Rutherford.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Alexandria MnMy thoughts & Prayers are with the Family. Johnny will be dearly missed by all of us. He was such a dear friend.
Scandia MN
I am so sorry to hear about Jonnuy’s passing, he was a good friend when I lived in Alex and worked at the Eagles, May he dance like never before and ride like the wind. Godspeed
Fargo ND
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this tough time. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Meadow South DakotaSo sorry to hear abut Johnny’s death.
Johnny and I had a lot of good times togather when he and I worked for Pioneer Telephone. We just never seemed to get together after we left the company, but he was never forgotten.
Please accept my sincere sympathy to the whole family. Time will heal.
I was saddened to hear that my co-worker Johnny had passed away. We used to work together at United Telephone Company. Lots of fun times at social events and the good old Eagles Club. Talk about a great guy and a great dancer!!! He will be deeply missed! 🙁
Omaha Ne.Dear cousin Donalee, and all the family.
We were very sorry to hear about John’s death. It was good to read about his life, and see his picture. We are thinking of all of you, and praying for peace and comfort. May God bless all of you.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23
Westminster COMy sincere prayers are with the family. John, I can hear you playing the piano right now. What a guy! Fond memories here. God be with you all during this time of sorrow.
Fargo ND
I am so sorry for your loss. I recognized the name, Splettstaszer, right away. My dad was Leonard Nelson from Clifford, ND
. His parents were good friends of Johnny’s parents, Earnest and Myrtle Nelson. I have often wondered where everyone from Clifford ended up. I have fond memories of staying in Clifford for many weekends during the summer, when I was a child, and would visit the Splettstaszer home with my grandma Myrtle. It seemed that good coffee, cookies and friendship made the small town survive as long as it did back then. So happy you were able to settle in Minnesota
. My condolences to the entire family. God Bless.
Minneapolis Mn Here’s to you Johnny! You are are helluva man! As my first supervisor 20 years ago your guidance taught me how to persevere and “roll with the right attitude.” You believed in me and told me I had what it takes. You made a difference at a critical time in my life.
I hope there is a mighty fine “Hondadavidson” with your name on it waiting for you in the afterlife.
My deepest sympathy goes out to all that will miss you Johnny.
Godspeed,
Ryan Dean (Einerwold)
To John’s Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the following Bible verse, John 11: 11 where Jesus said: “… Lazarus our friend has gone to rest, but I am journeying there to awaken him from sleep.” Please also find comfort in knowing that our Almighty Heavenly Father holds out the hope of the resurrection and the ability to see our loved ones again.