Beloved husband and father John Arnold Mandernach passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at age 83. John was born to Peter and Catherine (Lieser) Mandernach in St. Martin, Minnesota, on April 4, 1943, the youngest of 13 children. John grew up on his family’s farm, surrounded by his siblings and numerous cousins, and attended school at Crosier Prep in Onamia, MN, followed by years of seminary studies.

After leaving the seminary, John continued his service to his faith as a religious educator at Oakdale’s Transfiguration Parish. While there, John met fellow educator, Dianne Von Feldt. The two fell fast, and were married on April 27, 1973; they would enjoy more than 53 years together. After completing his education in Social Work, John and Dianne moved to Moose Lake, MN, in October 1977, where he began his long career with the State of Minnesota, first with the Minnesota State Hospital and then with MSOP.

Moose Lake proved to be a wonderful community for John and Dianne and their four children. Throughout their more than forty years in the community, John was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Moose Lake Area Food Shelf and Meals on Wheels, the Kiwanis, the (locally) famous Whiz Kids softball team, countless tennis tournaments, numerous fantasy football leagues, and the (also locally) famous chain gang at high school football games.

John’s commitment to service ran deep. Following his retirement from the State of Minnesota in 2005, John dedicated his time to volunteer work across a broad range of service organizations. Among other activities, he enjoyed volunteering with the American Red Cross (including in rural Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina), assisting veterans at the Minneapolis Veterans’ Administration hospital, and serving as a Blue and Gold officer for the U.S. Naval Academy.

John was preceded in death by his son, Patrick; his parents; and his siblings Joseph (Monica Buerman), Teresa Dingmann (Albert), Br. Michael CSPX, Sr. Margaret OSB, Laverne, Br. Robert OSC, Albert, and an infant sister. He is survived by his wife Dianne; sons Joe (Molly) of Gainesville, FL, and Chris (Kerry) of Washington, DC; daughters Sarah of St. Louis Park, MN, and Suzanne (Edward) of Roseville, MN; grandchildren Jonah, Grace, Ella, Caleb, John, Adam, Emylen, and Katherine; siblings Sr. Leonore OSB, Sr. Mary OSB, Cyril, and Lillian; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and dear, dear friends.

A visitation will be held at St. Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126, on Monday, November 9, at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please enjoy a DQ Dilly Bar in your favorite flavor. Donations may also be made to the Moose Lake Area Food Shelf [ https://www.cityofmooselake.gov/181/Moose-Lake-Area-Food-Shelf ] or to a charity of your choice.