John H. Reynolds

Obituary

John Howard Reynolds was born on June 25, 1944, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He was the son of John “Jack” and Bernice “Bunny” (Hafften) Reynolds. John grew up on a farm in the Minnesota River Valley near Morton, Minnesota. He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith at the Methodist Church in Morton. John received his education in Morton and was a graduate of the Morton High School Class of 1962.

John entered active military service in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Izmir, Turkey.

After John returned from serving in the Air Force, he lived briefly in Glencoe, Minnesota, where he met Jeanne Goehring. On November 25, 1967, John and Jeanne were united in marriage to Jeanne at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. This marriage was blessed with four children, Carrie, Lori, John, and Rebecca “Becky”. John and Jeanne moved to Hutchinson in 1968, where they built a home and raised their family. When they retired, they moved to their family cabin on Lake Marie in South Haven, Minnesota, where they enjoyed a quieter pace and the beauty of nature. John and Jeanne shared 57 years of marriage.

John was self-employed for more than 30 years, proudly owning and operating Hutchinson Fire and Safety as well as Reynolds Fence. Earlier in his career, he worked as Head of Maintenance at Hutchinson Industrial. Deeply committed to serving others, John gave generously of his time and talents to the community. He spent 27 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Hutchinson Fire Department, retiring as Rescue Squad Captain, and served on the ambulance squad at Hutchinson Hospital for over 20 years—always ready to help when it was needed most. He also shared his knowledge as an EMT instructor at Willmar Technical College, helping to train the next generation of first responders.

John was a longtime and devoted member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding many local and regional leadership roles across more than 15 lodges and patrols. In 2010–2011, he served internationally as Commanding Officer of the General Military Council within the Patriarchs Militant branch of the I.O.O.F. His commitment to the organization gave him the opportunity to travel extensively, representing the Odd Fellows at meetings and events—something he truly loved and took great pride in.

John was also a member of the American Legion Post 96 in Hutchinson and was a Lifetime Member of Girl Scouts of the USA, further reflecting his deep commitment to service and community. In addition, he was a charter member of the Crow River SnoPros Snowmobile Club, enjoying the camaraderie and adventure that came with time on the trails.

John had a deep love for the outdoors – especially during deer hunting season, working around the family farm, or simply sitting by the lake watching the birds. His dachshunds were constant companions over the years, with his most recent, Duchess, always by his side. John also had a great passion for country western music and attended Country Jam for three decades.

A natural storyteller with a booming laugh, John never met a stranger – he could find a familiar face in any crowd. Whether he ran into an old friend or struck up a conversation with someone new, he had a way of turning strangers into friends with a good joke or a heartfelt story.

More than anything, John loved his family. Time spent together – whether at home, at the lake, or gathered around the dinner table – meant the world to him. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the lives he touched, and the love he gave.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Benedictine Living Center in Cold Spring, Minnesota, at the age of 80 years.

Blessed be his memory.

John is survived by his:
Wife, Jeanne Reynolds of South Haven, MN;
Children, Lori Hornick-Lindell of Randall, MN,
John Reynolds and his wife, Stacie of Buffalo, MN,
Rebecca “Becky” Reynolds and her wife, Jessie Hoffmann of Cold Spring, MN;
Grandchildren, Brittney Nielsen and her husband, Cole of Dassel, MN,
Thomas Hornick of Randall, MN,
Madison Barske and her husband, Mitch of Medina, MN,
Meredith Reynolds of Buffalo, MN,
Marlo Reynolds of Buffalo, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Oliver, James, and Walter Nielsen of Dassel, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

John is preceded in death by his Parents, John “Jack” and Bernice “Bunny” Reynolds; First Wife, Shirley Oakes; Daughter, Carrie Jean Reynolds; Sisters, Beatrice “Butch” Ahrens and Harriet Deinken.