John Edward Havel

John Havel of Rush City passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 80.

John Edward Havel was born April 28, 1944 to Edward and Marcella (Kubesh) Havel in Pine City, Minnesota.

John grew up in Beroun alongside his two siblings, sister Helen and brother Joel, and where he attended grade school. He graduated from Pine City High School in 1962.

In 1962 John went into the service where he was assigned to the 52nd Artillery. He was stationed in Germany. He was a proud member of the Heath-Perkins American Legion Post #51 for 53 years. After the service John married Barbara and on January 7, 1966 their son Brendan was born.

In 1975 John met Joan Scheele and John would say they "had a very short courtship, but it must have been a good one.” They met in February and were married on August 21, 1975. They spent 49 years together. John would take any opportunity to compliment Joan about anything. He would always say how lucky he was to find Joan and gain four wonderful kids - Tim, Bob, JoAnne and Laurie, and then in 1977 they welcomed daughter Tina. Through their years of raising a family, farming, and working alongside the kids, then gaining multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, John and Joan would say that they were truly blessed.

John went on to haul milk at Land O Lakes and in 1991 he started his trucking business where he was always “heading to Mora." John made many friendships and connections while hauling and he loved doing it. John also worked at the Amber Mill which he loved. He shared many stories of his adventures and was proud of the hard work and connections he made. John was hardworking and dedicated to helping others through acts of service and words of affirmation. You could give him a call and say you needed help, and he would be there in a minute.

John had many titles - husband, father, brother, uncle, papa, great grandpa, and a great friend. John loved farming, talking to his friends at the sale barn and making anyone he could laugh. He had a kind heart, respectful manner, and was always willing to help those who needed it. He loved hauling and telling stories about his adventures. He’s in heaven right now drinking a nice strong black cup of coffee and talking about the farming market.

John was loved by many, and the family is thankful for all the support in this time.

John is survived by his wife Joan Havel of Rush City; children Brendan (Traci) Havel of Alpine, California, Tina Havel of Rush City, Tim Scheele of Center City, Bob (Deb) Scheele of Braham, JoAnne Hawley of Rush City, Laurie Miller of Rush City; grandchildren Bailey Havel (Scott Ballard) of Rush City, Kayla May of Brookings, South Dakota, Trevor Haugrud (Katie Koppy) of Rush City, Travis (Sara) Haugrud of Rush City, Taylor Scheele (Nick Anglo) of Rush City, Zac (Tori) Scheele of Harris, Blaine Scheele of Rush City, Vinnie Scheele of Braham; many great-grandchildren; brother Joel Havel; brother-in-law Gary Lamb of Wyoming; nephew Doug Lamb of Braham.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Marcella Havel; granddaughters Heather Hawley, Lacey Scheele; sister Helen Lamb; son-in-law Randy Miller.

Pastor Cary Johnson will officiate John's funeral service: 3 PM; Monday, March 24, 2025 with a time of visitation and reviewal planned from 3-6 PM Sunday (3/23) and also one hour prior to the service all at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City. The interment will take place in the Free Mission Cemetery, Rush City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com