John J. Gedker, 87

John Jarvis Gedker, age 87, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare in Austin. John was born March 6, 1937, in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of James and Thelma (Jarvis) Gedker. As a young child, John lived in various places. He spent his later grade school years attending school in Glyndon, Minnesota, graduating in 1955. John was united in marriage to Joanne Estrin on August 30, 1958, in Glyndon. Their union was blessed with three children.

In 1959, John graduated from Moorhead State Teachers College and began a 40-year career in education. He later obtained his master’s degree in 1966 from Mankato State University and continued graduate work during 1968 and 1969 at the University of West Virginia. John’s lifelong passion for education led him through various teaching and administrative roles across multiple states, including North Dakota, Maryland, South Dakota, Minnesota, and West Virginia. In 1970, he returned to Minnesota to teach at the Austin Vocational School. John’s dedication and commitment led him to retire as the President of Riverland Community College. He felt honored and privileged to work in the world of education, inspiring countless students and colleagues throughout his career.

John was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Austin and served as a Red Cross disaster volunteer for over ten years. He provided aid and support during critical times, including working in New York following the events of September 11, 2001.

John was a talented woodcarver and poet; he expressed his creativity in various forms. He treasured the great outdoors, enjoying fishing, camping, and traveling, but above all, he cherished the time spent with his family. John and Joanne shared a love for adventure, spending 10 enjoyable years delivering motorhomes for Winnebago, traveling across the United States and creating lifelong memories. Their summers were often spent on Eighth Crow Wing Lake, where they enjoyed time together.

Survivors include his wife, Joanne Gedker of Austin, MN; children, Lorrie Jo (Charles) Ham and Lisa Jill Gedker; daughter-in-law, Dawn Koskinen; six grandchildren, Rebecca Ham, Sarah (Andrew) Reinitz, Kevin Ham, Andrew (Lynda) Gedker, Joseph (Rachel) Gedker, and Kirsten Koskinen; three great-grandchildren, Annabelle Jo Reinitz, Emmeline Theresa Reinitz, and Elijah Phillip Gedker; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dennis Johnk, Lynda (Lowell) Schultz, and Carol Estrin. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Lou; son, Daniel in 2011; one brother in infancy, Jimmy; sister-in-law, Joyce Johnk; and brother-in-law, Gary Estrin.

A memorial service for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in Austin. The visitation will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Per John’s request, his body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic for research. As a lifelong educator, his wish was that others could continue to learn from his experience. He would be pleased to know that Mayo is honored to accept him in their program. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Lord of Life Lutheran Church Memorial Peace Garden in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Memorials are preferred to the Riverland Foundation, First United Methodist Church, or recipient of donor’s choice. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.