John Albert Oberpriller

John (Jack) Albert Oberpriller, age 65 of Howard Lake, passed away Saturday, Dec. 23, 2000, at his home surrounded by his loving wife, children, and their spouses. John was born Sept. 18, 1935, in St. Cloud, Minn., to Albert and Doris (Lake) Oberpriller, the second of seven children. John grew up in many areas of Minnesota including Maple Lake, Annandale, South Haven, and Howard Lake. He graduated from Howard Lake public school in 1953. On April 24, 1954, John was united in marriage to Hazel Weller at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake. God blessed their marriage with five children. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Minneapolis where John worked with the railroad, and started as a window cleaner The spring of 1957 brought them back to Howard Lake to help with the Weller family farm. John and Hazel, along with John's partner, Dale Thorson, started T & O Auto Parts Recycling Center 38 years ago. In 1996, John turned the business over to his son, Timothy, and son-in-law, Thomas Sullivan. John was one of the founders and members of the Minnesota Auto Wreckers Association, and he served 22 years as treasurer of Howard Lake Industries. An active member of the Howard Lake community, John belonged to the Howard Lake Sportsmen's Club, the Lions Club, World Elk Foundation, Howard Lake Masonic Lodge 92, The American Hunters Club, and Ducks Unlimited. He served as president of the Sportsmen's and Lions Clubs, and was a past master of the Masonic Lodge. John was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship, an award given to those who go above and beyond the duties of a community member, presented by the Howard Lake Lions Club. Jack loved to fish, hunt, and travel. Some of his travels took him to Oregon, Nevada, and Colorado. His last travel expedition took him to Alaska, where he spent several months working on a fishing boat. John fulfilled many of his dreams during his lifetime. John touched many lives while here on earth, and was greatly loved and respected by many. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Hazel, of Howard Lake; four children and their spouses: Sharrie and Douglas Brown of Annandale, Elaine and Patrick Hurley, Timothy and Denise Oberpriller, and Janelle and Thomas Sullivan, all of Howard Lake; 10 grandchildren: John and wife, Jane; Joseph, Michael, and Sharina Brown; James and Lisa Veaderko, Kelly and Albert Oberpriller, and Tanya and Cody Sullivan; and two great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Tyler. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin John; a brother, Joseph T.; and his parents, Albert and Doris. A Mass of Christian Burial took place Thursday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Waverly, with the Rev. Wiley officiating. Wake service prayers were given by Deacon Greg Paffel, John's nephew. A rosary was given by Dick Paffel and John's grandchildren. LeRoy Bren, Darrel Main, Vern Lemke, Verdel Stenberg, and Stan Holm served as honorable pallbearers. The Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, Howard Lake, handled the arrangements. Howard Lake-Waverly Herald & Winsted-Lester Prairie Journal