John Moore

John Moore, 63, of Preston, Minn., died surrounded by his family on September 6, 2017, from cancer.

John was born on March 6, 1954, in Harmony, Minn., to Elizabeth (Long) and Elbert Moore. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1972.  There was nothing John liked more than figuring out how to fix problems and decided to become an electrician. He worked for several different electrical contractors and received his Masters Electrician  License in 1986 before starting his own business in 1988.  While running his business he traveled to Nicaragua and donated his time and services to wire hospitals.

In 1979 he married Mary Blaschke of LaCrosse, Wis.  Together they had two daughters and moved to the farm in Preston.  They later divorced, but still maintained a close relationship.  Some of John’s favorite activities included reminiscing with friends, driving his convertible, working, boating on the Mississippi, and being “Papa John” to his grandchildren. He will be most remembered by his friends and family for his loyalty, his storytelling and his willingness to help out a friend.

He is survived by Mary Moore, his daughters Jennifer Moore and Gayle (Nick) Ikert, and his grandchildren Caiden, Charlotte and Chase, all of Onalaska, Wis.; his “mom” Donna Mandelko and “family” Steve and Nathan Mandelko, Joan Wissing, Jean Nagel and close friends Kyle Langum and Scott Ristau.  He is further survived by his sisters Dorothy, Virginia, Lois and Linda, and his aunt Florence as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

He  was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Alyce Moore, his “dad” Delbert Mandelko, and “son” Justin Mandelko.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 2-6 p.m. at 15673 241st Ave., Preston, Minn.  All are welcome to share stories and memories of John. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. John’s final resting place will be in St. Matthew’s Cemetery in Harmony, Minn. The family wishes to say a special Thank You to Deb Dols for everything she did for John and his family. Online condolences may be left at www.blaschkeschneider.com.