John Avre, age 92, of Cambridge died January 6, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, January 11th at Strike Life Tributes – ISANTI. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army.
John Avre passed away at the age of 92 on January 6, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis from pneumonia and complications of a stroke.
John Donald (Ovre) Avre was born April 21,1927 to Carl & Annette (Strong) Ovre in their home in South Minneapolis. He was the youngest of six children. John was a venturesome youth and spoke often of his childhood adventures. He enlisted in the Army in May 1945 and was sent to Fort Ripley Kansas to train in Army Communications and Horse Calvary and upon completion was shipped directly overseas to serve his country.
John married Mary Gillette on February 13, 1952 and they made their home in Minneapolis. Together they had four sons and two daughters. John moved his family north to begin farming in 1968. They moved to Isanti County in 1985.
John was employed as an auto body mechanic for the city of Minneapolis. He retired from the City of Minneapolis at the age of 50. He continued his passion for cars and farming after he retired.
John was known for his witty sense of humor, his political viewpoints, and historical knowledge. He kept active working outside, tinkering in the garage, and playing poker. Meet the Press, Jeopardy, and crossword puzzles were his favorite downtime activities.
More than anything John enjoyed spending time with his growing family. He attended many of his grandchildren’s activities and his presence at these events will be missed.
John is preceded in death by his sons, Daniel and John; as well as his parents, Carl and Annette; sisters Fern, Rachel and Mable and brothers, William and Stanley. And to his great sorrow, several grandchildren have passed before him as well.
John is survived by his wife, Mary Avre; children, Michael Avre (Nancy), William Avre, Vicki Danielson (Mike) and Cindy Henderson (Pat), 27 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
John will be tremendously missed as the Patriarch of the Avre Family.
We have been friends since they moved to Isanti in 1985. They sold their house in 2005 to our son. We had many fun times with John and Mary and traveled to New Mexico twice with them. I always enjoyed Johns wit and humor. Jerry and John were good friends who shared their interest in cars.
Rest in Peace John. You had a good run.
Jerry and Pat Otten
Mary and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We got to spend some time with him playing in tournaments. He was always so interesting to speak with and so funny. We will miss him.
Rest in Peace John,
Todd and Ann Suckow