John E. Herbst, 63-year-old resident of rural Isanti, MN passed away December 21, 2025 at his home. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
John was born on February 8, 1962 in Blaine, MN to Ervin and Caryll Herbst. He was united in marriage to Susan Rickard on September 11th, 1981 in St. Francis. John worked at Herbst and Son’s Demolition and Central Sandblasting, both of which were family-owned business’s until he retired. He was hardworking and a skilled operator. John enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a love of the outdoors. John and Susan spent many years maintaining a beautiful home and property where family and friends could be entertained. Many joyous occasions were spent on the property including their barn. John was well known as Papa John and would entertain his grandkids over the years with rides on his tractor and ATV’s. John also had a love of automobiles, especially his Chevy pickup “Old Blue”. John loved his wife Susan, and all of his family and friends. He is loved by all.
John is survived by his wife, Susan Herbst; children, Patrick (Alicia) Herbst, Kristina (Matthew) Chalstrom; grandchildren, Dylan Herbst, Halley Herbst, Austin Herbst, Nash Chalstrom, Quinn Chalstrom; parents, Ervin and Caryll Herbst; siblings, Tammy Wudel, James Herbst, and Kim Hentges.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents and many other loved family and friends. He will be reunited with them in Heaven, along with his dear cousin Danny Herbst.
We love you, and miss you Papa John.
Kristina and family, may you find moments of peace and comfort as you navigate this difficult time. Your father’s love and strength will live on in you. He was a great man. We are sending healing prayers your way.
Sue and family……
I am so sorry – know that I am hurting for you and with you all – I will always remember Johnny as a very quiet, peaceful, kind, smiling child and teenager and then as a quiet, peaceful, kind, smiling man. Denny was especially fond of John and always spoke highly of him and his calm nature and the fact that John was a straight shooter and not a BSer. I’m thinking that the three of them- John and Danny and Denny (John’s godfather) are together, sipping on a heavenly beer and reminiscing …. while John is working on one of his Find a Word puzzles.
Sending love and hugs to you Sue – so very aware of the love and care you gave to John while also having the strength to heal and take care of yourself.
I’m sorry for your and your family’s pain and loss. John was a great guy with a wonderful smile. Will be missed ……
Judy
To Kristina and family: We are so sorry for your loss. Your care and dedication to your father through his long illness show how deeply he was loved, and his memory will live on through those who love him. Wishing your family comfort and peace during this difficult time.
John would bring his deer (which was normally a good sized buck) to me for processing We would talk hunting and guy stuff. He struck me as a guy you wanted to be around I was deeply saddened by his passing may the lord be with you during this difficult time