John Sahlstrom

John Carl Sahlstrom, age 86, of Milaca, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025.  Funeral services will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11 AM at Milaca Evangelical Free Church.  Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

John Sahlstrom was born April 29, 1938 to Nathaniel and Emma (Eggen) Sahlstrom in Bock, Minnesota. He graduated from Milaca High School in 1956 and then attended St Cloud State University studying education. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Olson on December 29, 1961 at Milaca Evangelical Free Church. To this union three children were born: Randy, Patricia, and Brian. After the passing of Dorothy in 2016, John found companionship with Beverly Hane, marrying her in 2019.

John worked construction jobs through college and then at Olson Furniture Store in Milaca until he began his nearly 30-year career as an operator for Viking Gas Transmission southwest of Milaca.

Throughout his entire life, he attended and was a member of Milaca Evangelical Free Church, serving in many volunteer roles over 60 years of ministry. Included in that are nearly 30 years teaching the Sunday morning class at the Milaca Elim Home where he enjoyed engaging with the residents and staff.

John enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, fishing, attending dirt track races, bowling, camping at Minnesota State Parks, taking coach bus tours, and attending musical events – especially gospel sing-alongs.

John will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Beverly; children, Randy (Cathy) of Pease, Patti (Tim) Armstrong of Shakopee, and  Brian (Paula) of Foley; grandchildren, Jennifer Weeks, Stephanie (Aaron) Olson, Michael, Christina, Nicholas and Timothy Sahlstrom; Emma (Blaize) Pedretti, Chloe (Graham) Parker, and Sarah Armstrong; Ashton, Braden (Maddie), Callie, Elaina, and Finley Sahlstrom; and great-grandchildren, Teddy and Elliot Olson and Seth Sahlstrom.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Paul, Mary, and Judy; and first wife, Dorothy.