John S. Beach

John Seldon Beach, 94, of Chatfield, MN, passed away after a brief illness, Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Chosen Valley Care Center, Chatfield, surrounded by his family. He was born October 16, 1923 to the late Seldon and Jenny (Gilson) Beach in Sparta.

John grew up in the Sparta area and graduated from Sparta High School. After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy. As a survivor of two kamikaze attacks, he was a recipient of a Purple Heart. Following the service, John met and married the love of his life, Mabel Eggleston; they recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. John’s passion was baking. He owned and operated Beach’s Bakery in Winnebago, MN for over 30 years. John finished his career as a pastry chef in Florida and Maine. He retired to Chatfield at the age of 82.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mabel; three daughters, Kathy (Fred) Ericson; Susan (Greg) Wuerflein; and Peggy (Curtis) Sorenson; a daughter-in-law, Janice Beach; and 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren who loved their “Papa” very much.

In addition to his parents, Seldon and Jenny, John was preceded in death by his son, John E. Beach; siblings: Edward Beach, Robert Beach, Mary DeSanto, Donald Beach, and Judy Kolbernick.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 12, at the Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, with Reverend Rey Diaz officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences may be offered to John’s family at www.schanhfoerfh.com.

John’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Chosen Valley Care Center for the compassionate care given to John.

The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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