Page created by: Todd Loken

John Albert Loken of Eden Prairie died peacefully September 8, 2019 at the age of 71 as a result of complications from Parkinson’s disease. John was diagnosed with the disease in 2012 and fought against the symptoms with dignity and grace. He will be missed by both family and friends.

He married Bev Levitt on August 22nd, 1969. Throughout 50 years of marriage they remained best friends and enjoyed many activities together including biking, traveling, tennis, and golf. He will be remembered by his family through many nicknames such as “pruneface” as well as his love and pursuit of chocolate. He is survived by his wife Bev, son Todd, daughter-in-law Angela, and three grandchildren: Claire, Luci, and Daylia. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family both in Minnesota as well as on their many trips to places such as the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Ireland, and other memorable locations.

As the first born son of Pastor Palmer and Annabelle Loken, John was the senior member of the famed sibling group “The Five J’s”: John, Judy, Joan, Jana, and Jeffrey. He grew up in a variety of locations that his dad’s ministry carried the family. He was preceded in death by his dad and is survived by his mom and siblings.

John graduated from Sheffield-Chapin High School in 1966 where he excelled as quarterback of the football team. He attended Waldorf Junior College and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Luther College in 1969.

John worked at Cargill for his entire professional career. He worked in a variety of roles and locations including Minnesota and Kansas. He was a respected leader and mentor within the organization. John retired in 2002 but remained active in the Cargill Retiree Group and frequently participated in volunteer events and enjoyed golfing with his fellow retirees.

In retirement, John volunteered for a few different organizations such as United Way, Teen’s Alone (MoveFwd), and Store to Door. He enjoyed using his leadership and programming skills to help these organizations complete their missions. He had a true desire to give back to the community having been blessed with many abilities and the time to help.

John was an avid tennis player playing late into his disease with friends and family. While he loved the competition, it was the comradery and lifelong friendships that he developed on the court that made the game such a huge part of his life. He spent many weekends in the small towns of Kansas entering all the events he could at any given tournament. Not known for having the most elegant strokes, his fierce competitive spirit and swinging volleys gained him the respect of his peers and carried him through to victory more often than not.

John and Bev enjoyed many hours with lifelong friends. Many treasured times were had with Orlan and Corella Thorbeck who were considered extended family. They also spent much time with Jim and Linda Anderson whom they traveled and played bridge with as much as life would allow. Their adventures included many domestic trips as well as the infamous “23 days to see Europe.” Their experiences also took them on harrowing but enjoyable trips through Australia and New Zealand.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that tributes are sent to The Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson’s research.

Services to be held October 4th, 2019 at:
St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
13600 Technology Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

10:00 am - Visitation
11:00 am - Service
12:00 pm - Lunch