LAFAYETTE–John S. Arlandson was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. He entered eternal life on December 29, 2023 at age 82, with his family by his side.

He was born to Roy and Edna (Kent) Arlandson on July 6, 1941 in New Ulm, MN. Growing up, John spent his time working and playing at the Farmer’s Coop of Lafayette, where his dad was employed. As a child he loved the independence of his paper route, and he explored an early affinity with numbers by closing out the tills at the family hardware store. He loved Sundays at the Kent farm in Gibbon and riding bike around Lafayette until dark. He learned to play the trumpet at a young age, and trumpet music would become a lifelong interest. In high school, he played in concert and dance bands. Driving to band practice in New Ulm, he was often accompanied by a younger saxophonist from Lafayette. Her name was Karen Johnson, and years later they would marry.

After high school, John attended the University of Minnesota School of Engineering, then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He went on to work at Univac as a computer programmer. In 1966, John married Karen and settled down in Bloomington, MN. Family events led John and Karen back to Karen’s original homestead on the farm, where they built their future life together. Together they raised four children, John, Chris, Scott and Dawn. While farming, John resumed computer programming and co-founded CWC in Mankato, which gave him great professional satisfaction until his retirement in 1995.

John was an active community member, serving on the Lafayette Legion, on the Volunteer Ambulance/EMT team, as president of his church council, and as a school board member.

John will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Karen; children John (Martha), Chris (Jen), Scott (Alesia) and Dawn (Chris); grandchildren, Jacob, Billy, Ryan, Grace, Gwyneth, Genevieve, Sophia, Jack, Zoie, Bennett, Annika, CJ, Sophia, and Anna; sister-in-law Denise Gulden, as well as many extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Edna, brothers-in-law Duane and Larry Johnson, and step-father Donald Sandquist.

A celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Lafayette, MN with a 3:00 P.M. service. Visitation and a meal in the church social hall will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Lutheran Church in Lafayette.

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