John Edward Waller Jr.

John Waller Jr., 72, a resident of Pelican Rapids died Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND. John was born July 6, 1949 in Fergus Falls, MN to John “Petie” and Marion (Jorgenson) Waller. He graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1967 and obtained his teaching degree from Moorhead State University. On August 9, 1968 he married Karen Braton. They lived in Dawson, MN where John taught history, social studies and owned and operated a hog farm. They moved back home to the Svare-Waller Farm in Pelican Rapids in 1983, which has been in the family for 6 generations. In 1992 John graduated from Concordia College with Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. John worked for MeritCare and several other institutions specializing in elderly and psychiatric care. John’s loves in life were family, friends, the farm and heritage. If you knew and loved John, you know there was a cold beer and a story of all of the above. Life’s challenges and health issues never dimmed his sense of humor and willingness to sit and tell another story. His true happiness came from his three grandchildren. Tyler, Samantha and Madison. John enjoyed strong connections with family and neighbors and was always willing to help others with farm work. He never turned down a cup of coffee or had a meal he didn’t love. The best meal seemed to always be the present meal. John loved to talk and tell stories and was fond of jokes and kidding others. John is survived by his children: John (Karen) Waller III of Pelican Rapids, Chuck (Paula) Waller of Pelican Rapids, who live on the family farm, and daughter, Emily (Aaron) Guest, Bemidji, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Samantha (Trevor) Meyeraan, Madison Waller, and Tyler (Mickayla Johnson) Guest; brother, Peter (Lisa) Waller, and sister, Connie (John) Wood. Niece Jessica (Tynan) Beatty, Nephew Zachary (Maria) Waller and Niece Ashley (Robert) Cardinal and 5 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials preferred to O.A.K.S. Visitation: Friday, September 17, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Faith Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. The church is requesting that people wear face masks. Clergy: Pastor Allen Westby, S.A.M. Burial: Bagstevold Cemetery, Erhard, Minnesota Please keep John's family in your thoughts and prayers. John's Memorial Folder