John Roed

Obituary of John Vernon Roed

John Vernon Roed of Duluth Mn passed away July 4 at St. Lukes Hospice while surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on October 31, 1946 in Duluth to Clyde and Mary Lou Roed. John was born and raised in Duluth, grew up in Piedmont Heights, and graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School.

John’s first job was for the Duluth Herald and he later enlisted in the Navy in 1965 where he proudly served and was honorably discharged on December 6, 1971. He was stationed in Bellingham Washington and later served in the US Coast Guard and the Naval reserve. He attended UMD and landed a job with Minnesota Power & Light where he proudly worked for 36 ½ years, retiring in 2002 as a Purchasing Agent. He participated in years of Minnesota Power hockey, fishing league, softball, golf, bowling, and served as the skip for the MP&L curling team that won the Clay Boswell bonspiel championship in 1974, He was honored by MP&L by being chosen as a Duluth Ambassador and received many awards through the years. He made many people smile as a proud member of the moron tabernacle choir along with Tony, Gene, and Cary.

John was a devoted husband, father, and papa to his grandchildren. He was the happiest spending time with his best friend and wife Sue over the past 15 years. John celebrated life by traveling, spending time in Florida, and visiting with grandchildren and friends.

John was an accomplished fisherman. He grew up fishing Millers Creek with his brothers and friends where he caught brook trout and perfected his fishing skills. Many trips were made to Canada, Gunflint Trail, Boundary Waters, Lake Superior, the Gulf, and all the local lakes around Duluth, including one of his favorites, Island Lake. HIs proudest fishing moment was catching a 31 lb Lake Trout near Isle Royale in 1991.

John grew up playing hockey and baseball with friends and brothers in Piedmont Heights and had a lifelong passion for hockey and the LA Dodgers. He was always dedicated to his boys and treasured the times he was able to coach youth hockey for Duluth Heights, Lester Park, and Duluth Stewarts. He served on the Duluth Amatuer Hockey Board of Directors, flooded rinks, and worked the smelt tent. He volunteered to help manage his son’s soccer and hockey teams and was able to travel with the teams to State High School Soccer and Hockey tournaments for Duluth East. John also was proud to work Duluth East Greyhound Basketball, Volleyball, Football, and Soccer games with his wife Sue.

John had an exceptional sense of humor and was always kind and generous to others. He always seemed to run into friends wherever he went and he always knew their names.

John was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Mary Lou (Kohne) Roed, brothers Richard and Robert, and granddaughter Elyssa Maki. He is survived by his wife and best friend Sue Roed; sons Kelly (Tina) Roed, Shawn (Pam) Roed, Patrick Roed; step sons Tony (Heather) Maki, Tom (Karen) Maki; sisters Nancy (John) Serre, Mary (Jerry) Maurer, Barb (Ted) Lammi, Lynne (Steve) Sexton; grandchildren Ariana, Jake, Jaxon, and Josh, Chloe, Dylan, Luke, Rachel, and Peyton; and extended family, nephews, nieces, and friends. 

Family would like to thank Dr Jake Powell and the staff at St. Lukes Hospice for all the kindness and care provided to John. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A private family service will be held July 15 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Family and friends are welcome to meet at Forest Hill Cemetery for the Committal Service at 11:30am on July15 with social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Portman Youth Hockey Association, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Duluth or Lake Park Little League in John’s name. Letters or cards can be mailed to family at 4718 Glenwood Street, Duluth MN 55804.

We will miss you Papa John, enjoy catching endless big fish in heaven.

A Memorial Tree was planted for John
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cremation Society Of Minnesota | Duluth