Obituary of Dr. John Lee Canfield

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. John Lee Canfield, who left us peacefully on September 17, 2024, at the age of 78.

John was born on February 4, 1946 to Dr. Wayne and Gladys Canfield in Houston, Minnesota. His family moved to St. Peter where John grew up and graduated from high school. John attended St. Olaf College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry and met the love of his life, Alana Johndreau. They were married on August 10, 1968 and blessed with three sons -- Lane, Jeff, and Paul. John pursued his passion for medicine at the University of South Dakota-Vermilion and later the University of Minnesota, where he obtained his doctorate in medicine.

John began practicing family medicine in Chaska in 1973, where he and Alana settled and raised their children. He later co-founded France Avenue Family Physicians in 1978 in Edina, and continued to practice medicine there until his retirement in 2014. Throughout his career, John provided medical care with warmth, compassion, and kindness. He always took time to listen. His office was a place where patients and staff were treated like family.

A true leader in his profession, John served as the Family Medicine Department Chair and Chief of Staff at both Fairview Ridges and Fairview Southdale hospitals. He was honored as one of Minnesota’s Top Doctors for several years. In addition, he served as an adjunct professor of the U of MN for over 40 years, sharing his knowledge and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. He was an active member of his community, serving on the Chaska Rotary, playing in the Chaska Community Band, and attending Crown of Glory Lutheran Church.

Family was the pride of John’s life, and there was no one he loved more than his wife Alana and his sons. He loved to travel and especially cherished time spent with family and friends on West Fox Lake at the “Ponderosa” -- the family cabin. From fishing with his grandchildren to waterskiing at age 67, the cabin brought John immeasurable joy in life. He also loved hunting, playing tennis, card games, and caring for the family’s beloved dogs. John’s warm, witty, and generous personality was a blessing to all who knew him.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Wayne and Gladys (Vathing) Canfield, and his brothers, Donald and Wayne. He is survived by his loving wife, Alana, of Chaska; sister-in-law Jeanie (Donald) Canfield of Northfield; sister Grace Ann Apple of San Francisco; sons Lane (Cheryl) of Chaska, Jeff (Kerry) of Chaska, and Paul of Waconia; grandchildren Madison Bisek, Riley Bisek, Claire Canfield, and Jack Canfield, all of Chaska; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of John’s life from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, October 14th at the Chaska Event Center, with an informal ceremony taking place at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Dr. Canfield’s name, continuing his legacy of kindness and contribution to the greater good.