John Moechnig

John W. Moechnig, 84, of Lake City passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital. 

John was born on January 5, 1940 in Lake City, MN to Wesley and Eleanor (Bremer) Moechnig. He was the oldest of 12 children. John attended country school in Wabasha County District 4 for 7 years and graduated from Lake City High School in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 544th Division from 1957 to 1962. During John’s service, his unit was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis and was stationed at Fort Polk Louisiana. John was married to Beverly Lichtblau on October 27, 1962. They had four children together and later divorced. 

John worked at John Deere and Di Acro in Lake City for 10 years before purchasing a farm in West Albany Township where he farmed for many years until his health failed. John was elected West Albany Township Clerk in 1970 and held this position for 54 years. His commitment to public service also included serving on the Wabasha County Township Officer’s Board and the Wabasha County Planning Commission. In addition, he served and held officer positions on the County FHA Board, the DHIA Board, and the Wabasha County Jail Building Committee. John was an active member of the American Legion and the United Methodist Church (now Redeeming Grace Community Church).

Throughout his life, John had a passion for farming and working on farm machinery. He could tear apart and rebuild almost anything. John also spent time traveling, attending high school sporting events and going out to eat at his favorite supper clubs. 

John is survived by his significant other, Joyce Moechnig of Lake City. His children, Douglas (Amy) Moechnig of Medina; Jolene (Todd) Johnson of Clarkfield, Cheryl (Richard) Mackinac of Inver Grove Heights, and Lynette (Christopher) Matzke of Lake City; 17 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jean (Ronald) Neste, Mary Leppala, Marlene (Jerry) Mensink, Elaine (Dan) Miller, Joanne (Dan) Tallman, and Barbara (Bryant) Dahlgren; brothers, Wesley Jr. (Julie) Moechnig, Paul (Delores) Moechnig, Howard (Maria) Moechnig, and Bruce Moechnig; many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as other relatives and friends; and his ex-wife, Beverly Kackmann. John was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Eleanor; brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Marilyn Moechnig; brother-in-law, Robert Leppala; grandson, Nicholas Johnson; and great-grandson, Iver Johnson.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Redeeming Grace Community Church in Lake City with Rev. Phillip Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, August 26th, 2024 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel in Lake City and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. Online condolences may be placed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com