John H. Hanlon, 78, of Rochester, passed away May 10, 2020 surrounded by his children in his home.  John had recently been diagnosed with brain cancer.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and Donald Redelings, wife Mary Hanlon and son Pat Hanlon.

He is survived by children Sue (Scott) Palmer of Savage, MN, Pete Hanlon of Westmont, IL,  and Ellen (Craig) Lind of St. Paul, MN.  He was a wonderful grandfather to seven grandkids, Alison, Jenna and Claire Palmer, Mia Hanlon and Celia, Beckett and Grayson Lind.  His siblings are Joseph Ardel (Carol) Hanlon and sister Audrienne Hanlon.  He enjoyed the last eight years with his girlfriend Sharon Bingham.

John was born December 17, 1941 in Cresco, Iowa.  He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1959 where he was an all-state athlete who loved football and shot put.  He then went on to graduate from St. Thomas College (University of St. Thomas) in St. Paul, MN.  He married Mary McGinnis on June 22nd, 1963.  They had four children together.  They resided in Rochester, MN for most of their lives and John started his own tire salvage business after working for his father at Nelson Tire Town.  He also owned and managed commercial and residential real estate.

John was an incredibly generous man. It was not unusual for him to meet a person in need on the road in his travels and buy a meal and lend his ear to listen to their story.  He was caring and kind to all that he met.  One of his hobbies was shopping for clothing that he would deliver to the Dorothy Day house.  He loved to play cribbage and was part of various cribbage groups during which he formed many special friendships.  He also had many great childhood friends that he was fortunate to keep all his life.  He was a wonderful father who would do anything for his kids and provided an incredible life for all of them.  He had a witty sense of humor that was accompanied by a devilish grin that we all loved.  We were fortunate to get to see that grin several times in his last three weeks on earth.

When the time permits we will be hosting an "Irish Wake" as he wanted to celebrate his life with family and friends.

A small private family burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery for John where he will be laid to rest with Mary and Pat.

Memorials can be sent to the American Cancer Society, Rochester Catholic Schools or the Dorothy Day house.

Rest In Peace great man, you were one of a kind and so loved by your children!

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com