John P. Svendsen 89, of Rochester, Minnesota was born November 24, 1919 and passed away on October 21, 2009.  John is survived by two daughters, Judy (Daryl) McGowan of Hayfield, MN, Peggy Palmby of Rochester, and one son, Mike (Diane) Svendsen of Hamel, MN.   Five grandchildren, Daryn McGowan, Darcy (Steve) Rauchwarter, Carmen (Gustavo) Tapia, Amanda Svendsen and Jason Svendsen.  Seven great grandchildren, Ashley Rauchwarter, Kaylee Rauchwarter, Damien Sara, Selena Tapia, Ariana Tapia, Alejandro Tapia and Daniela Tapia.

Mr. Svendsen was preceded in death by his wife Maxine, who passed away July 23, 2008,  his parents, one brother and one sister.

John and Maxine (Becker) were married in Rochester, MN on December 26, 1945.  John served in the Army during WWII with the rank of Staff Sergeant, Heavy Artillery/Tank Destroyer Unit.  John worked in the Auto Body Industry and later as a Letter Carrier for the Rochester Post Office for thirty plus years.  He was  a member of the Eagles Lodge, the VFW, the American Legion and a lifetime member of the NRA.  John enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.  In earlier years John enjoyed playing fast pitch softball.

A graveside service will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 11:00AM with the Rev. Linda Helberg officiating.  Following the graveside services friends and relatives are invited to the Eagles Lodge Rochester for a light lunch.  Military Rites will be provided by the American Legion Post 92.

The family of John Svendsen would like to recognize the staff at Samaritan Bethany Home on 8th for their compassionate care.  A final salute from John and his family to everyone there.

Memorials in memory of John may be directed to Samaritan Bethany Home on 8th in Rochester.

www.mackenfuneralhome.com