John Thomas Dixon

John T. Dixon, 68, died Monday, September 15, 2014, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. John was born November 16, 1945 in Bertha, MN, to Harlan B. Dixon and Margaret (Settermann) Dixon of Clarissa, MN. He attended Clarissa Public School and graduated in 1963. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clarissa, MN. During his growing up years his summers were spent on East Battle Lake, rural Henning, MN, where his family had a cabin. John treasured the experience of growing up surrounded by family and friends in the midst of God’s beautiful creation.

He attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA, where he received an A.A. degree in business and then Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa where he received a B.S. degree in Business Administration and later Business Education. He enjoyed being a member of the college band and singing in both the Waldorf and Wartburg college choirs. Many life long friendships were made at these places.

John began his working career in Clarissa, MN, working with his father in the Harlan Dixon Agency. After two years he returned to college and received a degree in Business Education.

John began his teaching career in St. Cloud, MN, at Tech High School in 1970. In 1971 he took a position teaching typing to all eighth graders at the new Fergus Falls Junior High School. He also coached Jr. High football and tennis. Later he would teach business subjects, primarily accounting, business law and computers, at the Fergus Falls High School until his retirement in 2000. One of John’s greatest joys was visiting with former students and hearing about their successes and adventures in life. Several of his students received national recognition at Business Competitions.

John operated a tax accounting business from his home for over 45 years. He looked forward to the tax season and having the opportunity to see and visit with his clients year after year.

John’s love of the outdoors was unsurpassed. Fishing, hunting, camping, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, wood carving and traveling filled much of his free time and especially his retirement years. John had a love of music. He sang in choirs and quartets, played the trombone and was a member of the community band.

His strong faith was a testament to all. He spent years working on church building committees, teaching Sunday school and confirmation classes and serving on church committees and councils. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. His years spent being a member of the Building committee and witnessing the construction of the new church was a highlight of his retirement years. His genuine love, concern and interest in others drew them to him. He loved the Lord and wanted all to know of God’s love.

On June 18, 1967, John married Jane Schmidt in Titonka, IA. On May 2, 1976, their daughter, Sarah Jung Soon arrived from Seoul, South Korea. John loved his family and was the most loving and caring husband and father.

Surviving John are his wife Jane, Henning, MN; daughter Sarah Dixon-Hackey and husband Travis Hackey, Fargo, ND; Brothers James Dixon (Donna) of Shoreview, MN; David Dixon of St. Paul, MN; Daniel Dixon (Sonja) of Zimmerman, MN; Mother-in-law Mildred Schmidt of Titonka, IA; Brother-in-law Bob Butterfield (Donna) of Richfield, MN; Sisters-in-law Joan Blatt of Vancouver, WA; and Cindy Beenken of Titonka, IA; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Fred Schmidt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church Building Fund in Battle Lake.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, September 21, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. Visitation resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake
Clergy: Reverend Jake Dyrhaug
Arrangements by: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls