John Roberts

John G. Roberts III, age 95, of Faribault, MN, passed away March 26, 2016, at the Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Faribault.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday for one hour prior to the services at the church.

John George III was born on August 30, 1920, in St. Paul, MN, to John George II and Mary (Unger) Roberts. He graduated from Faribault High School and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1942-1945. He was married to Marian Flinn on June 23, 1945. John and Marian loved to dance and "cut the rug" well into their 80s. They also shared their love of nature with their children in frequent hikes and camping trips. As a retired couple, John and Marian enjoyed travel on cruises, tours, and attending John's Navy reunions. Together they volunteered at the Faribault Senior Center, providing funeral escorts and watering flowers in downtown Faribault. John, like his wife Marian, was a recipient of the Rice County Outstanding Volunteer Senior Citizen award. On their 60th wedding anniversary, June 23, 2005, John and Marian renewed their marriage vows at the Immaculate Conception Church in Faribault. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage. Marian preceded him in death on July 28, 2011.

John was an electrician and his lifelong career began while in the Navy and continued for many years with Larson Electric. After furthering his education, he became the Electrical Inspector for Rice and LeSueur Counties for 12 years. Following retirement he resumed work with Larson Electric and continued on a part time basis until he was 85. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 889, Faribault Aerie 1460 Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Last Mans Club, and was a Past-Commander of the American Legion Post 43.

He is survived by his children, John IV (Kathy) Roberts of Cumberland, WI, Janet (Kenneth) Glenn of Manti, UT, Jean (Gary) Grover of Apple Valley, MN, and Mary (Jon) Younger of Waseca, MN; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian; parents, John G. II and Mary; brothers, Arthur and Paul Roberts; and sisters, Jane Fletcher and Irene Shields.