Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1940
DIED
2025
John Rova Obituary
John and Marion were true partners in life. Sharing a love for food, music, travel and most importantly their family. John was a caring father to his three sons, Timo, Joel and Jonathan. He was patient and kind, wise and loving. His seven grandchildren loved him and his caring ways. He loved spending time with his family at the cabin built by his father on Burntside Lake, where he taught them all the essence of sauna.
John's architectural career spanned over fifty years. Notable projects include the St. Paul Civic Center, Giants Ridge, restoration and renovation at Notre Dame, West Point, Fort Snelling, the Governor's mansion, the State Theater, the Brown County Museum and Winona Courthouses as well as projects in California and Okinawa.
John was a singer and a watercolorist. He sang in many choirs, including the Plymouth Music Series and the Augsburg Centennial Singers. His sublime paintings captured the essence of his travels and the places he loved. They are treasured by his family. John was involved in the Finnish American community in Minnesota and was very proud of that heritage.
His deeply held faith in Jesus was the source of his loving and forgiving ways.
He was preceded in death by; his parents Nestor and Julia, brothers and sister-in-law, Bill & Bunny Rova and Broco Rova. Survived by; his wife Marion, sons, Timo & Nancy, Joel & Emily, Jonathan & Nancy, grandchildren, Annela & Reese (Ilmari & Berom), Leif (Brynn), and Suvi Rova, Nestor and Johan Rova-Hegener, Paavo and Tuuli Rova, sister Judy & Arlen Olson, sister-in-law, Jane Rova, numerous nieces and nephews, and those who John loved as sons and daughters.
A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hastings, MN at 1:00 p.m. with visitation at noon and a dessert reception to follow. 400 Ninth St W., Hastings, MN.
In lieu of flowers gifts can be given to: Essentia hospice, Solvay House or, Lutheran World Relief.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Rova
6 Entries
Marilyn Lueth
January 12, 2026
We were privileged to know John as he sang with the Augsburg Centennial Singers. His beautiful voice, artistic and architectural talents were true gifts from God. Thank you, Marion, as well for your friendship over the years.
Marilyn and Jon Lueth
Tom and Deb Holtz
January 11, 2026
We are sorry to learn of John's passing. What a nice man. Your family has our sincere sympathy.
Olga Berkovskaya
January 9, 2026
Marion and Family,
It is so hard to hear about your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers.
John loved all of you and was proud of his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. You were blessed with a truly exceptional husband, father, and grandfather—such a gift is rare.
At the architectural studio, John shared his talents and knowledge generously with us, the younger designers. He taught us to listen to clients, to think through all aspects, paying attention to every last detail. For John, people and their well-being always came first—never ego.
He was also an accomplished watercolorist and draftsman, truly a Renaissance man. Through John’s passion and skills, many beautiful historic buildings were given a second life—Landmark Center in St. Paul being one of them. Many faith-based organizations, including Catholic Eldercare, Moravian Care, Redeemer, and Benedictine, trusted John Rova to design their senior living and care communities. He worked collaboratively with broad teams, integrating dreams and ideas throughout the design process.
Everyone respected and loved working with John. I always enjoyed working alongside him—witnessing his wisdom, professional integrity, positive perspective and simply such a kind sense of humor.
John lived a full life and left a remarkable legacy: a loving family and places that enrich people’s lives.
May his soul find peace in Heaven.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Scott & Robin Bunney
January 8, 2026
Timo and Family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad.
He lived a full life.
Ann & John Erickson
January 7, 2026
We are so sorry for your family´s loss. May God´s great love hold you close.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in John Rova's name
Memorial Events
for John Rova
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Rova's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
