John Neil Juel

1936 - 2020

Services for John Neil Juel, 83, of Marshall, Minn., who died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at RenVilla Health Center in Renville, Minn., were held on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Maynard Lutheran Church in Maynard, Minn. Visitation took place one hour prior to the service. Military honors were provided outside the church by American Legion Post 69 of Granite Falls.

John Neil Juel was born Oct. 5, 1936, in New Rockford, N.D., to John C and Agnes (Anderson) Juel. He grew up and graduated from New Rockford High School. John was a three-sport athlete in school, qualifying for state in track and field. John was very musical, singing in choirs and playing the cornet. He began working at his father's creamery at the age of 14.

John attended Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in food service safety. He attended graduate school for one semester at the University of Minnesota before enlisting in the Army in 1959. John was stationed in Panama in food protection service until his honorable discharge in 1962. John worked at Good Humor Company, Gerber, and Swift and Company in Chicago. While with Swift and Company, he was transferred to Marshall in 1968; Keokuk, in 1969; Springdale, Ariz., in 1973; Sioux City, in 1976; Birdsborough, Pa., in 1980; Jasper, Ind., in 1982; and back to Marshall in 1984. Eventually Swift and Company changed to Heartland, before being bought by Jennie-O. John retired from Jennie-O in 1998, while still consulting for Turkey Valley in his retirement. John's family still only buys butterball turkeys and real butter, at his recommendation.

In January 1970, John was united in marriage with Mary Jane Sims at his sister's home in Willmar, Minn.

He enjoyed bird and squirrel watching, old movies, reading, keeping up on current events, and talking politics. John and Mary enjoyed traveling to visit their children and grandchildren. John was meticulous and well-organized. He had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller.

John is survived by his children, Scott (Rose Marie) DePew, Patrick (Cyndi) DePew, Christi (Robert) McCallen, Timothy DePew, and the Rev. Amy Juel; grandchildren, Nicklaus (Michelle) DePew, Craig (Stefanie) DePew, Will White, Amanda (Travis) Ahrends, Heather (Cody) Dressen, Dustin DePew, Janessa Palmer, John Palmer, Joely Palmer, and Juliana Palmer; 13 great-grandchildren; sister DeElla Aamot; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary; and brother-in-law Paul Aamot.

Memorials preferred to a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements with Rehkamp Horvath Funeral Directors, 507.532.4522, horvathfuneralservice.com.