John Alex Ganter

John Alex Ganter obituary

John Alex Ganter

John Ganter Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Nelson Funeral Care - Cloquet on Nov. 13, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

John Alexander Ganter, 77, of Cloquet, passed away on November 11, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. John was born on December 31, 1947, to Margaret (Saunders) and Charles Ganter. He was a proud member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Red Cliff, Wisconsin. John graduated from Cloquet High School in 1968.

He began his career at Northwest Paper Mill as a vacation replacement in 1966. He later transferred to the Duluth and Northeastern Railroad, now known as the Cloquet Terminal Railroad, where he worked alongside his Dad, Brother and Son as a car inspector until his retirement in 2007.

John was always on an adventure of some sort. He loved hunting at his shack and fishing with his many family members and friends. His greatest accomplishment was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with them. There are countless stories that show how he lived life to the fullest. John had an infectious smile and always brought the party wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

He also had a lifelong love for classic cars, with his last purchase being a 1973 Cutlass Supreme. John built and displayed over 300 model cars in his many hutches and display cases.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald "Goose" Ganter; his sisters, Yvonne Lundberg and Geraldine Nynas; brothers-in-law Rodney Thompson, Russell Lundberg, and Martin Nynas; and many other loved ones he is now reunited with.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Florence; his children, Paul (Tracy) Ganter and Jenna (Marc) Palmer; and his grandchildren, Callie (Brandon) Bassett, Alexis, Grady, August, and Isaac Palmer, and Brayden Ganter. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Eilee, Oaklee, and Blayke Bassett; his sisters, Charlene Thompson, Susanne (Ken) Leon, and Karen (Neil) Nemmers; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home in Cloquet, Minnesota.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support John's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor John Ganter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign John Ganter's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?