John Edward McEnaney

John Edward McEnaney, age 64, of Owatonna, MN, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, from complications of a snowmobile accident, January 7, 2023. John was born February 4, 1961, to Dr. James and Patricia McEnaney, the fifth of their seven adored children. John grew up in a happy home filled with love, strong Catholic faith, structure, sports and outdoor activity; with ample opportunity to develop his passions. After graduating from Owatonna High School in 1980, John attended the College of St. Thomas until his life-altering diagnosis of Still's disease at the tender age of 20 years old, which set in motion his adult life journey of steely determination to face life's challenges with a chin-up attitude and his daily reminder to all-"There is always someone worse off than me".
While living in Mound, MN, much of his adult life, John enjoyed a long career in the telecommunications industry, until 6 years ago, when presented an offer to move back to his beloved hometown of Owatonna to continue his career path. Endearing to family, friends, coworkers and clients was his quick wit and insightful comebacks that brought pure oxygen into the room. Most have undoubtably been on the other side of John's motivational 'coaching' lectures or philosophical words of wisdom, inspired by his favorite westerns and classic country songs. He was a master storyteller and no matter how often repeated, resonated humorously with his audience time and time again. John's family and lifelong friends have his many anecdotal slogans etched to memory, but his most memorable mottos were "ten feet tall and bulletproof", when asked how he was doing; and "Improvise, adapt and overcome", of which he lived daily by example. His health struggles never prevented him from setting and reaching goals, he rarely complained of his circumstances, and steadily 'just got 'er done'. John's positivity was truly infectious.
John's greatest passions were spending time at his cabin on the Gunflint Trail, captaining his boat 'Riptide' as a fishing guide on Lake Superior, boating at his brother Mike's cabin on Gull Lake and childhood family vacation spot, snowmobiling, his Irish heritage, and family traditions. John was the self-appointed foreman for heavy-lifting projects at the cabin, as his physical ailments were many, unfazed delegating to his trusted crew of family and friends who knew how 'John liked it done'. His brother Brian, and cabin partner for the last 40 years, was John's treasured right-hand man who never failed to orchestrate all things cabin related to keep in tip-top shape for their many visitors and guests to enjoy. Health issues aside, John lived a full and simple life that brought him immense pleasure; he would no-doubt describe his life as one helluva ride!
John is survived by brothers Mike McEnaney of Bloomington, MN; Bob McEnaney (Terri) of Woodbury, MN; Brian McEnaney of Edina, MN; Pete McEnaney of Eagle River, AK; sister Kathy Timberg of Mound, MN; brother-in-law David Grieves of Baldwinsville, NY; cherished nieces and nephews: Michael Grieves (Linda); Megan Checksfield (Kevin); Ryan McEnaney (Paul); Joey McEnaney (Anna); Danny McEnaney (Dani); Megan Carson (Nick); Madison McEnaney; Ty McEnaney; Leah McEnaney; Will Timberg; Pete Timberg; Louie Timberg; great nieces and nephews: Jimmy Ziebol; Bailey McEnaney; Parker McEnaney; Emilio McEnaney; Ciara McEnaney; Callum Carson; Lochlan Carson. John was preceded in death by parents James and Patricia McEnaney; brother-in-law John Timberg; and sister Erin Grieves.
John's absence will be profound, but leaves us with enough 'Johnny Mac' stories to keep him alive in our hearts forever. We are reassured knowing John is relishing eternal life, unencumbered by physical limitations and free of pain. He fought hard to the bitter end with his usual tenacity and grit. Boundless gratitude and appreciation to the countless caretakers who worked tirelessly over the last three years to keep John's challenging health issues in balance-no small feat. Most importantly, we are indebted to the amazing staff and many folks who befriended John at BridgeWater and Benedictine; tremendously easing our uphill battle with compassion, grace and dedication to raising John's bar for hope and recovery.
Rest easy Johnny Mac, with fair winds and following seas. You were loved deeply and will be sorely missed.
A celebration of John McEnaney's life will be held at a later date; details to be announced.