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John Eugene Mingus

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John Mingus Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Peterson Chapel – Buffalo on Sep. 5, 2024.

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March 26, 1935 – September 2, 2024
John Eugene Mingus, age 89 of Buffalo, Minnesota formerly of Alexandria, Minnesota and Cromwell, Minnesota passed away September 2, 2024 at Haven Homes in Maple Plaine, MN.
Beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather. John was born in Cloquet, MN on March 26,1935. Son of Scott and Elizabeth (Dougal) Mingus.
John was the youngest of six children, he grew up in Cromwell Minnesota later to settle in Minneapolis before moving to Alexandria in the late 70s
He was employed as a brick layer for many years. After a work injury, he drove greyhound bus where he met the love of his life, Lorraine. Moved to Alexandria where John and his wife Lori spent many summers boating and skiing with children and grandchildren at their lake home. He went to work for Lafarge Corp. selling cement to Redi-mix plants in the region.
After retiring from cement sales he drove tour buses for Utopia Tours and later drove new buses to their final destinations all across North America including Canada and Alaska. John was a former Douglas County Commissioner and served on the Sheriff posse for the area lakes. He also served in the National Guard.
He was an avid reader especially the Louis l'Amour series, loved to hunt, especially turkey. Had a passion for driving and never passed up a good chocolate or an afternoon whiskey. John loved getting to know people and always remembered them.
Survived by his five daughters. Crystal Mingus, Valerie (Michael) Zumbusch, Jacqueline (Jim) Wolaver, Gale (Paul) Geske and Lucille Mingu; 11 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, grandson Randy Leithe, 1 sister and 4 brothers.
A Memorial service for John Mingus will be held on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Avenue N., Buffalo, MN followed by a toast and a lunch at Huikkos event center in Buffalo.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 19th one hour prior to services at the funeral home
Private family interment Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to

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Barbara Benson

October 5, 2024

John and dear friend Lori moved next door when our last born was a baby. They stepped in to serve as surrogate grandparents to Jed, Andrew and Jill, as all of our own parents had passed away. We cherish the memories of happy hours on the lake, holiday celebrations, and improptu patio picnics. John was generous and caring. When it came time for them to move off the lake we let them move only to across the road. Gladly we were able to be available to Lori and John as they needed assistance. Sending love and hugs to John´s daughters and families.