John Frazeur Moncrief Jr.

John was born in Bridgeton, NJ on May 11th, 1948 to John Frazeur Moncrief Sr. and Caroline Jeanette Moncrief (Petecca).
After graduating high school in 1966, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam from August 1968 to September 1969.
John met his future wife, Debra Jean Wyss, and began college with her in 1972 at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. They were married during their junior year, August 18th, 1973. John graduated from UW, Stevens Point in 1975 with a B.S. in Soil Science and Natural Resource Management. Debra also graduated with an Elementary Education major the same year. John went on to attend Montana State University at Bozeman, MT and received a M.S. in Soil Science (physics) in 1977. Finally, he attended The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science (chemistry) in 1981.
John became a professor at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Soil, Water and Climate in 1981. His research and teaching were focused on soil and plant nutrient management to optimize crop production and environmental impacts. He traveled the state extensively to evaluate cropping systems in the diverse soil and climate zones of Minnesota. John retired at the end of 2012.
John liked the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. There were many backpacking adventures in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area in Montana just north of Yellowstone National park with his colleagues, friends, and his children.
In his later years, he enjoyed interacting with his nine grandchildren; Lilly Riedel, Lauren Riedel, Michael Riedel, Cole Henning, Eli Henning, Maya Henning, Isabelle Henning, Isaac Moncrief, and Claire Moncrief. He is survived by his wife Debra and children Heather, Will, Travis (Beth), and Noelle (Brandon).
Visitation Tuesday, June 13th from 5-8 PM at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL FUNERAL HOME; 515 Hwy 96 W., Shoreview.
Funeral service Wednesday, June 14th at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at INCARNATION LUTHERAN CHURCH; 4880 Hodgson Rd, Shoreview.
Interment Incarnation Cemetery, Lino Lakes.