John Thomas Petters

My Dear Boy .....



It has been nearly two years since you left us and commenced the transition into Heaven. You have never, ever been out of my thoughts and prayers nor will you ever be.



Your peaceful interventions into our lives have been a source of healing. Like your time on Earth, you have built a network in Heaven that has enabled you to reach out and touch your loved ones and friends.



The happiest times in my life occur when I experience ..... with certainty ..... your unmistakable presence. Thank you for looking after your dear sister Jennifer, your Dad, and me.



God bless you, dear and precious John. We will be together again.



With a Mother's love,



Your Mom

John,

Its been just a few short months and I want you to know there's not a single day that goes by where we don't think about you. You are so greatly missed. Chris and I often reflect on the fond memories we have of you. We will never forget the times when the both of you would reek havoc on OakGlen, or raided Julie's house with your super soakers and stole little debbies and pepsi from her. We laugh about that all the time. You guys had such a good time doing that too. We will never forget the camping trips either. Each and every memory we have of you brings a smile to our faces. Those memories we will hold close to us forever. We truly feel blessed and so fortunate that you came into our lives. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Tom, Jamie and Jenny, You guys are always in our thoughts and prayers. We think of you guys everyday. We admire all of you so much for the strength you have shown. We will always be thankful for the times we shared with John and all of you.

When the card Tom sent graced my hand, my heart shattered in a million pieces. Not two months before, I was blessed to spend a wonderful weekend with Tracy, Tom, and John in Colorado. How quickly those moments flew by! I can only imagine what a loss this has been for you all, and Jennifer--your brother spoke of you in the highest regard. Thank you to the Petters family for all your kindness and for the life you gave your wonderful son; please know that John has made a lasting impression on us all and we will be here for you throughout your time of sorrow. Until we meet again JT...

~Miranda

Dear John Thomas,

Know that you are missed and that you always will be. We are in pain everyday, but we know that you are watching over us, giving us a subtle message every now and then to confirm that you have been comfortably and warmly welcomed into Heaven. You have no doubt established a network that has no limits. I don't know when we will see you again, but we will treasure the moment whenever it comes. All of the humanitarian endeavors which you so nobly imagined while on earth will become reality through the living Foundation in your name. God will continue to bless you through eternity. We close with the signature that only you will remember. Love, Grandmother and Grandfather Hagan

John, I think about you everyday. I see your smile everyday, and what I most definitley hear is your most contagious laugh!! I can remeber when we were going to your tree house in 6th grade after school to us catching up like we had never spent a day apart when we would come home from college! You have touched so may peoples hearts and have made such a big difference in them. To my Dear Petters and Wilcox Family I just hope you know that all of us are here for you and I know you know that we will never go a day in our lives without hearing his amazing laugh!! What an amazing person we have been blessed to have in our lives and hearts forever!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH JONATHAN!!!!!

John Boy Walton,

I understand now that you are on a bigger vacation then others you have taken in your life. I cannot wait to see you again, when you can show me around and be there when I hold God's hand in heaven. I miss you and love you. I know how much your family meant to you - they miss you tons - but in time they will see you again! To the Petters, Hagans, and Wilcoxs - My deepest sypathies. Love you Jennifer!

Megan

The Petters:

I grew up with John and Jenny in Oak Glen. I can remember ridding my pink bike with him up and down the street.And when I moved to Colorado, he came and visited me and took me skiing for my first time. I will remember him just like that.He is looking down on us right now and will remain in our hearts wherever we go. Stay strong, Jamie, Jenny, Tom and friends.

Sincerely, Gina Thoele

i was shocked to hear the news of johns death,i had the hounor of training john while he was studying in australia & we built a great friendship in his stay .God loves his children and would have done everything in his power to protect john. in the book of james1:17 it says every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,and comes down from the Father of lights. And i truly beleive death is not of God, as any good father He would have done everything to protect john.I do truly beleive john is in heaven,and his wonderful smile will always warm the hearts of us all as we remenber him as the champion he is.His spirt will live on forever in our hearts..

To the Petters family,

Jenny and I were talking the other day and thought a good way to think of John at this point in time was as this. John loved to travel and go on all these amazing adventures that took him around the world. And now John has gone on another one of those adventures, but we just won't be able to see him for a little while longer than normal. He is on the best trip that we can only dream about, but some day we'll meet up with him again and he'll be there with open arms and ready to show us the ropes of heaven.

John was surrounded by an amazing family. He was able to live his life because of his loving and giving parents and enjoy it with his sister Jennifer.

I'm thankful for the gift of friendship and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you guys! Saara

P.S. Thanks John for the most unforgetable summer last year. We will cherish the memories.

hey - its your sisters best friend, ali, i just wanted to say that even though i did not ever formally get to know you as much i wish i could have you mean the world to jenny obviously, and you have changed her life. You mean the world to her and shes forever grateful for you- you have no idea....she can feel you and she loves you so much, and your dad and mom love you so much everyone. I can remember meeting you on the beach, your great and you will always be there for her - "through the dark there is light" love ali

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Our hearts hurt.

Luckily, I had the priviledge to live as neighbors with John in Australia. All I can say was he was a wonderful person. Not only did he have a great outlook on life, he also had a smile that raised everyone's spirits around him. He was also generous, nice, and willing to help anyone in need. I know this from personal experience. I send my deepest regards to the Petters family, and will keep John in my prayers. I just thank God I had the opportunity to meet such a special person.

Tom--I had the pleasure of meeting your fine son in your offices the first day I met you myself. You have shown me such kindness and respect the last few years and I want to share with you our condolences in this extremely difficult time for you and your family. I take heart in the wonderful comments made about John from his friends which are found in this guestbook. Sincerely, Barry Smith

I had the privilege of knowing John in high school. Although we were not close, it was obvious that he was a truly special individual. I fondly remember his wonderful sense of humor, most notably his playful teasing in Biology class. He was a dynamic person with a magnetic personality, and will be sorely missed. I am truly sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you all at this difficult time.

I offer my most sincere condolences for the tragic loss of such a fine young man. I never had the opportunity to meet John, but I have heard from people who knew him that he was an exceptional person. My thoughts and prayers are with John and the Petters family.

Very sorry to hear of your loss.

I am a graduate of M.T.C.Your family means much to us all.

John was one of the most down to earth, and humble guys I have ever met. I am still really in shock. We had made many plans for this coming summer, both business and recreational. You are greatly missed. My sympathy goes out to John's entire family, and all of his friends out there. I still can't belive it!

I had the honor of being selected by John to be his big brother when he was pledging a fraternity here at Miami. John was a humble individual who instantly gained the respect of those who were lucky enough to meet him. There probably won't be a day that passes when I won't think of John and his outgoing and caring personality. I know he will be watching over me and all of his friends forever, because that's the kind of guy John Petter's is and that's how he will always be remembered. I miss ya buddy.

Dear Petter's Family,



We're sorry to learn of your son's death. We didn't know John but heard the story and were shocked and saddened. We will keep John and The Petter's Family in our prayers.

As an Edina HS, class of 2001, graduate and having attended middle school with John, I am at a deep lose for words to the tragedy that has left us all with a feeling of shock. He was a kid that you just couldn't get enough of due to his love for life and that laugh! He became a dear friend. I send my love and sympathy to the Petter's family and please know his memory will live forever among all!

"It's not the amount of years you've lived, its the life in those years that matter." John was one that lived for every moment....

He was in the company of one of my best friends in the entire world that night and I hear her pain, please be safe.

I lived in the same corridor as John Freshman year at Miami University. He left a lasting impression on mine and everybody else he encountered at Miami. I am deeply saddened to hear about his death. But I know I can say for everyone at Miami that our hearts and thoughts are with you.

Four years ago I chaired the JDRF Gala in your honor Tom. We were fortunate enough to get your children on tape. Philip and I will always remember how impressed we were with John's articulate and sweet video tribute to you. In essence, he was honoring you for being a great father and friend. Take comfort in knowing that you shared something many never know...the true love of a child...you have been blessed. We have all been blessed by his presence and his memory.

May the love of your family and friends sustain you and the warmth of the memories make you remember and smile. John was a wonderful young man who had a wonderful life and family. He will very obviously be missed by you and soooo many other people. Wishing you strength.

Kathy and Dave Stassen

To the family of John Thomas Petters,



Words are inadequate in expressing the deep sadness we feel for your loss. Knowing many in your close-knit family, it's obvious John Thomas gave and was blessed with tremendous love and affection. He lives on in all of you.

I had the pleasure of going through Valley View Jr. High and EHS with John. What a funny, exuberant, intelligent, all around exciting person John was. My thoughts and well wishes to Jenny and John's parents, and extended family. What a great loss.

Tom,Jamie,and Jenny,

We are so very saddened to hear about John.Our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you grieve the loss of your son/brother.We have lots of fond memories of John in Edina.We are very sorry-God Bless You

Michael,Tonja,Sarah,and Mike Menalis Blaine

I only met John one time when he was a little boy with big brown eyes.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all day, every day.

The following anonymous quote keeps running through my mind.

"When you are born, the world rejoices & you cry out. LIVE so when you pass away, the world cries out, & you rejoice"

I know you will be grateful for him and proud of him always.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

We've shared so many wonderful high and lows points over the years with all the Hagans and Tom; but this is the most difficult. We know faith, love, pride and laughter were never absent while raising John to be such a wonderful young man. Our hearts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.

I had the privilege of meeting John while studying abroad in Australia. He was a wonderful person and I still cannot believe that he is no longer with us. He was such an optimistic and caring person, always smiling or laughing. My deepest condolences are with you during this tragic loss. My prayers are with you and may he be with you always and rest in peace.

Dear John & Karleen,



Our thoughts are with you,

our arms are around you,

and we pray you may be comforted in some way.



I remember a glimpse I had of John Thomas at your cottage years ago. He was adorable.



Our deepest sympathy to you & all whose lives he touched.



Sincerely,



Barb & Gene Johnson

I am in complete shock and disblief, I cannot express to your whole family how sorry I am. John has touched my heart and so many others more than words can say. I will always remeber his laughter and the way he made me laugh. I wish I could be there for all of you, but you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all. Sincerely, Emily Merrill

Tom, Jamie, and Jenny,

I would like to send my prayers to you at this time of hardship. Your family is so loving, that the bond you have together will help you get through this.

i'm sitting here writing this in shock... I studied abroad w/John this past semester in Australia. I always saw him around and always had fun hanging out together with all of our friends... besides being a sweet guy, i'll never forget that sparkling smile he had... I'm thankful for the chance to meet him and get to know him. That trip was even that much more special than it ever could have been... I carry that experience we all shared with John and his friends in my heart always. My prayers and thoughts are with all of his family and friends. We'll never forget him and his signature smile... John will always be missed and forever in my heart; he is now an angel with us always.

I was saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful son. I pray that all your memories of his special life provide you some comfort during these difficult days.

I had the honor to meet John while studying abroad in Australia. I don't think I ever saw him not smiling. He was such a great person to be around and I am extremely upset over his passing. His family is in my thoughts and my prayers. John will truely be missed by me and by all.

My deepest condolences are with you, the family of John, during this tragic loss. I met John while studying abroad with him in Australia, and I'll never forget his optimisitic attitude and joy for life. My prayers are with you and may he be with you always and rest in peace.

Dan and I wish to send our sympathies and condolences to your family. I was surprised by seeing Jon on TV being interviewed over this sudden tragedy. To lose a child is one of the hardest things that can happen to a parent. Your family and John will be in our prayers. God be with you,

Since we heard of your tragic loss, we have not been able to get it out of our minds, hearts or prayers. Such terrible pain you must feel! John's work here was done; God called him home. May God soon mercifully impart His reasons to you all. Lay you heartaches upon Him, & pray for His healing, & hope

for His comfort, which WILL come!

(Raphael' informed us of the tragedy immediately: we are her parents. I once had the pleasure

of meeting your lovely daughter, Jennifer. We understand she & John were much alike & very close.)

Jamie, Tom and Jenny,

I wanted to send you my condolences in the loss of John, I was rather shocked and saddened when I heard of his unimagined death. May the lord be with you guys.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of John's death. He touched the lives of all who met him. These memories are now treasures to hold on to dearly. My best wishes to his family during these tragic times.

Retired English teacher, Edina HIgh School

"Death leaves heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."



My deepest sympathies are with your family, John was such a genuine and selfless soul, who blessed the lives of those he touched. He will never be forgotten.

May flights of angels sing him to his rest. May God's blessing and peace surround his family and friends.

I did not know John personally but I would like to send my sympathies and condolences to your family. I am so sorry about what happened to John. God Bless your family.

Jessica

His glow drew us

And we ran with him.

To prolong the days

and refuse the stars.



Our hearts are with your loss--we lost our 12 year old boy to brain cancer in 1996---different routes but the same pain. We wish you much peace in your healing. Your son seemed like an angel.

To know him was to love him - may God bless you all.

Our hearts go out to John's family. "I'm sorry" doesn't feel like a strong enough word when such a tragedy such as this happens. We are truly sorry for your loss.



Jon, Val, Jasmine, Christian & Sonny

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Words cannot express our sorrow. We wish you God's blessings.

(Close friends of Deanna & Al)

It was with shock and saddness when we heard about the lose of John. Our condolences to all of Johns family and friends during this dark and trying time. So sorry.

Jamie, Tom, and Jenny,



We are so deeply saddened by the loss of John, we have so many good memories of him.

Christopher was the closest to him, and talks of only good times they shared together, growing up in Edina and the fun they would have in that neighborhood.

He lost a good friend that John was to him.

Our hearts go out to you as you try to get through these hard times.

We will never forget his shining smile.

He touched so many hearts.

It was a gift to have known him.



God Bless,

Sheldon, Cathy, Kirsten and Chris Christopherson

Your son sounds like someone who lived life to the fullest and shared his enthusiasm for life with those around him. I am sure you are very proud of him. As a father, I cannot imagine the sense of loss and frustration you must feel at this time. Please accept my sincere condolences and remember his spirit will be with you always.

I would like to send my condolences to your family. May God Bless your son and your family.

My heart cried when I heard about John's death, and I've never met him. I am so sorry, so very sorry.

My heart goes out to you and your family on the tragic loss of John.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Steve and Diane Zafke

As a part of Edina High School's class of 2001, I am one of many who had the privilege of knowing John. He was a great guy and could always make me laugh. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and all others who came into contact with him at one point or another. God Bless and remember to try and stay strong. Memories will live on forever.

3-18-04



Dear Jamie, Tom and Jenny-

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of John, his is a tragic loss and he will be missed deeply. We have fond memories of John, always upbeat and smiling. Our memories are those precious summer nights in our Edina neighborhood, when our kids were growing up, skiing in Colorado and many more pleasant thoughts.

Our deepest sympathy and sorrow.....

I am sorry to hear of your loss, he seemed like a wonderful young man

I'm am sorry to hear of your loss, he seemed like a wonderful young man.

Though I did not know your son personally, I would like to send my condolences. It is very hard to lose a loved one especially at an early age. Just try to remember all the time you were able to spend with him. Those will always be special moments. He is in a special place and just waiting for the time when you will all be together again.