John A. Waldorf

1950 - 2025

John A. Waldorf, 75, of Elrosa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Dec. 15, 2025, at the Paynesville Health Care Center in Paynesville.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating and Rev. Mark Stang concelebrating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed, and the link can be found at: oneinfaith.org.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, and 10-10:45 a.m. Dec. 29 at the church. A rosary will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus at 4 p.m. Dec. 28 at the church.
John Albert Waldorf was born Oct. 12, 1950, in Melrose, Minnesota, to Norbert Sr. and Frances (Maus) Waldorf. He graduated from Melrose High School and later attended Willmar Vo-Tech, where he studied agribusiness. John was married to the love of his life, Rose Schroden, June 23, 1979, at the Church of St. Nicholas in St. Nicholas. They lived in Melrose for 32 years before moving to Elrosa, where they resided for 14 years. John worked at Cenex in Albany and Benson. He later served as an agricultural inspector for Stearns County for 26 years before retiring in 2012.
John truly showed what it meant to live with a smile. He was known for his quick wit and personality that could brighten any room. He carried a rare and quiet strength, facing life's challenges without complaint, and he was happiest when surrounded by his family and grandchildren. A devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, John's faith was a cornerstone of his life. Throughout the years, he found great joy in fishing, golfing and competitive rounds of cards and Carbles. John's presence was a true gift of warmth and laughter to everyone he met, leaving a legacy of kindness that will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Rose Waldorf, of Elrosa; children Chris (Kari) Waldorf of Osakis, Matt (Bridget) Waldorf of Otsego and Amy (Kyle) Marthaler of Avon; grandchildren Amaya, Alexa, Henry, Lauren, Lily, Kennedy and Crosby; brother Norbert Waldorf Jr. of Belgrade; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Peter Waldorf.
A special thank you to CentraCare Hospice and everyone at the Paynesville Health Care Center for the wonderful care you gave John.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.