John Backlund

John Backlund of Brainerd unexpectedly passed away at his home on December 30, 2015, at the age of 67. Services for John will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at the Brainerd High School Gym at 2:00PM with Pastor Andy Smith officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN from 4:00-7:00PM and one hour prior to services at the gym on Sunday. Interment will be at Lutheran Church of the Cross Columbarium in Nisswa, MN.

John was born to Allan and Iris (Nelson) Backlund on September 30, 1948, in Willmar, Minnesota. He graduated from Willmar High School and Concordia College. On June 19, 1976, John married Mary Kohnen.

John taught math and coached various sports in the Brainerd school system for over 30 years and received the Bud Schmid coaching award in 1998. He was inducted into the Brainerd Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013 and was a member of the Sports Boosters Club. Up until his death, he was referred to by many as the "Voice of the Warriors" and many knew him as Jaybee, a bouncer at Zorbaz on Gull.

In addition to his love of sports, John was an avid harness horse racer and racing judge.

Most of all, John loved his wife and family more than anything in the world. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.
John is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Justin (Sue) Backlund of Escondido, California; David Berhanu of Atlanta, Georgia; foster children, Samuel (Diribe), Ebassa (Hana), and Elias Berhanu; mother, Iris Backlund of Kandiyohi, sisters, Janice Backlund of Kandiyohi, Laurie (John) Lynch of Cape Coral, Florida; brother, Joel Backlund of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Jackson and Zemira Backlund, Sona and Mako Berhanu. Preceeded in death by father, Allan Backlund, and infant son, David Backlund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.