John Gorton

John M. Gorton, DDS, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of the Staples community, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at the age of 83. His life was one marked by dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to service – both as a healthcare professional and a member of his community. His character and values were shaped by his deep faith and the friendships he formed. 

The son of Horace Gorton and Catherine Lieb, John grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and attended St. Mark’s Elementary and St. Thomas Academy. The family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where John graduated from Rockhurst High School and Rockhurst College. Always dedicated to learning, John earned his doctorate at the University of Missouri Dental School and then fulfilled his military obligation as a captain in the US Public Health Service. 

In 1968, John and wife Sara (Sally) settled in Staples, Minnesota. He built a thriving dental practice that extended over 42 years. His warm smile, gentle demeanor and meticulous approach to dentistry earned him the trust of countless patients, many of whom considered him not only their dentist but also their friend. 

John and Sally were married in June of 1963 and together, they created a strong, loving family. John took great delight in their children John, Greg, Peter, Mary and Paul and was equally proud of his 13 grandchildren. His love and devotion to his family were unwavering because family was at the center of everything he did. 

John took great pride in being a part of the Staples community, giving his time and energy to improving life for everyone. He served in leadership of the Staples Jaycees in the 70’s to help advance Jaycee projects for community improvement. He volunteered as well on the boards of the Staples Public Library, Staples Parks and Recreation, and other community organizations. John was also active in the Catholic church volunteering as a lector, communion distributor, singing in the church choir, and teaching religion classes. He also served as the Grand Knight for the Knight of Columbus. 

John and Sally enjoyed traveling across the United States and Europe. He was an accomplished photographer for an eye for the beauty of places they visited. An avid golfer, John was a regular in the Staples Men’s League. He also enjoyed singing in the Staples Area Men’s Chorus which took him to events around the world. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with friends at Ten Mile Lake.

John is survived by his wife, Sally; his children, John (Annette), Greg, Peter (Kelly), Mary (Peter) Altobelli, and Paul (Anna); his grandchildren Matthew, Michael, Mitchell, Kit, Isabelle, Emily, Frances, Sam, Joe and Johnny Gorton and Sofia, Giana and Vinnie Altobelli; and countless friends and colleagues. 

A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Staples on February 10th at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Staples Area Food Shelf, Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center in Staples, or the Staples-Motley Auditorium completion fund. All of these are honoring John’s legacy of service and compassion. 

The Gorton family extends their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and medical staff who supported John during his final days, especially the remarkable support of the Hospice Program at the Lakewood Care Center. John made friends wherever he went because of his humor, generosity, and easy-going nature. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.