John Imgrund

John Imgrund, 93, of Brainerd, died in the loving presence of his family Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at Good Samaritan Village - Bethany Campus after a very fulfilling life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2019 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Brainerd with Fr. Daniel Weiske officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment with Military Honors will be held at 9 AM, Monday, July 1, 2019 at Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery near Camp Ripley.

John was born March 26, 1926 in Brainerd the son of John and Theo (Jarboe) Imgrund. John started each day with a smile on his face and a lot of that happiness came from airplanes – a passion he discovered early in life.  At the age of 7, he gifted his mother with an airplane he built out of a peach crate, he earned his pilot’s license at the age of 15, and at 21 he graduated as Salutatorian from Kettering University. John continued making models planes throughout his lifetime.

John was proud of his service as a paratrooper in the US Airforce stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He remained active in the American Legion and VFW after his discharge.  John was also a member of the Elks Club, Moose Club, Knights of Columbus, and a charter member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and the AMA of Brainerd.

John had a successful automotive career.  He took over his father’s dealership and became a Dealer Principal of Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and GMC Vehicles.  John worked hard, but he also knew life was just a little bit better when you added in fun.  Marrying Gail Copa made sure that fun was always present.

In 1948, the couple married and began raising their family.  More than anything, John loved his family. He and Gail instilled good work ethics in their children as well as the importance of fun family time – making sure to hunt, fish, fly, or just enjoy a party or gathering of family and friends.  He cherished the time together. John would often say, “My life is the best…I couldn’t ask for more – my kids are all doing well and we had fun.”

John is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gail; children, John (DeAnna) of Brainerd, Vernon of Grand Marais, Joyce Shiner (Chuck) of Green Bay, WI, David (Janene) of Brainerd; grandchildren Jackie Imgrund, Matt Shiner (Sara), Samantha Imgrund, Charles Imgrund (Leah), Emily Imgrund; great grandchildren, Sophie Imgrund, Vera Imgrund; siblings, Joseph Imgrund and Jacqueline Zuhars. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Theo Imgrund; siblings, Geraldine Giblin, Jim and Ted.