John Lobben

Dr. John Edward Lobben, 71, passed away peacefully at home in Pequot Lakes surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, after a courageous battle with T-Cell Lymphoma.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Jan; children: Brett Lobben (Angela) of Savage, MN, Jessica Nybakken (Brent) of Breezy Point, MN; brother, Dave Lobben (Karen) of Pequot Lakes; and seven amazing grandchildren: Clay, Meta, Beck & Stella Lobben and Hunter, Tyler & Bodie Nybakken. John is preceded in death by parents, Sydney and Meta, and brother, Tommy.

John was born on July 25, 1944, in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from Washburn High School and received advanced degrees in Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Minnesota.

John's entire career was dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others through the power of education. He began his career as a teacher in Richfield, MN in 1968. He then worked for the MN State Department of Education followed by a long tenure at Hennepin Technical College. He also served as a member of the Eden Prairie School Board from 1979 to 1985, and was board chair for the last three years. The culmination of John's career came in 2005 when he retired as superintendent of Intermediate District 287 in 2005.

John was a deeply spiritual person, driven equally by the elements found in nature and the fellowship of the church; concerned most with leaving a legacy grounded in treating others well, acting fairly, and seeing the good in all people. He loved the outdoors whether working at Outward Bound during his younger days, the BWCA, the shores of Lake Superior, on the motorcycles at Sturgis, or simply at home on the bay. Love, laughter, humor and relationships...these elements defined John.

A celebration of John's life will be held at Crosslake Lutheran Church, 35960 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442, on Thursday, July 14 at 2:00 with a visitation beginning at 1:00. A light lunch will be served following the celebration. Memorials in his name can be made to the Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Brainerd Lakes Pay It Forward for Cancer Fund or to CaringBridge.org.