John Shovelin

John Edward Shovelin Born 4/1/43 in Glencoe, MN. The first son to Frank and Lena Shovelin, after six girls. John was reared and educated in Glencoe, MN. was an exceptional student, graduating with honors from Glencoe High School. He was a talented athlete and leader, serving as co captain of both the football and wrestling teams. After several semesters at NDSU John left college and joined the USAF where he served as a medic in Wiesbaden, Germany during the Vietnam war. After completing his military service, he returned to the Twin Cities, established himself in the Machinist trade, spending several decades at J&J Machine in Elk River. John's real love was coaching, he worked tirelessly with youth wrestling and girls football in Minneapolis. He also spent several years as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach at Osseo High School. His friends will remember him for his determination, great work ethic and willingness to do what was needed to get the job done. Preceded in death by parents, Frank and Lena, sisters, Rosemary McEachran and Joan Ziebarth, brothers-in-law, John Steck, Gerry Boland, Delphon Graunke and Larry Plonty. Survived by sisters, Marietta Steck, Joyce Graunke, Violet Plonty, Lillian Selnes (Dave), Diana Boland and Ruth Ann Richter (Doug), brothers Wayne (Julie) and David (Betty Aase) along with an army of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and countless friends. A special thanks to the staff at Maple Tavern and Olympia Café where John was welcomed with open arms and special service during his later years while suffering from Alzheimers. And a special thanks to the staff at Crestview Cmmunities in Blaine where John ended his journey at the hands of Covid 19, on 6/13/2020. Memorial to be scheduled at a future date.