FAIRMONT — A party in remembrance of John R. Naas, 64, of Fairmont will be held 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at the American Legion Post in Sherburn, Minn.

John died unexpectedly Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. This party will honor John’s wishes to host a retirement party that he enthusiastically hoped to hold in the spring of 2019. Everyone who knew John is invited.

Messages of sympathy can be sent online at www.kramerfuneralhome. com

John was born April 24, 1954, in Trimont, Minn., to William and Shirley (Miller) Naas. He was raised on the family farm just outside of Sherburn. He attended elementary and high school in Sherburn. He participated on the football and basketball teams, but was an especially talented sprinter, winning the State Special Olympics meet in the 50-yard and 100-yard dash events for two consecutive years. He did not receive a diploma until many years later, when Martin County West Schools awarded him an honorary diploma in recognition of his volunteer service to the school and its sports teams.

John was a devoted supporter of the Sherburn Raiders and Martin County West Mavericks, and for many years volunteered to prepare and clean the gymnasium and operate the scoreboard for all sporting events. He was especially proud of being the equipment manager for the Martin County West football team for several years, and was awarded the school’s Spirit Award during his years with the team.

John enjoyed watching all sports, especially professional wrestling and football, and was a devout Minnesota Vikings fan throughout his life. He also loved to golf, although it often frustrated him. There’s a good chance there’s a complete set of clubs scattered along the bed of Fox Lake, courtesy of John.

He also loved the City of Sherburn and its community, and often volunteered to ride along and help the Public Works Department with whatever he could. He was well known for raking the city’s parks for many years, a task that he started on his own. Early risers could find him hard at it before first light each fall.

He started working at MRCI in Fairmont later in life and eventually moved to Fairmont to be closer to work as well as medical services.

Golfing became more difficult for him, and his new passion turned to riding his moped scooter, for which he did not possess a license. After several stops by Fairmont police, he was finally prompted to pursue his license. Somewhere probably between his 50th and 100th attempt, he proudly passed his test in 2017. He was well known for his stubborn determination.

John is survived by his sister, Victoria Paulson (Ron Ringel) of Wasilla, Alaska; brother, Todd (Sandra Dee) Naas of Ashland, Wis.; and niece, Ashley Naas of Green Bay, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William Naas Jr.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations to MRCI would be appreciated. MRCI is a non-profit human services organization focused on the rehabilitation of disabled and disadvantaged adults by providing innovative employment programs that assist individuals in their achievement of personal goals. The opportunity to work there made a positive difference in John’s life. Donations can be sent to: MRCI, Attn: Marketing Department, 15 Map Drive, Mankato, MN 56001, or online at mrciworksource.org

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