John was born in Alpha, Minn., the son of Paul and Victoria (Pytzek) Sapa, who arrived from Poland via Ellis Island. John graduated from Frost High School and worked in his family’s farm for many years. On Nov. 7, 1950, John married the love of his life, Janit Peterson. They were blessed with five children. The couple moved to Blue Earth where John began working at Schwen’s Ice Cream & Candy Company. He also worked at Dairy Fresh before retiring from Land O’Lakes at the age of 62. John was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church for many years and also a member of the Blue Earth Fire Dept. for 20 years. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed pitching horseshoes for many years. In his spare time, John enjoyed woodworking and was a fix it man. If he didn’t have it in his garage, rest assured you couldn’t find it anywhere else. He had a freezer full of ice cream always ready for whoever stopped by, and made the best chocolate malts around.

John will be remembered as an all-around nice guy who wore a bright smile for all he greeted. He cherished the family he built with his wife and always gave the best bear hugs. He will be deeply missed by everyone.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Janit; his children, Vickie (Vern) Zabel of Blue Earth, Cheryl Bell of Hudson, Wis., Deb Sapa of Jordan, Minn. and Tim (Christine) Sapa of Bayfield, Colo. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Bob Wagner of Zumbrota, Minn. John was a doting grandfather to 12 grandchildren, Maura Humason, Jen (Brandon Evan) Nelson, Kevin (Sarah) Zabel, Lori (Brian) Mueller, Denise (Lukas) Patten, Breanna (Brian) Welke, Austin (Amanda) Wagner, Emily (Duane) Engebretson, Jess (Lucas) Rogers, Michael (Ashley) Bell, Ali (Tyson) Mizell and Caleb Sapa; 35 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; four sisters; daughter, Chris Wagner; and son-in-law, Gary Bell.

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