John Arthur Bankord

JOHN ARTHUR BANKORD November 8, 1940 - May 9, 2015 John Arthur Bankord, age 74, a life time Sebeka-Menahga area resident, passed into eternal life, surrounded by his loved ones, on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. John was born on November 8, 1940 to Elmer and Sylvia (Rankka) Bankord on his parent's farm in Paddock Township, west of Sebeka, MN. As a boy he attended country school near his home through the eighth grade and then went on to attend high school in Sebeka. In December of 1965, John entered the United States Army where he courageously and faithfully served his country fighting the Viet Cong in the jungles of Viet Nam. Following his honorable discharge in December of 1967, John returned to Minnesota and began a tree trimming business serving customers throughout the region. On one of his tree jobs in Marshall, MN, he met a pretty young lady, Mayrleen Schmidt. They were united in marriage on November 3, 1973 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sebeka. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Valerie. John attended the Reish Auctioneering School in Iowa and where he perfected his skills at calling auctions. In the mid- 1970's, John began working as an over the road truck driver in a career that spanned over 30 years. He loved the out doors and especially enjoyed fishing the area lakes. He had a deep love for animals and enjoyed raising and caring for a number of well trained and faithful dogs. In 2006, his life was deeply saddened by the death of his precious wife, Mayrleen. Shortly thereafter, John's health began to fail starting with needing a triple heart bypass surgery in 2007 and complications from diabetes which resulted in having a leg amputation in 2009. He was forced to become a resident of the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga where he has resided since 2009. John would often be seen cruising his motorized wheel chair throughout Menahga. In spite of all of his health problems, John maintained an upbeat and positive attitude towards life. Many marveled at his quick wit and brilliant sense of humor. Above all, John cherished the time spent with his family who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Valerie (Jack) Sharp of Sebeka; his six grandchildren: Michael (Michelle) Sharp of Frazee, MN, Jessica (Jesse) George of Sebeka, Heather (Charlie) Cummings of Buffalo, MN, Justin Sharp of Mandan, ND, Jason Sharp of Sebeka and Ryan Sharp of Detroit Lakes; 8 precious great grandchildren; his brother, Paul (Zoe) Bankord of Morris, MN; two sisters: Helene (Dave) Jacobson of AZ and Eunice (Neil) Bankord-Desiato of TX; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, a sister, Lucille, a brother, Tom and a great grandson, Adam. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. The active casket bearers will be his grandsons: Michael Sharp, Justin Sharp, Ryan Sharp, Jason Sharp, Jesse George and Charlie Cummings. The honorary casket bearers will be his grand daughters: Jessica George, Heather Cummings and Michelle Sharp. Interment will be made in the Paddock-Bethel Cemetery west of Sebeka. The Star of The North Marine Corps League will provide full military honors. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com.