John A. Streifel

b"John the Welder"/bJohn A. Streifel, age 86, of Moorhead, MN, died Monday, September 24, 2007, in MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND.John Andrew Streifel was born on April 14, 1921 to Joseph and Ottilla Wentz in Esmond, ND. He grew up and attended school in Esmond. On December 14, 1942 he joined the United States Army, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged on December 5, 1945. On June 16, 1942 he married Catherine "Katie" Lauinger in St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond. Together John and Catherine had eight children. They lived in Harvey and Esmond before moving to Moorhead in 1951. Catherine passed away on May 14, 2003 after 61 years of marriage. John worked for John's Welding and Blacksmith Shop/Henry Brother's Excavating from 1958-1978. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and the VFW Clubs. He has been a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moorhead since 1955. He enjoyed fishing and spending time on Little Pelican Lake, playing cards and bingo, hunting, and most importantly, spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be missed dearly by all who knew him.He is survived by three sons, Dan Judy of Pelican Rapids, MN, Gerald Connie of Sabin, MN and John DiAnn of Moorhead, MN; five daughters, Donna Mae Kenneth Bjordahl of Banner Elk, NC, Catherine "Kathy" Streifel of Crystal, MN, Darlene Jeff Else of Moorhead MN, Julie Robert Koenig of Cadiz, KY and Lori Greg Larson of Redwood Falls, MN; 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant daughter; two brothers, Thomas and Nick; and two sisters, Frances Scherr and Verna Turrentine.