John G.S. Nettleton

John was born October 22, 1926, to James and Abbie Nettleton in Lewiston, MN. He graduated from Lewiston High School, farmed for five years, and then received his baccalaureate degree from McPherson College, masters from Emporia State and his doctorate from the University of Kansas. He also attended UCLA and Winona State Teachers College. In 1956 he married Louise Saathoff, who was librarian at St. Cloud Technical High School. Following their marriage, John and Louise began their careers at Peabody, Kansas, where John was the high school principal and Louise was the vocal music teacher. John became superintendent of schools before resigning to attend the University of Kansas. John's doctoral dissertation was titled "A Plan to Improve Instruction in the Oberlin, Kans., Public Schools." This plan became the basis for a new building, remodeling others to meet the needs of a revised curriculum he developed and included in the plan. From Oberlin they moved to Sterling, CO, where John was superintendent, and then to Moorhead.John Served on the Moorhead Planning Commission, as a member of Rotary and the Laural library board, sang in the Trinity Lutheran Church cathedral choir, was a member of "helping hands", volunteered with meals on wheels, and sang with his friend, Bryant Ulseth at numerous events. He was also a soloist at weddings, funerals and in nursing homes. For 17 years he was a unique and fun teacher for the AARP driver safety course. He also was state vice president for the 27,000-member Minnesota Utilities Investors.John loved gadgets and machines. As an aircraft owner and private pilot, he loved to travel with his family. He built a classic roadster used in several Moorhead parades, and road motorcycle with the Elks Motor Patrol. Upon reaching age 80, he enjoyed his motorized scooter for fun and travel around the Metro area.John was also an amateur artist, designing and creating numerous works in stained glass and in wood, including the podium used in the Field House at Concordia College, the custom-built audio-visual center in the Trinity Lutheran Church lounge and the custom-built crosses above the pillars in Trinity's Christian Life Center.John, Louise and dog traveled in 49 states. Many states were visited often enough so that a road map was unnecessary. They were privileged to travel in Canada, Mexico and Europe. They witnessed blast off to two space shuttles in Florida and landing in California.John is survived by his wife, Louise; sons, Dwight of Fargo, ND, Jon Rae of Dilworth, MN; and two grandchildren, James and Sarah, also of Dilworth.