John L. Meader Jr.

John was born on August. 29, 1927, in Eau Claire, Wis., to John and Geraldine Strand Meader, and grew up in Minneapolis. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and spent one year in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in Gulf Port, Miss. John graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, where he met Dora Baker. The two married in 1950 and made their home in Minnetonka, Minn.John spent 37 years working as a sales representative and district manager for George A. Hormel, a job he loved dearly. John's bright smile and friendly personality led him to many years of success at Hormel. He prided himself in knowing 101 ways to prepare SPAM, Hormel's signature product.After retiring, John spent his summers at his cabin on Lake Lizzie, where he enjoyed boating and spending time with his family, and his winters in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Cormorant Lions Club and the Lake Lizzie Lakeshore Association. A lifelong Episcopalian, John was an active member of St. Barnabas on The Desert in Scottsdale and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Detroit Lakes. John is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara Morgan and his granddaughter Lyndsey Weisser. He is survived by three daughters, Susan Richard Isaman of Pelican Rapids, Minn., Gretchen Ronald Nelson of Fridley, Minn., Cathy Rick Weisser of Fargo; a son, John Meader III, of Spring Park, Minn.; ten grandchildren: Kelly Brad Thorson, Jesse Heidi Isaman, Jared Nelson, Kim Nelson, Aaron Isaman, Chad Nelson, Jenna Weisser, Nick Weisser, Kevin Meader and Michael Meader; eight great-grand daughters: Alysa, Courtney, Katelyn, Brekken and Aleah Thorson, Kaylie and Kelsey Isaman, and Chelsea Isaman; two special daughters, Patricia Messerschmidt and Chrisse Welle; and his good friend Susan McFarland.Memorials are preferred to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Cormorant Lions Club.