John "Johnny" Ahlbom

John "Johnny" Ahlbom, of Maplewood, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on December 27, 2025 at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater, MN, at the age of 92.

Johnny was born November 24th, 1933, to John and Anny Ahlbom, who emigrated from Sweden to America in 1914. Johnny was their fifth child, the baby of the family. He grew up in Bremen Township, Pine County, Minnesota, living in the split-rock house that his father built.

Johnny's parents were friends with Lynn and Genevieve Ballou. When the Ballou's would visit they would often put their baby daughter, LuAnne, in the crib with baby Johnny.... not realizing that they had just introduced Johnny to his future wife!

Johnny attended school at a one-room school house across the road, then went on to Willow River High. He graduated in 1951.

He was married to LuAnne Ballou on May 3rd, 1952. They began building their home in Maplewood, MN, with help from their parents. Before the home was finished, Johnny was drafted into the Army. Their parents and others continued to build, and LuAnne went to join Johnny where he was stationed in Germany. When he returned, they finished up their home and that is where they began building their family.

They welcomed their son, Greg, in 1957, their daughter, Vicki, in 1959 and daughter Bonnie in 1966. Eventually they were blessed with 5 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 5 great-grandchildren.

Johnny and LuAnne loved spending time at the lake cabin in Finlayson, MN. They made many happy memories there with their children, (and later, grandchildren) along with many other relatives, family and friends. The cabin was close to where Johnny grew up so they could visit his parents too.

He also went deer hunting with his son, Greg, at the home where he grew up, with his mom Anny cooking meals for all the hunters!

He was a member of the Osman Shrine Provost Unit for many years, and the family enjoyed many parades, circuses and Shrine events.

Johnny worked for many years in the Printing Industry, at Beissel Company and later at Kimm Company, until his retirement.

He was very talented at woodworking and made many beautiful, intricate toys and working models, plus furniture for both indoors and out. The kids, grandkids and great-grandkids always got amazing presents made of wood! He was very imaginative and creative. For example, he said one day when he went to get his mail, he was noticing how the mailbox door latched, and he thought "I could make that!" That year for Christmas everyone got little wooden mailboxes with their names and address on them in individually carved letters. There was a working flag to put up, and when you opened the little latched door - the mailbox was filled with candy.

Johnny was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, LuAnne; his daughter Bonnie Brown; brothers Claude and Roy, sisters Alice Mahle and Astrid Serfin; and brother-in-law Jerome.

He is survived by his son, Greg (wife Vicki); daughter, Vicki (husband Tom) DeGayner; 7 grandchildren: Rick (Cathryn Stoebe), Tim (Joanna), Travis (Angie), Michael (Alexandra), Brian (Kelsey), Amanda and Sarah; 5 great-grandchildren: Zoe, Christopher, Alan, Zach and Zandrea; and sister-in-law, Lynnette Erickson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Johnny's greatest love was his family. We were so blessed to have him for 92 years, and his humor and loving spirit touched many. He will be dearly missed, but our hearts are comforted knowing he is at peace ... He is reunited with his daughter Bonnie and he and LuAnne are together again.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3rd at 11:00 am at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, MN, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park will follow the service.