John G. McPherson

Passed away on December 9th, 2025 at age 97 surrounded by family still joking and telling stories.

John was one of the "Bayport Boys" as he grew up in Bayport, MN on the St. Croix River. Son of a banker, he became a farmer and against all odds became one of the most successful farmers in Washington County.

He graduated from Stillwater High School in 1946 and attended classes at the University of Minnesota Agricultural school. Married Harriet Nelson, June 21st, 1949 and together they bought the farm on Stagecoach Trail where they lived for 72 years.

John and Harriet belonged to many farm organizations over the years. Every dairy organization in the state knew John. In 1987 they were the farm family of the year. The honor came from the University of Minnesota and WCCO Radio broadcast from the farm.

John was chairman of West Lakeland town board from 1968 to 2009 and was very proud of the way West Lakeland Township grew under his leadership. He spent hours at the kitchen table talking to people about how to make West Lakeland a better place, talking politics and telling stories. The thing he loved to do most. He was a force on the board and was honored to serve in that position for 41 years.

He also served on the German Farmers Township Mutual Insurance Board for nearly 50 years, chair of that board for 30 years. He was active in his church, loved to play cards in card groups they belonged to and traveled extensively after they sold the farm. Going to Ireland twice as he was so proud of his Irish heritage.

John and Harriet had a second home in Alexandria on the Chain of Lakes, where he spent hours fishing and enjoyed hunting in the area, as well, for over 25 years.

John was proud of his Dairy Farm on Stagecoach Trail and all he had accomplished. He loved hunting and fishing, and traveling. He loved his family and grandkids and enjoyed watching them in all their athletic activities throughout the years. But most of all, he loved his Harriet for 76 years - she was truly the wind beneath his wings and the reason he had a big, full, happy life.

John it's survived by Harriet, daughter and son-in law, Sara and Ron Carlson, seven grandchildren: Matthew (Kaleena) Carlson, Kristina Carlson, Kathryn Carlson, Casey Carlson, Alex McPherson, Colin(Paz) McPherson, Brenna (Nick)Robinson and 5 great grandchildren, special friends Paul and Shari Jorgenson. He is preceded in death by his son Jack McPherson, parents, R.G. and Louise McPherson and brother Robert McPherson and Sister-in-law Nancy McPherson, brother-in-laws Bud Nelson, Larry Nelson and Keith Schmidt and sister- in-law Pat Schmidt. Many nieces and nephews.

Visitation 4-6pm Sunday, December 28th at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater. Mass of Christian Burial 10am Monday, December 29th at Church of St. Charles 409 3rd St N, Bayport, with visitation beginning at 9am. Interment at St. Michael's Cemetery immediately following.

IF YOU KNEW HIM - YOU WERE LUCKY