John E. Wren

Age 80, of Lake Elmo, formerly of Lakeville, passed away peacefully June 16, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Wilhelmina; siblings Steve and Charles Wren and Genny Ringeisen.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 58 years, Mary; children, Jennifer (Michael) Dolezal, Joseph (Kellee) Wren, Julianne (David) Wynia and John O’Neill Wren; grandchildren, Maria (Brian), Jonathan, Hannah (Ethan), Vincent, Allie (Matthew), Vanessa, Jacob, Amelia and Mary; great-grandchildren, Lachlan, Trevor and Lila (expected in July); many nieces, nephews, other family and many dear friends.

John defined his life by his faith, family, service, and leadership.

Born and raised in Lakeville, Minnesota, John graduated from Lakeville High School and attended St. Cloud State. In 1964, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. As a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division, John served as a paratrooper in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. He carried immense pride in his service to his country.

In 1967, John married his high school sweetheart, Mary, beginning a loving partnership that would span decades. Together they built a life centered on family and raised four children in Lakeville and Roseville, Minnesota. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather whose greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved. He was often seen attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities .

A dedicated veteran advocate, John was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He served as Lakeville Post 210 Commander for two years and earned recognition as an All-State Commander and member of the National All-American Team, reflecting his commitment to serving veterans and his community.

Professionally, John carried on a family legacy when he became President and CEO of Lakeville Motor Express in 1979. The company had been founded by his father in 1921, and under John's leadership it experienced remarkable growth. He expanded the business from just 10 employees to more than 500, transforming it into a respected transportation company while maintaining its family values and commitment to excellence.

John's leadership extended far beyond his own company. He served as Chairman of the Minnesota Trucking Association from 1990 to 1992 and, in 1998-1999, became the first Minnesotan to serve as Chairman of the American Trucking Associations, a distinction that reflected the respect he earned throughout the trucking industry nationwide.

After selling Lakeville Motor Express in 2009, John embraced retirement and was able to enjoy the Minnesota winters in Arizona where he and Mary made many dear friends. With retirement, he had the time to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes—golf. Whether enjoying a round with friends or family, he found great happiness on the course.

John will be remembered for his unwavering Catholic faith, his devotion to family, his pride in serving his country, his commitment to his community, and his extraordinary leadership in business. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the company he built, the veterans he served alongside, and the countless lives he touched.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 16770 – 13th Street South, Lake St. Croix Beach. Visitation Monday, June 22, 2026, 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater with a Rosary service at 7:00 P.M. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment will take place at a later date at All Saints Cemetery in Lakeville, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the John and Mary Wren Foundation at Hill Murray High School or donor’s choice.