I met John when he began working at McDonald's in Eau Claire in the late 80's. We worked the closing shift together on a regular basis and I had the chance to get to know him well during those long shifts. John was a very sensitive, caring, and compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humor.

John would often take on many of my job duties in addition to his own for no reason. He had me spoiled- I never had to clean the men's bathroom when I was working with John. He just automatically did it for me-what a guy!

Working in fast food isn't always fun, but John made it fun for me. he would often do silly things to get me to laugh. I remember one day he sent a tray of cheeseburgers to me from the grill along with a towel. I asked him what the towel was for and he said you'll see. He had put extra ketchup on the cheeseburgers and he just stood there and laughed as I wrapped them. The sound of his laughter is something that I will always remember.

I lost touch with John through my job changes and my move across the state, but I never forgot him! I cared for John very much and he will aways hold a special place in my heart!

Jeanne Cornell

I was 13 when John was born. Back then, hospitals wouldn't allow "kids" to go and see the newborns, I had to wait until he was brought home. I used to pretend that John and his sister Barb were my children. There I'd be walking with them and pretending, not fooling anyone, but oh my young heart loved those little kids.

I now have a fifty-four year old heart that loves them more than I would ever have thought possible. John's love of life these past three years has been such a joy to watch. Every time I talked with him, he was full of happiness for each day. He had found a purpose and he had found his place.

Thanks to all of you who have touched John's life through the years.

Janice Randen