John Hawkland

John D. Hawkland, age 88, of Danbury, WI, formerly of Bloomington, MN, passed away at his residence on Thursday, December 17, 2015. John was born in Willmar, MN, on March 4, 1927, a son of the late Douglas and Lola Mae (nee Johnston) Hawkland, and was raised in Maynard, MN. His family later moved to Minneapolis where he completed his secondary education, graduating in June of 1945 from Washburn High School. Immediately after finishing high school, John joined the U.S. Army to perform his military duties. He began his service at Fort Dix, NJ, and was honorably discharged in September of 1946. After leaving the service, he attended the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis campus) for two years. His father told him, “Son, you’re having too much fun, go get a job.” John started his banking career as a bookkeeper at the main office of Northwestern National Bank in Minneapolis. This is where he met his future wife, Annie Duran. In 1949, he transferred to Fifth Northwestern National Bank. He earned the Pre-Standard and Standard Certificates from the American Institute of Banking, “Section” American Bankers Association. In his career, John was promoted to various positions, the last being Vice President. His retirement was in August of 1985. John was involved in many organizations from the Hennepin and Lake District which consisted of the Uptown Art Fair, Neighborhood Involvement Program, The Greater Lake Street Council, and the Uptown Commercial District. He held various positions in these organizations, from a President, Treasurer, Board Member, Board Director, Co-Founder, and being in the church choir. He was very proud to become a Minister through the Stephen Ministry Program. John was very active in the churches that he and Annie attended in Minneapolis and Edina, MN, and also in Arizona. He enjoyed his time playing and working with the Minnesota Valley Country Club, and enjoyed meeting his friends at the Webb Lake Men’s Club. John liked many different sporting activities, from bowling, fast pitch softball, golfing, and was also a co-owner (investor) of a modified stock car. He passed along his love of these sports to his children. He went on many hunting and fishing excursions, and especially liked waterfowl and upland bird hunting. If John wasn’t sitting in a duck blind or deer hunting, you’d find him watching sports events at the stadium or on television. John was very adamant about his outdoor grilling and passed that along to his kids. Preceding him in death are his parents, Douglas and Lola Mae; brothers: Douglas Jr., and William; a niece and three nephews. John is survived by his wife and best friend of 65 years, Annie; along with his 6 JDH’s: John Jr., Julie, Jay, Jed, Joel, and Jerome; their spouses and 11 grandchildren. He is further survived by John and Bea Antolik; many nieces and nephews; his extended family; neighbors and friends; and his treasured memories. John enjoyed his life. There were many hills and valleys. “Turn off the lights in the garage!” “Okay, Dad.” “Bye.” A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11:00am (visitation from 10:30am – 11:00am) at the Washburn-McReavy Bloomington, MN Chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at 2:00pm at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Webb Lake First Responders, 1826 Kessler Rd, Danbury, WI 54830 or a charity of choice.