John Mcmahon

John T. McMahon

John T. McMahon, 61, of Arvilla, ND, passed away on May 10, 2015 in his home surrounded by love.

John was born July 16, 1953 in Hammond, IN to Robert and Ethel (Wikert) McMahon, who preceded him in death. He enlisted in the Air Force and served for nine years where he attained the rank of TSGT. John was then diagnosed with brain cancer in 1983 and was given only a short time to live. John defied all of the odds and went on to live an active and successful life for the next 32 years. Although he never worked again, John was an active member of the community as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout troop leader, Sunday school teacher and completed his B.S. in Industrial Technology from UND. John enjoyed golfing, traveling in his RV across the country to visit family and friends, maintaining his home and yard, singing off key and always making others smile. His greatest achievement was being an involved parent despite his adversities. He prided himself in never missing a game, performance or event for any of his kids. This continued with the love and pride he had for his grandchildren, Aubree “Little Bit” and Cora “Cora Bear,” who visited him often during his years in the nursing home.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan (Hansen), daughters Amy McMahon of Wilmington, NC, Emily (Ryan) Henneman of Arvilla, ND, and son Tim (Tanya) of Bemidji, MN; two grandchildren: Aubree and Cora Henneman; siblings: Therese (Richard) Putz of Schererville, IN, Charles (Virginia) McMahon of Cherokee Village, AR, Michael (Diane) McMahon of Grand Forks, ND, and Julia (Larry) Gregg of Manchester, MI.

A special thank you to the Larimore Good Samaritan Center and Luther Memorial Home of Mayville, ND for the great care provided to John over the past 6 years. The family would also like to thank Altru’s Hospice for the assistance provided that allowed us to fulfill John’s wish to return home.

Graveside service with military honors will be in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND on July 10 at 11 a.m.