John R. Greenlee

We are deeply saddened to share the loss of John Richard Greenlee aged 60 of Oakdale, MN. He passed away peacefully at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, MN surrounded by family on December 21, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Ramona Greenlee (nee Rogers) and his Father Wayne Greenlee. He is survived by his daughter Alicha (Clark) Haake, sons Jacob and Jack Greenlee, and his granddaughters Hazel and Elouise. He is also survived by his sisters Becky (Donal Kaehler) Greenlee and Holly Derrick, and brother, Frank Greenlee as well as many nieces and nephews. John was loved so very much by his family and friends.

John was born and raised in St. Croix Falls, WI helping his Mom run Waynes's Cafe off and on until it closed in 2005. He was a 1982 graduate of St. Croix Falls High School. He furthered his schooling at the University of Wisconsin–Stout and received a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.  He worked for Sysco Foods for many years earning several awards in sales. He worked 12 seasons for Sysco at the Minnesota State Fair. After leaving Sysco, he became an account manager for Performance Food Group. He was a part-time cook at several restaurants over the years including Decoy's, Gabe's by the Park, and both Joe Sensor's restaurant locations where he was promoted to kitchen manager at the Roseville location. He was a manager for Kwik Trip in Oakdale, MN the last few years.

John was a huge Green Bay Packers fan. He loved his red Jeep along with all the little Ducks he collected. He loved to travel and camp. But most of all, he loved his children and his grandchildren. He was so very kind with a heart of gold.

John will be honored with a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 25th from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria, WI. A private graveside ceremony will take place in the Spring. He will be placed by his Mom in the Balsam Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.