John Babbitt

John Anthony Babbitt passed away peacefully at the  St. Cloud Hospital on August 10, 2023 in the presence of family.  He was two days shy of his 84^th birthday.

John was born August 12, 1939 in Bloomer, WI.  He graduated from Bloomer HS in May 1957, and went on to attend The University of WI at Eau Claire.

On July 11, 1959, John married Jeane Davis of Jim Falls, WI.  Together they had 5 children.  John worked in the trucking industry his entire working life, starting out with his family-owned company—Chippewa Motor Freight—and ultimately working for many years as an independent owner/operator.  He also drove motorcoaches and dump trucks late in his career, working well into his 70’s.

John was a lifetime member of Shriners International and served many years in 3 different Temples.  His passion was riding in the Motorcycle Corps, and he performed in countless parades all over MN.  He was very proud of his involvement with the Shrine  and their support of the Shriners Hospital for Children.  It was through the Shrine that John met the love of his life, Carole Herrod, and they married in February 1986.  They resided in West St. Paul, MN and Goodyear, AZ until Carole passed away in November 2020.  John lived at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins, MN since October 2021, where he was well-cared for and was close to his family.

John is survived by his 5 children—Teri Jo Luedtke (David), Jeff Babbitt (Reneen), Lisa Urdahl (Scott), Lori Kaping (Brian), and Vicki Babbitt; three stepsons—Brian Herrod, Bruce Herrod (Lisa),  and Jim Herrod (Debbie); as well as 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his beloved spouse Carole Babbitt, parents Frank and Maxine Babbitt, brothers Dan Siverling and Frank Babbitt, sisters Sharon Olson and Jeanne Burns, and granddaughter Holli Luedtke.