John Carl Tangen

John was born on December 31, 1953 to Ralph and Joanna Tangen (Phelps). John grew up in Glenwood and graduated from Glenwood High School in 1972.

John loved spending time on his grandparents' farm in Kensington, MN. He was active in high school sports, including cross country and golf. He also enjoyed playing tennis and biking. John loved music and had an encyclopedic knowledge of rock bands and song lyrics. He was always ready with a song recommendation. John enjoyed reading and was very curious, he loved reading about religion and spirituality, science, history, and other cultures.

John worked in the kitchen at the Minnewaska House in Glenwood during high school and later became a chef there. He eventually became the main chef at the Diamond Club in Morris, MN.

John attended University of Minnesota Morris from 1972 – 1974. After leaving the restaurant business, he attended St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute and earned a two-year degree as a chemical lab technician. He had a very successful career at 3M as a senior product development specialist. He completed his bachelor’s degree in chemistry while working full time. He specialized in urethane chemistry and moisture curing hot melts. John received many patent awards for the products he developed.

John met his wife, Suzette in May of 1993, they married in December 1993. They shared many happy years together raising their three children, Sarah, Rachel, and John.

John enjoyed working in the yard and having bonfires with his family. He also enjoyed taking his family back to Glenwood to visit his parents and loved being by Lake Minnewaska. John loved researching good deals for purchasing cars both for himself and for others, including his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerry and Betty.

Throughout his adult life John endured chronic pain and over 40 surgeries. He always kept fighting and never lost hope. John kept an amazingly positive attitude and his quick wit and sense of humor.

John was very kind and had a big and generous heart for the suffering of others. He was compassionate and caring towards the residents he lived with at Maplewood Care Center. He played music for them in the common areas. The residents called him, “The Music Man”. He asked Suzette to purchase a winter coat, hat and gloves for a resident that was soon leaving. John had great empathy for the needs of others.

John is survived by his wife, Suzette, daughters, Sarah & Rachel, and son John; brother, Neil Tangen (Kathy); sister, Karen Tangen-Mueller (Doug); mother-in-law, Betty Mike; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Mike (Jackie); four nieces, 8 great-nephews and 2 great-nieces; aunt and uncle, Corlyce & Jerry Grant; aunts, Dollie Tangen and Lois Tangen; many cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Joanna Tangen and father-in-law, Gerry Mike. His loving spirit will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Mayo St. Mary’s and Methodist Hospitals, Rochester, MN for the very dedicated and compassionate care given to John.

In lieu of flowers donations made to the family are preferred.

A celebration of life for John will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation starting one hour prior at 10:00am, at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WulffWoodburyFuneralHome.com for the Tangen family.