John D. Mann

Age: 45; Beloved husband of Bonnie (Kottler) Mann; loving father of Abigail and Julia; son of the late Norman Mann and Marylen Mann and stepson of Frank Jacobs; son-in-law of Stan and Susan Kottler; brother of Robert (Christina) Mann; brother-in-law of Lisa (Travis) Dennis. Dear uncle, cousin, nephew, step-brother and friend to all who knew him.

An entrepreneur and not-for-profit executive, John worked at AT&T in San Antonio and Urban Strategies in St. Louis. He also started his own housing redevelopment business.

A native of Clayton, John graduated from Colgate University in New York and received an M.B.A. from the Olin School at Washington University in St. Louis. With no prior experience in development, he provided the vision and leadership for the revival of the West End Community Center, a complete renovation of the YMHA (built in 1925) in the City of St. Louis. John also served as Board President of Lift for Life Academy and Gym from 2005-2010. Joining the Lift for Life board in 2002, he led efforts to grow the acclaimed urban charter school from a middle school with grades 6-8, to a high school serving 580 students. He also served as a member of Leadership St. Louis and was named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” when he was just 28.

Warm, witty and self-effacing, John wore his accomplishments lightly. An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, he loved to play basketball and spend time with good friends. He also loved music, especially the blues. But his greatest joy was his wife and best friend, Bonnie, and his two beautiful daughters.

He bore his illness with grace and courage.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to:

Lift for Life Academy; 1731 South Broadway; St. Louis, MO 63104.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Sept. 22, at Central Reform Congregation at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial is private. The family will receive visitors at The Crescent, 155 Carondelet, 2nd floor, Clayton, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.