John Charles Elliott

I was born in the small town of Lostwithiel, England on May 20, 1945. As a one year old, I caught pneumonia three times as my family took the journey to the United States. New Jersey became my home. There were three siblings, Robert, Melinda and Tina. My dad worked for the railroad. My favorite food was my mom’s pasties.

After, high school I joined the Marine Corps 1964 – 1968. I served 1967 – 1968 in Vietnam. During my time in Vietnam I caught Agent Orange. Ninety percent boredom and ten percent sheer terror, is how I would describe my twelve months and twenty-three days in Vietnam

When, I was discharged, I was persuaded by my friend, Greg Francis to attend Albert Lea College, Minnesota. There I joined the Albert Lea Police Department. I got married and had a daughter, Heather. We moved to St. Paul and I joined the Minnesota State Patrol. I was a trooper from 1978 – 2005. One of the highlights of my career was serving as the executive protection for Governor Jessie Ventura and his family. I was a member of the State Patrol Pistol Team. I was a Distinguished Marksman. My family enjoyed traveling to the different shoots in Minnesota.

My daughter got married. She has a “mom and pop” high performance auto business in Milltown, Wisconsin at her home. She has an awesome reputation for restoring and working on everything from classic cars to race cars. I have a granddaughter, Rachael. I married Linda, the “girl across the street” in 1988. Thirty - two wonderful years. I have two step-sons Matthew and Adam. I got my sons involved in playing sports. I loved helping coach and referring their games. Later, we started playing golf together.

I enjoyed bowling and playing golf. My other hobby was participating in softball and volleyball. I loved watching sports, especially football. My favorite team is the Pittsburg Steelers.

I loved traveling back home to New Jersey. Visiting my cousins Tom and Peggy was the highlight of the trip.

A remarkable journey – over thirty years of my life has been spent in uniform. I am thankful for my beautiful family and wonderful friends!

John is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter Heather Janusch (Mitch), granddaughter Rachael Ellsworth (Bob), step-sons Matthew & Adam Wilford, two sisters Tina & Melinda Elliott, special cousins Tom & Peggy DePiano and Mother #2, Betty Francis.

A funeral service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, St Paul, on February 4, 2021 at 11am. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.