John Wistrom Karrow M.D.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John was born on March 30, 1938 in Alexandria, MN to Byron and Edith (Wistrom) Karrow. He spent much of his childhood in Mankato, MN and graduated from Mankato High School (1956). He went on to attend Gustavus Adolphus College (1960) for his undergraduate degree, the University of Minnesota (1964) for medical school and residency training at the Mayo Clinic. He served his country as a physician in the U.S. Public Health Service and the Central Intelligence Agency. John practiced for over 24 years at St. Joseph’s and St. John’s Hospitals as a radiation oncologist. Throughout his career, he was respected for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping patients and families.

More than anything, John was a devoted father. In Tom and Dave’s younger years, he coached their sports teams, went on skiing and camping trips and many other family vacations. In his retirement years, John enjoyed working out at the YMCA, reading, theater productions with Woodbury Community Theater, downhill skiing with his ski buddies, home projects and time at the cabin. He was also a super fan at many of his grandchildren’s events.

John was preceded in death by parents Byron and Edith (Wistrom) Karrow, and infant daughter Susan Amy and stepmom Evelyn (Mohs) Karrow. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marjorie, his two sons, Tom (Mary) and Dave (Lisa), his six grandchildren, Jenna, Ryan (Maya), Taylor, Megan, Anna, and Ben, and stepsister Eloise (Steven) Kahn, many dear friends, colleagues and family.

John endured a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. His family wishes to thank the staff of Artis Senior Living of Woodbury and St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 3:00 PM with Visitation two hours prior to service, from 1:00 - 3:00 PM, all at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Dr., Woodbury, MN 55125. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity.