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John Waldoch, age 92 of Center City, died on December 18, 2009, at St. Croix Memorial Regional Hospital. John was born in St. Paul to William and Anna Waldoch on June 21, 1917. At the age of two, his family moved to Lino Lakes where he grew up and where in 1937 he bought his own farm. While farming, he continued to develop his talent for carpentry, and by 1948, he was employed fulltime in this profession. He was a master carpenter and construction supervisor on many projects in and around the Twin Cities. At the time of his retirement in 1984, he had his own construction company with his eldest son. John was a devoted family man. On September 27, 1941, John married Doris Omdahl, they were married for 65 years. They moved to Chisago City in 1948 and then to rural Center City in 1950 to live in the home he built. They raised seven children in that home, which is still a gathering place for his extended family. In the early years, the garden was used to produce food for his family, but there was always space devoted to flowers which he loved. John had a deep commitment to his church. He was a charter member of St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church when it was established in Lindstrom in the 1950s. He began attending St. Joseph Catholic Church, Taylors Falls, in 1985 and was an active member of the parish. He provided flowers for the altar and plantings for the grounds. John's real recreation was working with the land, growing flowers and vegetables. His interest in gardening became a second career after he retired from carpentry. He expanded his property, and the garden grew from one acre to 14. The produce was marketed throughout the summer and fall in Anoka County. His tomatoes, corn, and raspberries attracted a following of regular customers at the markets. But, still, there was room for growing the flowers. He especially loved irises, lilies, and hostas. His hosta garden numbered over 50 varieties. He also tapped maple trees for syrup and kept bee hives. In all seasons, he enjoyed watching the varieties of birds attracted to his garden and his many feeders.

A second interest, antique collecting, became yet another post-retirement career when John and Doris began DJ Antiques. They sold antiques at shows throughout the central states and Texas. John's knowledge of antique tools was recognized by many in the Midwest. John also traveled extensively throughout the US and overseas. He and Doris enjoyed especially visiting his son and daughter-in-law in Dubai, a region he visited five times.

He is survived by six children, Thomas (Grace), Virginia Mitchell, David (Mary), Douglas, Elizabeth (Patrick) Parks, and Charles (Pennie); 11 grandchildren, Richard, Rochelle, Rani, Conan, Gabrielle, Angela, David, Benjamin, Emily, Andrew, and Elise, and 10 great-grandchildren, Miranda, Dillon, Rikki, Tre'von, Cael, Liam, Eileen, Caleb, Samuel, and Harper; siblings George, Raymond (Shirley), and Lucille Cartier, and sisters-in-law JoAnne (Don) Olson and Lucille. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris, son Gregory, daughter-in-law Dale, son-in-law Del, and four siblings, Helen, Joseph, Leona, and Daniel.

John was laid to rest in a Mass of Christian burial Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009. Interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Lino Lakes.

Grandstrand Funeral Home, Lindstrom, handled the arrangements. Memorials can be sent to the American Heart Association, Our Lady of Good Counsel Hospice, or St Joseph Catholic Church, Taylors Falls.

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