"Dear Cindi and family, John's brother Dave and I were good friends while attending grade school at St Mary's. I hung out at Dave's house a lot and got to know John and Dave's sisters very well. One thing I remember most about John that had a lasting impression on me was how sincerely nice and respectful John was to me while hanging out at their house. Although John was a couple years older, he took the time to show me his model cars and how he assembled, painted and displayed them. He did great work and took the time to teach me. I used John's techniques to make scores of model cars and ships. I encountered John numerous times later in life and he was always a friendly and engaging guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Mike Styba "
In loving memory of
John Andrew Lettner
September 1, 1949 - November 11, 2017
John Andrew Lettner, 68, of Winona, MN, died Saturday November 11, 2017 at Gundersen Health in La Crosse, WI.
John was born September 1, 1949 in Winona, MN to Andrew and Elizabeth (Irmscher) Lettner. John graduated from Cotter High School in 1967. He has served and protected others his entire life. John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from 1967 to 1971 doing a tour in Vietnam. He then went to work for the Winona County Sheriff's Office for 25 years; first as a Deputy Sheriff for 10 years before he was promoted to Investigator in 1984; he retired in 1999. John married Cynthia (Cindi) Lander on February 14, 1975. John and Cindi enjoyed spending time with family and friends, they enjoyed golfing, photography and traveling.
John is survived by his loving wife, Cindi; children, Angela (David) Kinneberg, Ryan (Elizabeth) Lettner; grandchildren, Andrew, Liam, and Norah Kinneberg, Mya Lettner; siblings, Sharon Koch, David Lettner, Mary (Greg) Bambenek, Pat Muldrow, Liz Kimoni, and many nieces and nephews. He was a very dedicated Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle.
A gathering of friends and family will take place 3-7PM Monday, November 20 with a prayer service at 3:30 PM at the Winona American Legion, Post 9. Memorials preferred to the family for a Veterans donation at a later date. Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of John and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"Bill Prendergast
John and I have been Brothers and Friends since we met at Ordnance School Marine Base Quantico, VA, nearly 50 years ago. We served together in Viet Nam and Okinawa. John was a person that I would always trust with my life. Before I contacted John a number of years after our time in the Marines I told my wife that He would either be a minister or a cop. When hearing that He always claimed to be both. Our families got together several times over the years and had so much fun and laughter when we did. I've played countless rounds of golf with John and Cindi and He always claimed that I didn't really know how to golf. Of course we both knew that Cindi could "whup" us both. One trip I will never forget is when they came out to our place for the first time. I was a Tacoma firefighter and Fireboat Pilot. They loved riding on the fireboat and witnessing a 7500 gallon per minute water display. Our families then traveled down the California coast to Disneyland with a great snake episode in the Redwoods along with an outhouse experience on a California beach Where we had stopped to celebrate Angie's Birthday. You'll have to ask Cindi about those experiences as they both involved Her. Anyway, it was a wonderful trip which I will always smile about. The last Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day I spent with John was in 2011 when He and Cindi were delivering canoes. On Veterans day John and I delivered 2 kayaks to Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island in Washington. I'm so thankful to have been able to come visit John for a long weekend October 19th of this year. We had some quality time together which I will always cherish. Cindi, Angie & Ryan, You will always be Family to me. I love You all. John, You've left a big hole in this world but what a wonderful legacy You have also left. I look forward to seeing You on the other side my Brother. Semper Fi. "
"He is Gone (Remember Me) By David Harkins You can shed tears that he is gone, Or you can smile because he lived, You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared, You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on, You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on."
"Surprised and saddened by this news. John was a good man, professional, easy to work with and always pleasant outside of the workplace. I will miss bumping into him and chatting a bit now and then. He will not be forgotten any time soon, and he will never forget his family. He's with you even now."
"Dear Cindi and family, We've known John for many years and were so saddened to hear that he had passed. We are thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time. Sincerely, Bruce & Diane Hoseck"
"Cindi and family, my wife Lynne and I have been your neighbors across the street for the past two years. I also had the privilege of working with John on several occasions in the late 80's when I was a social worker with Winona Co. He was a great officer and an even better man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Cindi and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I remember his as a warm and welcoming man; his spirit will surely live on through all of you. May he rest in peace. "
"Cindi, I am sorry for your loss but am sure John is watching over you and his family from above. Many fond memories of times shared together are held deep in my heart. My Love and Prayers to you and family. "
"Mike and I are going to miss seeing John's smiling face in Culver's every week. What a treasure he was- a true gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor. Prayers to your entire family."
"Goodbye to a great friend God bless Gene and Mary Lou"
"Rest in peace John, Jerry Stachowitz, Rose Marie Stachowitz"
"My heartfelt sympathy Cindi and family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all."
"The best fellow officer I ever worked with, he was literally a life saver. Once you met him you always remembered him. 510, you're 10-7 now may you find rest and comfort. Semper Fi 511"
"I had the true honor of working at the Winona,Sheriffs Office while John did. I also enjoyed times with his family. My wife and I golfed with John and his wife. So many wonderful.memories of a person that in your presence was larger than life. Always appeared commanding with a soft fun interior sole. You will be largely missed by so many. Kathy and my prayers to the entire family! Steve and Kathy Buswell"
"Sharon Koch,so sorry to hear this sad news about your brother.. sending prayers to you and his family. "
"To John's family, My deepest condolences on your loss. I remember John well from when I was a child when he and Cindy would come visit with my aunt, Cheryl Lange. He was a kind man who I always picture smiling and laughing. - Pam Simon"
"To John's family, we are sorry for your loss. Such a great person and a nice guy. Called him "groovy" cause of his mustache. Gone too soon..... Jeff and Lisa Singer "
"I went to Cotter and graduated with John in 1967. So sad to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, John. Peace and God's comfort to all of his loved ones. Linda Worner Fyle."
"We grew up through grade school at St. Mary's and John was my buddy. I recognize the little boy I knew in the photo. I moved at the end of tenth grade so he is etched in my memory at that age. I read all the tributes regarding his kindness toward others and I can tell you that was there even in our childhood. I am sad that I didn't know him as an adult but not nearly as sad as his family learning to live without this wonderful man. May you find a little comfort in other people's love for him. Blessings, Colleen O'Reilly Wiemerslage "
"Sincere condolences to John's family. May your memories give you comfort. "
"Cindy, Mike and I are heart sick to hear this news. John was with my Dad when he passed away so many years ago and I was comforted to know that Giant of an Angel was with him. I don't think I ever remember John without a smile under that mustache. Prayers to you and your family in this difficult time. God Bless Mike and Peg Beyers."
"Cindy~ My sincere sympathy to you. I worked with John at the Law Enforcement Center for many years, he was always a man with a smile and the kindest of heart....May you cherish his memory. God Bless, Tammy Seebold"
"We met John and Cindy because they often came to visit my parents at the family 'farm'. We enjoyed talking with them we were often entertained by John's great sense of humor and quick wit. We will miss seeing him there. Please accept our deepest sympathies, God bless John and Cindy. Sue and Dennis Rossman"
"Although my heart doesn't want to accept your absences, I know you are in a better place. I lost my brother today. I lost my brother today. The words raddle through my head. Echoing over and over. He was so many things to me. He was my big brother. My hero. He was always so big and brave. A role model to the goodness for which I raised my sons. I never got share those words with him. I lost my brother today. I can only prey he knows. I lost my brother today. It echos through my soul. My mind grasping onto memories before they can fade. I lost a part of me today, my brother is gone. I know he'll be looking down from the heavens. Showering us all with his love. I lost my brother today. But I will find him again when we meet in the heavens above. ~Liz~ "
"John and I used to work together when he was on the sheriff's dept and I was with St Charles PD I have always thought highly of him and respected him. I hope his family accepts my thoughts of sympathy and condolences. And I also hope they are drawn closer together during this time of sadness. R.I.P. 510; Gone but not forgotten,"
"Uncle John & family: "I walk down memory lane because I know I'll find you there." -Unknown"