John Worthington

John William Worthington, devoted husband, dad and granddaddy, passed away on Jan 24, 2018, in his home at Charter House in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Worthington was born in Newark, Ohio and grew up in various cities in Kentucky where his father was a Methodist minister. He married Anne Jeanette Walters of Pikeville Kentucky on September 27, 1951. He attended Franklin and Marshall College, Duke University School of Medicine, and the University of Minnesota, receiving BS, MD, and MS degrees. He served as a Medical Officer in the US Navy. Dr. Worthington joined Mayo Foundation in 1954, and was head of a Section of Rheumatology. He was an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine on the faculty of Mayo Medical School. He was recognized by his peers for his careful, thoughtful, and scholarly approach to complex problems. He had a warm and caring approach towards his patients, and was known for his willing and generous support of his colleagues. He received an award acknowledging his superior ability in medical science. He remained on the Mayo Clinic Staff until his retirement in 1995. Dr. Worthington enjoyed adventuresome vacations. He traveled throughout the world,...[more]

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d participated in bicycle rides across many states, as well as rides in foreign countries. He loved riding with his wife, kids, and grandkids. American history and genealogy were among his favorite interests. He was an active member of the Rochester Rotary Club where he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anne Walters Worthington, his sister Doris Braunworth of Boynton Beach, FL, his four children, John Walter Worthington (Ginny) of Minnetonka, MN, Susan Adele Worthington-Self of Park City, UT, Alicia Diane Worthington (Bernie Kempinski) of Alexandria, VA, and Richard Preston Worthington (Van) of Manhattan Beach, CA, and six grandchildren; Ashley Kate Self, Alisha Anne Self, Rachel Jeanette Worthington, Michael William Self, Anne Christine Worthington, and Lisa Elisabeth Worthington. A service will be held at a later date in Pikeville, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mayo Clinic Department of Development for medical research, or Minnesota State Services for the Blind. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester MN 55901 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com