John was a member of the Fremont Civil Service Commission from 1965 to 1973. He was a city councilman, serving as President of the council. He also served the city as mayor from 1977 to 1980. Following his time in the mayor's office he became chairman of the Board of Public works. He held that office from 1980 until the present time, a total of 30 years.
He was a member and Past Master of Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M., a member of the York Rite Masonic Bodies having served as High Priest of Signet Chapter No. 6, Illustrious Master of Hiram Council No. 7, and Commander of Mt. Tabor Commandery No. 9. And he was a member of the Fremont Masonic Templecraft.
John was a life long member of the First Congregational Church, UCC. He served in many of the church offices, including that of trustee, and on many of the church's committees.
On December 26, 1954, John was married to Alice Blatter in West Point.
John's survivors: wife - Alice 'Alie'
daughter - Elizabeth and husband Matt McClelland of Castle Pines North, Colorado
2 nieces and 5 great nieces and nephews
John was preceded in death by a sister.
The funeral service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday (March 31, 2010) in the First Congregational Church, UCC with the Rev. Terri Akkerman officiating. A private family committal service will be in Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational Church Organ Fund.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Tuesday (March 30th) from 2 to 8 PM. At. 7 PM Tuesday evening, the Fremont Masonic Lodge will conduct a Masonic Funeral Ceremony, which is open to the public, at the mortuary.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(17)
Bari Strader
Forsyth, MO Saturday, April 3, 2010 I first met John when I transferred to the Hormel Fremont plant in 1981. I was new to the job and area. John was always helpful to me in getting aquainted with everyone and helped when I needed it. He knew I was interested in Native American artifacts and once gave me a hand axe mined from the Lymon-Richie gravel pit on the west side of Fremont. Very kind of him. I last saw him at a gun show at the community center in town and we talked for a while. Always kind with a good sense of humor. Best wishes to John's family. I am sorry to hear of his passing.Gayle & Denise Novotny
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 31, 2010 To Alie & Liz John will always be special in our hearts. As a dear friend to Mother & our family over the years, we will remember his contagious smile & laughter. God will utilize his intelligence & humor. Our deepest sympathy Gayle & DeniseDick Paschal
Gettysburg, PA Wednesday, March 31, 2010 John, though I haven't had the pleasure of seeing you much these last few years I will always treasure our past good times as classmates at FHS and fraternity brothers at NU. You were a special friend and a fine man. May I add to the heartfelt condolences of his many other friends and classmates.Pat Callaway
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 31, 2010 Elizabeth and Family: I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.Dick and Bonnie Owston
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 31, 2010 Our deepest sympathy is extended to you. In any position that John did, he did it well. He always was friendly and outgoing. He made you feel welcome.Diane Bade
Fremont, NE Tuesday, March 30, 2010 OH my, I was so shocked to see that John has passed. Ali and Elizabeth, my very, very, deepest sympathy. I cannot tell you how much respect I havd for John. I kinda grew up with John at Hormels, as he tolerated my newness to the working world and stayed by me as a friend. One Saturday night. late Saturday night, you invited my friends over to your house. It was the first time that I had ever tasted smoked oysters, and I loved them! Still do. John was the man behind the camera when the SPAM Stork Cooker was lowered by helicapter into the Warehouse. That photo stayed scotchtaped to the file cabinet doors in the Industrial Engineering Department for years.. My love and deepest sympathy.Jerry Bartels
Smyrna, GA Tuesday, March 30, 2010 John was one of the smartest and best liked in our class, and our president. He was a leader and demonstrated that capacity all his life. The citizens of Fremont recognized that and put their trust in him. There is no greater compliment. To the family, you have my deepest sympathy. God Bless.Amy Kusek
Denver, CO Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Liz, Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland May your many wonderful memories of time spent with your father help you and your mother through this time of sorrow. I will always remember seeing the pride and joy in your father's eyes the day of you and Matt's wedding. He was a wonderful man and he helped raised an amazing daughter. Much love to you and your mother, Amy KusekLarry Beaver
Gresham, OR Tuesday, March 30, 2010 I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was really a great guy and I've never heard of a cross word ever said about him; unless it was from his opposition on the basketball court. When I think back about all my classmates John was one of the top on my list for really nice guys who everybody really liked and respected. His many contributions to his community speak well for John reflecting his deep caring and interest in caring about others. I know he will be greatly missed. God Bless. Larry BeaverLES COLLING
AUSTIN, MN Tuesday, March 30, 2010 I WAS SADDENED TO READ OF JOHN'S DEATH. AS A YOUNG FOREMAN AT HORMELS HE OFTEN GAVE ME GOOD COUNSEL IN DEALING WITH THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM . HE WAS A FRIEND AT WORK AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM FONDLY. MY SYMPATHY TO ALICE OR 'ALLIE'. LES COLLINGLarry Beaver
Gresham, OR Tuesday, March 30, 2010Joan Behrens
Fremont, NE Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Dearest Allie. My sincere sympathy goes out to you. This is my favorite scripture that I'd like to share with youl "I thank my God every time I remember you" Philippians 1:3 Blessings Joan BehrensMaynard and Linda Manka
Fremont, NE Monday, March 29, 2010 Alli and Elizabeth Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family on John's passing. I worked with John for many years at Hormel. He was always so helpful and always a smile on his face. Please know he is now resting comfortable in God's care. Let the healing process begin with memories that no one can take away from you. Do not cry because he is gone . . . SMILE, because he lived! Sincerely, Maynard and Linda MankaJohn and Liza Blatter
San Antonio, TX Monday, March 29, 2010 My Uncle was quite accomplished! I'll tell you what, every time I saw Uncle John he was positive, laughing, and having a good time enjoying family. I'll never forget when I was a young kid I noticed, I mean literally, it struck me just how "sharp" he was, I respected him immensely. I always liked to tell people that my Uncle was the Mayor of Fremont......then when I got older I would tell people my Uncle invented Spam.....just for laughs! I didn't realize it until later, but through is example he had taught me how important and how enjoyable it is to be involved with his inlaws and their side of a family. My Uncle was the source for knowledge, history, and information for the Blatter side of his family!!! He was a great man and I'm proud to be his nephew.Marilyn and Buzz Vonderlage
Ormond Beach, FL Wednesday, March 31, 2010 We remember John's booming base in laughter, singing and joy. Each of these messages about our classmates falling seems harder and harder to absorb. Fortunately, we have the message of Easter to bear us up to a future still greater than what we have already experienced. And John, just think of getting your free throws up to 90%. Buzz and Marilyn VonderlagePat and Vicki Friel
Lawrence, Ks Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Our deepest sympathy to your family. John was a very impressive man, a true "officer and a gentleman". His happiness and joy were so evident at the wedding of his daughter, Liz. John was kind, stately, proud and gracious. I'm sure that resounded in other areas of his life as well. We feel honored to have met such a wonderful man. We are sure that many wonderful memories will fill your hearts with joy at this sad time.Henry J Iske
Seattle, Wa Tuesday, March 30, 2010 To the John Dick family : My sincere sympathy to you in the passing of John. He and I go back to first grade at the old West School, then Linden Grade School, Jr High and High School class of 1949. We lost contact with each other after HS, but I did see him at least one Class reunion. He has lived an impressive life, and he will be missed. Again sincere sympathy. Hednry Iske Seattle, Wa