John Bates Louden, 56, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 20, 2017.

John was born March 28, 1961, in Austin, Minnesota, to Edward and Elizabeth Louden. He graduated from Austin Public High School, Austin Area Vocational-Technical Institute, and attended the University of Minnesota. Following college, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS O’Brien. For the past 29 years John was employed with the United States Postal Service. On Feb. 14, 2004,  John and Mei were married in Stillwater, Minnesota. John and Mei were blessed with the birth of their son, Derek, in 2005. His hobbies included international travel, running marathons, and singing karaoke. John was born with a heart of gold and was always willing to help others unconditionally. He will be missed by all.

John is survived by his wife, Mei; son, Derek; mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Louden, Cambridge, Minnesota; sisters, Carmen (Dennis) Larrison, Rochester, Minnesota, Cathy (Wayne) Techau, Rochester, Carolyn (Chris) Trost, Stacy, Minnesota, and Connie Louden, Cambridge; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017, in Austin at Todd Park, Pavilion One.