John Edward Sjulstad, 79, died Thursday, Jan. 13, at his home in Austin.

John was born March 24, 1931, in Little Chicago, Minn., to Sigurd and Katherine Sjulstad. He was the youngest of eight children. As a toddler he lost his mother during childbirth. He was raised by his father and stepmother, Anna Sjulstad. He helped his father run a small country store and quickly learned the arts of salesmanship, bookkeeping, honesty and caring for neighbors and family.

John graduated from Northfield High School in 1949. Soon after, he became a bookkeeper at First National Bank of Northfield and drove the local taxi cab in the evenings. He was drafted into the Marine Corps during the Korean War and served in Oceanside, Calif, and ran the PX store on base. During leave in August 1953, he wed Lucille (Lu) Volkert of Randolph, Minn. After his duty, he returned to the bank in Northfield working in the insurance department. His career took him to Alexandria, Waseca, Mankato, Blue Earth and Austin. While in Mankato, he opened an insurance and real estate office, Kato Insurance and Century 21 Realty.

After retiring from the insurance business he could not stop working but instead took on two jobs. As an insurance inspector he traveled southern Minnesota and North Iowa. He also drove school bus and knew each student by name. He gave giant donuts as Christmas presents and to celebrate the last day of school. He was a proud supporter of the Austin Packer Teams that he transported to events.

He made many close friends over the years through his involvement in bowling and golf leagues, Jaycees, Rotary Club, the Red Cross, Kiwanis Club and the American Legion. He proudly served as the commander of the American Legion posts in both Blue Earth and Austin. John and Lu were able to enjoy travel all over the United States and Europe. He was involved in his churches, serving on the church councils in Alexandria, Waseca and at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. He generously, and often anonymously, gave to those in need in his communities, which was second nature to him.

John was lovingly known as the “Head of the Herd.”

He is survived by his wife: Lu; six children: Cindy (David) Leffert, Cooper City, Fla.; Greg (Patti) Sjulstad, North Mankato; Barb (Mark) Oberle, New Ulm; Lori (Mike) Vandertie, Austin; Doug (Karen) Sjulstad, Mankato; David (Koni) Sjulstad, Eagan; and 14 grandchildren, who nicknamed him Grandpa Honey. They were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother, Reuben Sjulstad and sister, Elayne Demille; many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.

A service celebrating John’s life will be held on Monday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with a reception following. There will be a visitation on Sunday, Jan. 16, at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorials are preferred to St. Olaf Lutheran Church. 306 2nd Street NW, Austin, MN 55912.