John Frederick Loverink, 76, of Austin, died at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield Saturday morning, April 23, 2011.

He was born March 31, 1935, to John and Aradine (Higgins) Loverink in Hayward, Minn. He received his education in Albert Lea schools. He married Margaret “Peg” Maas in June 1954 in Brownsdale. He worked for Queens in Albert Lea and for McNeilus, delivering cement trucks. Peg passed away June 11, 1999. John enjoyed cooking, grilling, baking, making peanut brittle, taking care of his yard and woodworking. He married Patricia (Reyst) Iverson on June 27, 2003, in Austin. He also worked at the Beer Depot and later at Bell Liquor until March 5, 2011. He organized a Cancer Benefit called Cedar River Daze.

Survivors include his wife, Pat of Austin; children, Jeff (Lori) Loverink of Coon Rapids, Sherrie (Tom) Pernu of Plainview, Gary Loverink of Rochester, Chris Loverink of Spring Grove, Aaron Loverink of Austin; daughter-in-law, Lisa Pfeifer of Rochester; eight grandchildren; five step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren; stepdaughters, Terrie Iverson of LeSueur, Stephie (Tracy) Collins of Burnsville; two sisters, Carolyn McShane of Austin, Ruth (Bob) Buckholtz of Denison, Iowa; brother, David (Sharon) Loverink of Austin; special friends, Jack and Deeann.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aradine and John Loverink; first wife, Peg; granddaughter, Aleczandra Loverink.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Crane Community Chapel in Austin with Pastor Colleen Hoeft officiating. Friends may greet the family for one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery. Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are preferred to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.