John Edward Scofield, of Nowthen Minnesota, went to meet his Savior on Saturday, July 2, 2011.

John was a beloved husband, father to Taz, Brady and Cooper — the four-legged children — son, brother, godfather, uncle, and friend.

John’s strong faith and loving heart touched many people. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. John was born and grew up in Lake Stevens, Wash. He enjoyed riding horses and his mule, Andy, with his family. He loved outings in the mountains with his dad who was also his scout leader. John and his family were involved in 4-H. John was an all-state high school wrestler. He also was offered a full college scholarship for his talents in football. John graduated from Lake Stevens High School, Everett Community College/Associate of Technical Arts, Crown College also known as Saint Paul Bible College, Bachelor of Arts in Missions and Theology, and the University of Phoenix, Master of Business Administration. John also attended Hamline School of Law.

Most of John’s career was spent working with people with special needs. He supervised group homes in the Twin Cities area. John loved working with people and believed that God had called him to serve others. John also supported Kelly in working with her students with special needs. He provided technical support (I hear some of you laughing that know Kelly’s challenges with technology), shopping services for Costco treats, on-call delivery service, supervision of dog visits, Santa appearances and moral support. John and Kelly enjoyed working together to help others.

John married Kelly Jackel on Aug. 15, 1997, in Austin, also known as Spamtown USA. John and Kelly met later in life and knew when they met that it was God’s plan for them to marry. John loved collecting tools and working on cars. Once John realized that Kelly had a garage at her home in Anoka, he proposed and the journey began. The journey included Brady, a spoiled cocker spaniel who was not excited about sharing his home but grew to love John the intruder. Taz joined the family soon after the wedding and became John’s ever faithful companion. Cooper the lovable snuggle bug, joined the family in 2010. Cooper was John’s constant companion and napping buddy when recovering from surgeries.

John enjoyed tools and any gadget. He was a fan of Garage Logic and was always working to increase his cylinder index. He loved working on cars and auto racing. John spent many hours with neighbor, Tom, preparing and repairing the car for weekly racing. John was a Twins and Gopher Hockey fan. He listened to talk radio, where his conservative views were strongly supported. He loved to discuss and debate politics with the opinionated and willing. John supported Kelly in her joy of gardening as the digger, mulcher and sprinkling system designer. John was a member of Christ Church and served as the assistant treasurer and a Life Group Leader.

John had a very unique sense of humor, which was enjoyed by most. He connected to people with his antics and teasing. He was a much-cherished husband; son, brother, “Unkie” and friend. He will be missed. John is now home, and his family here is at peace knowing he is with his Heavenly Father.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Scofield of Lake Stevens, Wash.; grandparents.

He is survived by wife, Kelly; constant companion, Cooper; mother, Jeri Ekstedt of Washington; sisters, Louise VanWinkle, Lori Lund/George, Brandi Bailey, Rachel Hill, all of Washington; nieces and nephews, John Robert and Corey VanWinkle, Paul and Nichole Lund, Anthony, Larry and RaJan Hill of Washington; aunts and uncles in Minnesota and Washington; extended family, parents-in-law, Barb and Don Jackel of Austin; brother-in law, Craig Jackel of Austin; goddaughter, Sara Alms of Austin; Winjum, Peck, Rittschof, Iverson, Kirby, Nelson, and Alms families; special kids, Emily and Jared Balluff.

John’s life will be celebrated Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Christ Lutheran Church in Otsego, Minnesota. Visitation is at 10:30, and service at 11:30 followed by lunch — 15849 90th St. NE (Hwy 101 and 90th St).