John Griffith Newlin, 89, of Austin, Minn., died Monday April 14, 2014, at his residence at The Cedars of Austin. He was born Dec. 24, 1924, in Viola, Iowa, to Harry and Edna (Griffith) Newlin. After his 1942 graduation from Viola High School in Viola, Iowa, John  served in the U.S. Army from July 1943 to April 1946. He was employed as a timekeeper for the Milwaukee Railroad Company for more than 37 years. On March 31, 1956, he was united in marriage to Blanche Frances Kraft at First Methodist Church in Anamosa, Iowa. A veteran of World War II, John was a member of the American Legion and the First United Methodist Church in Austin, and enjoyed attending and serving there. In fact, he set up the hearing aid program and the name tag program at First Methodist. In his spare time, John also enjoyed working crossword and Sudoku puzzles, playing board games with friends, and traveling every year with Blanche.

Survivors include his wife, Blanche Newlin of Austin; daughters, Connie (Allan) Krejci of Minneapolis; Suzanne Newlin of Ill.; and Susan (Steve) Sanderson of Northfield, Minn.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; special nieces; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Edna Newlin and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Austin with The Reverend Marilee Benson officiating.  Visitation is one hour prior to the service at church. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin with military rites by American Legion Post 91. Memorials in honor of John can be directed to recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.