John T. Erdahl

John Erdahl, 86, of Mankato, passed away on September 1, 2026. John was born in 1940 in Glenville, MN to Hilmer and Sarah (Larson) Erdahl. He grew up on a family farm and went to a country school. After graduation, he served in the Minnesota National Guard. John met his future wife Sally while they were both attending Mankato State College and they married in 1966. He retired from Honeymead (now CHS) after working there for over 30 years.

John was happiest in the outdoors and loved camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing, and bicycling. He was very generous to his friends, loved meeting new people, especially from other cultures, and was welcoming to all. John was a member of many local social organizations, including the Jaycees, Masonic Lodge, Sons of Norway and the Lions Club. John also helped start the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He was an active member of the Presbyterian church, serving as a deacon.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brother H. Elvin Erdahl, and sister Julaine (Erdahl) Christensen. Survived by wife Sally (Johnson) Erdahl, daughter Kayt Erdahl and her husband John Simpers, son Dan Erdahl and his wife Olivia Welch-Erdahl, and his grandchildren Joseph, Matthew and Caleb.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Ecumen Prairie Hill Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of John.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 8 at Union Presbyterian Church in St. Peter. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM, and service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Presbyterian Church or an organization of your choice.