John W. Briese

John W. Briese, 54, a High Forest, MN resident died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, following a cardiac arrest at his home.

John Wayne Briese was born on May 25, 1967, in Rochester, MN, to William “Buck” and Carol (Girton) Briese. He grew up in Stewartville, attended Stewartville schools, graduating from Stewartville H.S. in 1985.  He was employed as a bartender for a few years at Strikers Lounge and the Stewartville Liquor Store before beginning a long career in construction as a concrete laborer and finisher. John was married on September 27, 1997, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley to Michelle “Micky” Ferguson.  They had a baby girl, Sydney Lucille, on August 10, 2000. The family lived in Stewartville before purchasing John’s grandmother’s house in High Forest in 2005, where they have continued to make their home. John won a tough battle with lymphoma, with which he was diagnosed in 2008, and has been in remission since. He was previously employed with Tory Keefe Construction and Chad Birch Construction, both in Stewartville, and was currently employed with Greg Wellik Construction in Rochester. Micky is a longtime employee at K&M Glass in Rochester, currently as a customer service representative. John was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  He enjoyed deer hunting, especially with his dad and friends on their yearly trip near Washkish, mowing, gardening, golf, and, of course, was a John Wayne fan. Fishing and hunting with his daughter, Sydney Lucille, brought him lots of joy. John appreciated visiting with neighbors and friends and loved time spent with family.

John is survived by his wife, Michelle “Micky”, and daughter, Sydney, of High Forest, MN; his parents, William “Buck” and Carol Briese, of Stewartville; sisters, Kathy (David) LaBeaux of Sartell, MN and Kari (Leif) Nelson of Rochester; and many nieces and nephews and great friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his Uncle Wayne Briese, and good friend, Danny Marshall.

The memorial service for John will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley Township with  Rev. Marc Freiberg, Sr. and Rev. Ronald Prigge officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at the Stewartville United Methodist Church and one hour prior to the service at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Monday morning. Memorials are suggested to the family. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville.  Condolences and memories of John are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.

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