John Beardmore

John R. Beardmore, 60, of Waukon died Sunday, December 13, 2015 at his home in Waukon. Visitation was held Sunday, December 20 at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Paul Burgess. Burial of ashes will be at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery in rural New Albin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Hope Cemetery.
John Richard Beardmore was born May 23, 1955 in Waukon, the son of Glenn Earl and Rae Joan (Holthusen) Beardmore. He was baptized at home and confirmed at Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church. John attended the English Bench rural school and Dorchester School before graduating from Waukon High School in 1973. He continued his education at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, where he earned a technical degree.
For many years, John was the owner/operator of “Big Dipper,” a refuse collection business in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota that he founded. He eventually sold the business to Waste Management and became one of its regional sales directors. John married Kathy Dohrer August 30, 1974. He was later married to So Kim Lach. John has lived in Waukon the past seven years.
John was involved in the community wherever he lived. While in high school he volunteered by helping with the special education class. Later in Wahpeton, ND, he was very active with Special Olympics and organized numerous successful fundraisers with sports celebrity participants. He was also a regular with the Rotary and Optimists Clubs.
An accomplished singer, John sang with America's Youth in Concert at Town Hall in New York City in 1973. He shared his talents at local events, such as weddings and funerals, and once sang at a Vikings football game in the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN. When he did have some time he enjoyed playing golf and staying in touch with his many diverse contacts. He enjoyed traveling and his entrepreneurial ventures took him to Europe, Russia, Africa and throughout the United States. He also loved hosting and entertaining family and friends at his lake home in Alexandria, MN.
Survivors include his mother, Rae Beardmore of Waukon; his siblings, George (Helen) Beardmore of Dorchester, Barb (Larry) White of Waukon, Joan (Steve) Malm of Granger, IN, and James (Rebecca) Beardmore of Caledonia, MN; as well as 13 nieces and nephews and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn.
Honorary bearers were John's nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.