John Collins Hutchinson, 79, Dodge Center

John Hutchinson of Dodge Center, MN passed away peacefully amidst his loving family in Rochester on Thursday, September 28th at Rochester East Health Services. His passing occurred after a long battle with several chronic illnesses.
John was born on December 13th, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Roy Burton Hutchinson and Olive W. Hutchinson (Collins). As an adventurous youth he attended West High School in Salt Lake City where at the age of 17 his misadventures gave him an opportunity. Go to jail or join the military. He left school early and enlisted in the US Army in 1961. After three years in Germany, he returned home to Utah to work as an auto mechanic. For most of his life John remained in Utah, except for a short time spent in Oregon and the last seven years of his life living with family in Minnesota.
John enjoyed sports (especially watching the Vikings), country music, western movie classics and spending time with his grandchildren. He was generous and respectful, always pulling his own weight and willing to help others. He fought his last battles with courage, stubbornness, strength, and toughness. John Wayne would have been proud.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Marsha Sanders, and his second wife Marge Hutchinson. He is survived by his four children, Diana Kusick (Troy) of Dodge Center, John Hutchinson (Maryann) of Atlanta, GA, Jessica Hutchinson (Oscar Hall) of St Petersburg, FL, and Scott Hutchinson of Minneapolis. He is also survived by his grandchildren -Daniel, MiKelley, Cheyenne, Sean, Molly, Chantelle, Landon, and Coen-, his three sisters in UT -Ann Bolton, Myra Hutchinson, and Kathy Samples-, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A Celebration of Life has been planned for October 14th at the American Legion of Dodge Center from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that any memorials be sent to Disabled American Veterans or to St Jude’s Hospital.