John Lawrence Amundson, 85, of Virginia, Minnesota passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at Saint Mary's Medical Center Duluth, surrounded by family as he began his heavenly journey. John was born in Cook, Minnesota on March 23, 1941, and spent his childhood in Linden Grove. He graduated from Cook High School and Virginia Junior College before joining the Marine Corps. After serving his country for 4 years, he returned to the Iron Range, and married Sharon Thornberg on October 29, 1966. Together, they raised their family in Britt in the house that John built.

John spent 32 years working in Process Control at U.S. Steel, then worked for Emerson for 15 years, building control systems at power plants throughout the United States.  He was a jack of all trades - a skilled carpenter, welder, electrician, plumber, sawyer, and mechanic who could get anything to run - always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. In the last several years, he spent countless hours meticulously restoring a 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

For over 50 years, John and his family spent summers building their island cabin and enjoying life on Lake Vermilion.  Fall was spent with family and friends at the hunting shack, which was originally his grandfather's homestead.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Anna (Buotto) Amundson; his siblings - Palmer Jr., Peggy, Jim, Ron, Mike; and many other loved ones, both family and friends.

He is survived by Sharon, his wife of nearly 60 years; sons Troy (Tania), Garet (Anna), and Gabe (Livia); grandchildren: Alexandra (Charles), Sirena, and Luna; Lucas and Caleb; Campbell, Blake, Miles, and Finn; and beloved extended family who will miss him dearly. John's patience, gentle spirit, generosity, love, and kindness touched all he knew.

An Open House in remembrance of John will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Cook Community Center from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. He will be buried with military honors at the Carpenter Cemetery in Togo. The family wishes to thank Mlaker Funeral Home for their care and compassion during this difficult time.