John Joseph Bearfield, age 67, passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on April 23, 2019. He was born in Fargo, North Dakota on May 1, 1951 to George and Pearl Bearfield. Growing up John lived in Lisbon, ND and graduated high school there. He continued his education at Wahpeton State School of Science and at Minot State University. He married Rachel Schlecht of Enderlin, ND on January 12, 1973.
John was an avid hunter, fisherman, and nature and wildlife lover who could point out all types of horticulture, fish and wildlife; his quick wit, his integrity, and his love of God was passed on to his children and grandchildren. His favorite holiday was Easter, where you could hear him singing, “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today.“ Most appropriately, while listening to Christian music on Easter Monday, his last word was “Hallelujah.”
John worked at Bobcat in Gwinner and Bismarck, ND for nearly ten years, and later a sales manager/chemist for Fremont/DuBoise Chemicals serving Bobcat as a major client. His employment travels and retirement blessed him with many wonderful friendships. He and his wife fully retired in Mesa, AZ in 2016, returning to their lake home near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota each summer.
John is survived by his wife, Rachel; sisters, Ronna (Robert) Bernstein of St. Paul, MN and Helen (Glenn) Beem of Tucson, AZ; his children, Joshua (Myra) Bearfield of Phoenix, AZ, Danyell (Cory) Deckard of Bakersfield, CA, and Mandie (Patrick) Murray of Fargo, ND; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Pearl Bearfield; his twin brother, James; and his sister-in-law, Valarie.
His funeral service will be held at 11:00am on May 24, 2019 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church, 20996 County Road 20, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501. Interment will be the following day at Enderlin Cemetery, 621 Cleveland Street, Enderlin, North Dakota 58027.