John relocated to the Forsyth area in 2001.  He was from Appleton, Minnesota.

John worked at Dogwood Canyon as a mechanic for several years.  He went on to work at Jubilee Foods now known as Price Choppers.  He really enjoyed the people and the job.  He also worked at the Branson Mall for six years taking care of it.  He held two or even three jobs at a time.  All of them liked him for his hard work and honesty.  He served in the Air Force from 1960-1963.  He was stationed in Japan.  He received several awards.  He received a good conduct medal on March 16, 1963.  He was given an honorable discharge on December 31, 1963.  John was a Veteran of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

John suffered a stroke on April 2021 and another major one in 2022 upon which he retired just before it.  He was diagnosed with terminal cancer in November 2022 and was given approximately four weeks to live.  But John continued to fight until he passed on December 12, 2023 at the age of 82 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, both brothers, and a son.  He is survived by his two sisters, his children, grandchildren, step-children, step grandchildren and surviving partner, and a great grandchild on the way.

John chose to be cremated, notice of any services will be announced later.  He will be truly missed.

On  behalf of the Cairns and Frances Witte family, I would like to thank the St. Croix Hospice Team for all their amazing help and their delivery team.  A special thank you to his bath nurse that showed him respect and compassion.