Dr. John D. Sawyer

Dr. John Dwayne Sawyer age 73 passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at his home. Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth with Rev. Dr. Mark Wilms officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday at Patton Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Blue Earth. Web tributes may be left for the family at www.pattonfh.com or at caringbridge.com/visit/johnsawyerJohn was born on July 4, 1938 the son of Russell and Naomi (Strege) Sawyer in Minot, North Dakota. He was raised in Fessenden, ND. He graduated from Fessenden High School in 1956 and attended NDSU in Fargo, ND from 1956-1959. He attended the University of Iowa Dental School graduating June 7, 1963. The next day, June 8, 1963 he married Martha "Marty" Wilson in Des Moines, Iowa. They lived 2 years at Fort Bragg, NC where he was a Captain in the US Army Dental Corps. They moved to Blue Earth, July 1965 where they raised their family and he enjoyed a family dental practice for 46 years. During his life in Blue Earth, he worked with the following boards and organizations: Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerce (Community Service Award), Blue Earth Area Kiwanis Club (Hixon Award), Christmas Wonderland, Boy Scouts (Silver Beaver), St. Luke''s Lutheran Care Center, Blue Earth Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Charter Commission, United Way, Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award, Blue Earth Industrial Service Organization board and Trinity Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, Marty, daughter, Julie (Greg) Nellermoe of West Fargo, ND, son Jim (Julie) Sawyer of New Brighton, son, Mark (Liz) Sawyer of Crested Butte, Colorado, six grandchildren: Olivia Nellermoe, Shea & Hannah Sawyer and Nathan, Cody and Lexi Sawyer. John was a passionate golfer and fisherman, loved watching sports, playing cards and was a terrific husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed his dental patients and staff. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, patients and staff. He enjoyed being a promoter for community activities and keeping Blue Earth viable. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Dwayne, and stepfather, Jack Shulins. Expressions of sympathy are preferred in the form of memorial donations to the Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund or other charities of your choice.