John M. Stapleton

John Mathews Stapleton was born on March 22, 1943 in Yakima, WA., the son of Cleo and Helena Stapleton. He was raised by his foster parents Ed and Ora Keller, in Yakima where he attended and graduated from high school. John enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam. He then met and married Judy Grasdalen on Jan. 7, 1968 at Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church. After 26 years of service to his country John retired from the Air Force as a Master Sargent.He worked as a custodian for the Wichita Falls School System in Texas. He then moved to Albert Lea where he worked for the Emmons School System. He enjoyed John Deere tractors and especially hanging out with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Monday Senior bowling league. Survivors include his wife, Judy of Albert Lea; children, Willam Stapleton and Karie and husband Daren Coleman all of Albert Lea. Grandchildren: Clarrissa and Karen Coleman, brothers, Cleo P. Stapleton and Robert Bobbie Stapleton, sisters: Rosemary Johnson and Myra Larry Veentjer and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, foster parents, and his grandparents.