John Wesbrook

John Parker Wesbrook, 69, resident of Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly of Hillsboro, ND, died Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes. He was recovering from a stroke suffered two months before on December. 7 ^th .

John was born May 4, 1940 in Kotzebue, Alaska to Delos and Doris (Hunter) Wesbrook. In 1956 they moved to Bowman, ND where Delos accepted a pastoral position at the Methodist Church. John graduated from Bowman High School in 1959 lettering in 4 sports his freshman year.

In 1960, he enlisted into the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. While in the Navy he met his future wife Sharon Sargent from Chinook, Montana. They were united in marriage on July 18, 1962. John was honorably discharged in 1964 and attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. From 1968 to 1974 they lived in Bismarck, ND where John worked as a sales representative for the HD Lee Company, Allis Chalmers and Ansley Co. In 1974, John and Sharon moved to Hillsboro, ND where John went back to work for the HD Lee Company. In Hillsboro, John served as deacon at Our Saviors Lutheran Church and was elected to the Hillsboro School Board.

Throughout his life he was involved in sports activities. He refereed high school basketball for a number of years in North Dakota and also had a passion for horses. He raised and trained horses throughout his years in Hillsboro and loved trail riding in Medora and Killdeer. He was a past president of the Badland Trail Riders, Goose River Rodeo Club and was a member of the Bismarck posse

In 1991 John accepted a position as sales representative for the DTN Corporation. As a straight commissioned salesman for three major companies he traveled in ND and MN for 38 years. He always distinguished himself and for many years received national awards in the President’s Club. He retired in 2005.

In 2004 John and Sharon moved to their home on Long Lake, near Detroit Lakes. He loved retirement and the lake so much and enjoyed taking family and friends in his boat around the lake.  He proved age is only a number as this past October of 2009, he was slalom skiing around Long Lake. John will always be known for his generous spirit, quick wit, winning personality and always willing to help anyone in need. He was a respected and loved by his colleagues, family and friends.

Life will seem empty without John and he will be missed by his loving family, wife; Sharon of Detroit Lakes, sons: Todd (Linda) Wesbrook of Lafayette, IN, and Tim (Kerlis) Wesbrook of Detroit Lakes, one daughter; Jill (Michael) Helm of Moorhead, MN along with one grandson; Jamaal Windom-Helm. He is also survived by one brother; Cal (Janie) Wesbrook of St. Paul, MN and one sister; Jeannie (Rolland) Jurgens of Dalton Gardens, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister; Marianne.

Memorials can be made out to DL Boys and Girls Club, EHU or for the stained glass window fund at First Lutheran Church.