John Dammer, age 96, of Rochester and formerly of Worthington died Friday, November 5, at Willows and Waters Senior Living. John was born May 9, 1925 near Little Rock, Iowa to Henry and Jennie Dammer. John attended country school south of Rushmore, MN. On November 22, 1944, he married his beloved wife, Helen Harberts of Rushmore, MN. They resided in Rushmore until 1974 when they moved to Worthington, MN.

In his early years, John was an independent truck driver for various farmers. He also drove truck for Campbells Soup Company and was a route salesman for Worthmore Ice Cream.  He worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation for 16 years until his retirement. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking and playing his accordion.

John was a proud WW II veteran and honorably served in Germany until the war ended. He was fortunate to have flown to Washington, D.C. on the inaugural Southwest Minnesota WW II Honor Flight to view the WW II and other memorials.

John loved to play his accordion for all of his grandchildren, for Kylee, his special Worthington neighbor and for anyone who liked polka and old-time music. He played for many residents in senior living facilities and for birthday parties. He played up to just days before his death.

John survived four major cancer surgeries as well as heart surgery to attain the age of 96. His doctor called him a "miracle man".

Surviving John is his brother, Harm. Also surviving are his children: Larry (Kay) Dammer, Ron (Joyce) Dammer and Pat Karl (Fiance, Denny Blomker), his 12 grandchildren: Tiffany (Chad) LaBahn, Melanie (Jim) Larson, Holly Dammer (Fiance, Paul), Kyle Dammer, Stacy (Mike) Steffensen, Shannon (Wayne) Smith, Tara (Matthew) Eickhoff, Ashley (David) Meyers, Blake (Nicki) Batty, Mitch (Taylor) Batty, Jackie Seifert (Klint Raverty), Krista (Josh) Brassfield and 20 great grandchildren: Brady and Riley LaBahn, Lauren and Connor Larson, Mason and Makena Dammer, Julia and Tate Steffensen, Kassidy and Ben Smith, Bellamy and James Eickhoff, Nina Meyers, Michael Seifert, Stella and Hazel Brassfield, Lily, Piper, Laken and Rhett Batty and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, his parents, one brother, Sievert, three sisters, Mattie Bents, Tena Gingerich, Alma Wiertzema and son-in-law, Jim Karl.

The family wishes to express thanks and appreciation to the entire staff at the Willows and Waters Senior Living facility at Rochester for the excellent care John received during his stay.

Visitation will be Thursday at Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm. Funeral service will be 1:30 pm at the Dingmann Funeral Home officiated by Paster Daren Flinck. Burial with full Military Honors provided by the Worthington American Legion & VFW will be at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Rushmore. The service will be live-streamed by the Dingmann Funeral Home.

To live stream the funeral service please visit http://www.facebook.com/DingmannFH