John Thomas Tenneson, age 85, a lifetime resident of Blair, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on June 14, 1938 in Whitehall to Thomas and Esther (Dopp) Tenneson.  He grew up on his family farm where he attended Valley View School and graduated from the Blair High School.

John married Carla Jean Grass on August 10, 1968 in Blair.  Together they had three children, Cheryl, Dawn and Thomas.

John took over his family's farm and the children were raised there as a third generation of Tenneson's.  John eventually stepped away from farming but continued to be a steward of the land through his recycling efforts as well as by working from dawn 'till dusk cultivating his huge vegetable gardens.  He sold his produce in a truck in Blair for many years using the honor system.  His produce never went to waste, either being bought by community members, shared with family or friends or through being canned or frozen by John himself.

John was a man of few words but many talents.  He was known as a master logger, a mechanic of all things and as a man who loved to joke around with his quick wit.  He loved to fish, play euchre and in pool leagues and was an avid bird watcher.

John is survived by his wife, Carla; two daughters, Cheryl (Tommy) of Taylor and Dawn (Mike) of Independence; a son, Tom (Angel) of Blair; eight grandchildren, TJ, Anna (Tucker), Elijah, Samantha (Francisco), Peyton, Zoe, Isis and Marshall; two great-grandchildren, Adalia and Armondo; a sister, Ruth Strand; a sister-in-law, Brenda (Norman) and two brothers-in-law, Alan (Sandy) and Dennis.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Martha; a son-in-law, Troy Waldera; a sister-in-law, Patsy Armitage and three brothers-in-law, Richard Strand,  Robert Sesvold and Gary Armitage along with many friends, extended family members and beloved pets.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Blair. Pastor Natalie Leske will officiate. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow in Blair Lutheran Church West (Zion).

Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.