Jon Gottesleben

Jon Gottesleben, age 61 of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ann.  He is survived by his children, Sean and Erin Gottesleben, grandson, William and siblings, Linda (Maggie) Collins, Julie Gottesleben (Donna Kurimay) and Richard Gottesleben, plus three nieces and a nephew.

Jon attended Southwest High School, Normandale Community College and Augsburg University where he completed both BA and MBA degrees.  For about thirty years he worked at various companies as a computer network engineer. He took many advanced training courses adding multiple computer certifications to his impressive resume.  He also taught and supervised during this time.

Jon was an adventurous type.  He had a sailboat when younger and as an adult, became a skilled scuba diver with several advanced certifications.  Bon Aire was one of his favorite places to dive.   He drove a motorcycle for some time and also had two Corvettes including one he used for racing.  His license read H8toW8.    To expand from his adventures on land and water, he also did hot air ballooning for a few years.  His travels took him around the U.S. and also to Jamaica, and Europe where he “white knuckled it” driving on Germany’s Autobhan (just a bit too much speed there!) He spent time in Japan, and took Spanish classes in Mexico and El Salvador.

Jon was also a 4th degree member of Knights of Columbus (Marian Council) where he often helped by cooking at their special events at the Bloomington Events Center like the Mother’s day brunch, and where he played on the pool league.  He rehabbed several houses and was working on his last house when he had to move because of health reasons.  Jon had significant medical challenges over the last few years but was strongly independent and continued to fight bravely.  He loved Jazz music, could be strongly stubborn, had a good sense of humor and liked to tease and joke with people.   Mostly he will be remembered as a loving father, generous and helpful with his time, knowledge and whatever resources he could offer.

His family offers special thanks to the staff at The Estates of St. Louis Park who provided special care for Jon.

A Celebration of Life for Jon will be held in on Saturday May 21, 2022 at Beard’s Plaisance, 4525 Upton Ave. S. (on the top of the hill overlooking Lake Harriet by the tennis courts).  A gathering will take place from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM with a celebration starting at 1:15 PM.