John Enblom

John Clint Enblom, 97, of Red Wing, died Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at Fairview Red Wing Medical Center. He was born August 17, 1911, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Albert and Minnie Enblom. He attended West High School in Minneapolis and graduated from the University Of Minnesota School of Engineering in 1933. While attending the University of Minnesota he was also the principal flutist in the concert and marching bands. Because employment opportunities were scarce during the Great Depression, he took a job in the drafting department of The Donaldson Company. He progressed to assistant chief engineer in 1939 and ultimately to president in 1945. The Donaldson Company made a major contribution in providing various manufacturing goods to the war effort, winning the Army and Navy "E" for Excellence. On October 9, 1937, he married Marguerite "Peggy" Remshardt of Red Wing at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing. In 1951, John's continuing ambitions led him and several associates to leave The Donaldson Company and form Crenlo Inc., a manufacturing company in Rochester, Minn. Under his direction and leadership, Crenlo grew to become a large and successful company with IBM, Caterpillar and John Deere as primary clients. John retired in 1967, to an energetic life that included serving on corporate boards. After retiring they moved to Wacouta. Over the years John enjoyed family, friends, a Lake Pepin home, his Johnson Surfer inboard boat and playing golf until the age of 94. A trusted friend and confidant, he touched the lives of many.

Survivors include four children; John "Jack" (Lori) Enblom of Hastings, Julie (Charles "Chuck") Curt of Red Wing, Mark Enblom of Bemidji and James Enblom of Hammond, Minnesota; grandchildren, Beth (Ted) Zamerski of Vero Beach, Florida, Melissa (Perry) Sekus of Red Wing, Alexander Curt of Red Wing, Katie Enblom of Hammond and Meghan Enblom of Bemidji; four great grandchildren, Abigale and Claire Sekus of Red Wing and Ryan and Nathan Zamerski of Vero Beach. He was preceded in death by his wife; two sisters, Helen Hayes and Villa Mae MacDonald and one brother Paul Enblom.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2008, at United Lutheran Church with Rev. Randall Johnson officiating. Burial of cremains will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the church. Funeral arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.