John Webber

John Webber, age 73, of Detroit Lakes, MN, died on Friday, February 10, 2017 in the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.  Myron John Webber, the son of Myron and Donnafred (Sanders) Webber was born on April 19, 1943 in Detroit Lakes, MN.  As a child, John and his family lived in the Grand Forks, ND, and Bismark, ND communities before moving to Minot, ND as a young teenager.  Following his high school graduation in 1961, John played college football for several campuses.  He joined the National Guard and worked for a time with the railroad before getting his first sales position with Northwest Beverage. John was united in marriage to Juanita Harvey on March 9, 1974 and together they were blessed with three children.  In 1978, John’s love affair with auto dealerships began when he purchased a dealership in Harvey, ND and operated John Webber Motors there for several years.  Ten years later, in 1985, they moved to Minot where he worked in sales for Fisher Motors.  After this time John owned his own used automobiles and recreational vehicle sales business in Minot.  The family relocated to Williston in 1992 and opened a Honda dealership and expanded in 1998 acquiring the Chrysler dealership there as well. Although he kept very busy with the Williston dealership, selling both vehicles and RV's, John partnered with his daughter and son-in-law to open an RV and Watercraft dealership in Detroit Lakes in 2003.   John sold the auto dealership in Williston in 2007 but retained the RV sales until 2010.  Eager to work with and be closer to his family, he purchased Detroit Lakes Chrysler-Dodge in 2007 and added the Jeep dealership in 2010.  John and Juanita moved to make their permeant home in Detroit Lakes in 2011.  He and his family proudly own and operate Webber Family Motors -Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram and opened their new location in 2012.  John had a true passion for automobiles, watercraft and RV's to which he dedicated his career too.  He also loved football and served as a high school referee for several years in the Minot area.  John never missed watching a Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night football game.  In his spare time, John enjoyed swimming in the lake and listening to music.  More than any fancy vehicle, John loved his scooter.  He always looked forward to his daily drives around the lake.  Over the years he put many many miles on those little scooters and made just as many wonderful memories that his family will cherish forever.  John had a generous spirit and his home was always open to family and friends. He loved living close to family and cherished watching his family grow.  Although John had a private personality and often sat quietly nearby, he truly treasured each moment he spent being around those he loved.  John is survived by his wife, Juanita; his children:  Kristine (Doran) Schneibel, Jeff and Brock (Lesley), all of Detroit Lakes; 11 grandchildren: Alexi, Ivy, and Lyla Schneibel, Alex, Madyson, Bailey, Boston, Casey John, and Murphy Jo “M.J” Webber, and Gabby and Logan Fredrickson; and one great grandchild, Quinn.  He was preceded in death by his parents. John held a special place in his heart for St. Jude Children’s Hospital therefore his family prefers that if a memorial is offered it be given to St Jude in his memory.