John Richard Jones, age 87 of Buffalo, and formerly of Big Lake, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025. He was born in Augusta, WI on March 19, 1938.

John graduated in 1956 from Augusta High School. He worked at a foundry in Virginia, before spending 30 years working at Ford Motors in St. Paul until his retirement. After retirement, John and Joan enjoyed traveling together, wintering in Texas, and living in Arizona until moving back to Minnesota. 

On December 20, 1958, John Jones and Joan Bruesewitz were united in marriage in Fall Creek, WI. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage, making everlasting memories together.

John was a tech savvy individual who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and especially loved his grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends. He was extremely caring and enjoyed telling a joke or two, always making others laugh.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Margaret Jones; siblings, Merton Jones, Barbara Tollefson, Kenneth Jones, Marlene Gulbranson, Mary Skerjance, Saundra Jarvela, Shirley Thiel, Carol Orehak, Michael Jones; and great-grandson, Calvin Steen.

John is survived by his loving wife, Joan Jones; children, Brian (Elizabeth) Jones, Susan (Roger) Steen, Cheryl (Richard) Steen; grandchildren, Brandon Steen, Jennifer Steen, Andrew Steen, John Steen, Nicholas Jones, Ian Jones; great-grandchildren, Lilly Steen, Judy Steen, Joanna Steen, Finley Miller, Henry Miller; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services were held Wed., Jan. 7, 2026 at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Saron Lutheran Church, 311 Lake Street S, Big Lake, MN. Burial following at Big Lake Cemetery, Big Lake, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.