John R. Abernathy, age 63, of Hudson, WI, passed away on October 3, 2013 at his home in Hudson.
He was born on January 4, 1950 to Richard and Donna (Walter) Abernathy in Vinton, Iowa. He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1968. After completing one year at Iowa State University, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was deployed on the USS Sampson DDG-10 in the Mediterranean Sea during the Vietnam War. After 6 years, he was honorably discharged and began working at Dairyland Power in Alma, WI, where he was employed for over 27 years.
On October 2, 1976, he was united in marriage to Donna Maria Humburg in Hampton, IA. They resided in Alma, WI and he later moved to Hudson, WI. Their marriage would be blessed with three children: Michelle, Laura, and James. They were later divorced.
While working at Dairyland Power, he enrolled at Winona State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Applied Nuclear Science in 1997. He also worked for Midcontinent Independent System Operator, M.I.S.O, in St. Paul, MN, and after over 10 years, retired in February 2013.
John was a very career oriented person and enjoyed learning new things. He was very proud of his military service and his dedicated membership to the Masonic Lodge. He also enjoyed his affiliation with the Barber Shop Quartet in Winona, MN.
John was a talented woodworker, enjoyed swimming, and was a single engine pilot.
He is survived by his children: Michelle (Tim) Domke and their son, Logan of Holly Springs, NC; Laura Abernathy of Inver Grove Heights, MN; and James Abernathy of Rochester, MN; sister, Diann McKibben of Lenexa, KS; brother, Mike (Gail) Abernathy of Altoona, WI; nephew, Brad McKibben of Kansas City, MO; nieces: Melissa McKibben of Shawnee, KS, Rebecca Abernathy of Ishpeming, MI, and Jessica Abernathy of Altoona, WI; step-mother, Irene Abernathy of Hampton, IA; along with extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A Masonic Service for John will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2013 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
Services entrusted to the O’Connell Funeral Home of Hudson, WI. (715) 386-3725.