John Sever Bianchi

John Bianchi (84) passed away on December 20, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice, their four children, Steve, Michelle, Tony (Lynn) and Joe (Jodi), eight grandchildren (Mario, Isabel, Lucienne, Marco, Mia, Sophia, Alexa and Jack), his sister, Jaselta Lorenz, and former daughters-in-law, Susan and Jodi. John was born in Virginia, MN on December 9, 1940. He grew up on the Iron Range and graduated from Mountain Iron High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University, where he played baseball. Upon graduating, he married Jan and they moved to Bloomington. John began his career in education with the Bloomington School District in 1962. He later earned his Master's degree from Minnesota State Mankato, in addition to other certifications throughout his career. John was a Teacher, Coach, Dean of Students, and Principal at several schools in Bloomington, Stillwater, St Paul, and Minnetonka High Schools. He created many friendships with his fellow colleagues, and his impact was strongly felt by those around him. John took pride in knowing everyone in the school community; students, faculty, and staff alike. He had incredible recall of his students' names, their activities, and usually their parents. Of his many roles within the schools, he notably became one of the first chemical dependency counselors in Minnesota Public Schools in 1979. John took pride in helping students with life challenges by always coaching, supporting, developing, and caring. He had a rare ability to make everyone around him feel seen and respected. Most will remember him as a high school coach of sophomore football, girl's golf, fastpitch softball, and of course, boy's hockey, where he coached all three of his sons. As a father, Dad insisted we work hard, never quit, and take pride in our schoolwork, activites, and relationships with our friends. "Pride & Hustle" was his mantra at home and later on with Jefferson teams. He was so much fun to be around. He and Jan took the same approach with their grandchildren who absolutely adored him. He helped reinforce life lessons, attended their activities and most games (and coached before, during, and after from the stands). He even introduced the grandkids to Caddyshack, Dumb and Dumber, and other classics to keep it fun. John adored his wife, Jan, and it shows in the 62 years they were married. They enjoyed many summers at the lake, traveling to Italy with friends, and just spending time laughing together. While John was able to pursue his passion of helping people through his teaching and coaching, he always credited his wife Jan as the head coach at home. John will miss his Iron Range vs. South Central golf matches at New Prague Golf Course where many friendships continued outside of work. You could always count on hearing a funny golf story from his many rounds with Mike Thomas, Stan Skjei, and Cal Lindman. Even at the nursing home, he was the greeter and leader, always positive, and caring for other residents and the staff! We appreciate the outreach from friends and others who knew John. Thank you for sharing your condolences and memories of him. He will be remembered as a great Father, Grandfather, Friend, Coach, and Colleague. He will be missed by us all.

Tributes

John Sever Bianchi

December 9, 1940 - December 20, 2024

Tributes

John Sever Bianchi

December 9, 1940 - December 20, 2024

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