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John Richard Devine

September 19, 1924 — April 3, 2024

Plymouth

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Visitation

St. Joseph Parish Center

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

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Mass of Christian Burial

St. Joseph Parish Center

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

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John Richard Devine

John Devine age 99, Plymouth, passed away on April 3, 2024, six months shy of his 100th birthday. He is survived by his children Jackie (Tom) Kusnierek of Plymouth, MN, Mike (Edi) Devine of Edina, MN and Peggy (Jack) Havdala of Jonesboro, AR; grandchildren Joey, Mark and Sarah Havdala and Johnny and Anna Devine; sisters-in-law Pat Daly and Phyllis Cavanagh and several wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen Cavanagh Devine, his parents George and Viola Devine, and his siblings Rochelle Devine Ridgway and Francis Devine.

Born and raised in Ellsworth Wisconsin, John graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1942. After one year at UW-Stout, he served his country faithfully for three years in WWII with the Navy in the Pacific. His favorite moment of his time served, was a chance encounter with his brother Francis, who was serving with the Army in the Philippines. After the war he graduated from the College of St. Thomas. He enjoyed a fulfilling and rewarding career in finance with Federal Discount Corporation and First State Bank of New Brighton.

Life's greatest joy was marrying Helen Cavanagh and raising their family together in Dubuque, IA and New Hope, MN.

Upon retirement he found a wonderful social life working out daily, and enjoying his coffee clutch friends multiple times a week. He and Helen were able to travel often with friends, visit their kids, and explore new countries.

He was always interested in others, asking about you rather than telling about himself. His kids and grandkids benefitted from this, as each one of us could claim that he was our biggest fan.

Whether playing catch in the backyard while all the neighbor kids lined up to play, teaching his kids about finances, sports or current events, or cheering on his grandkids from the audience, he showed up, he was present, and he was so proud to be there.

He taught us loyalty by example. He lived it every day.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 9 at St. Joseph's Parish Center, 8701 36th Ave N., New Hope. Private int. Gethsemane. Visitation at the parish center one hour before Mass. Memorials preferred to Grace Hospice (gracecaring.org), donor's choice, or follow John's example, and visit a friend in need.

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