John D. Desm of Dunnellon, Florida, passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 12 ^th, 2018 at West Marion County Hospital at the age of 71.

John was born to parents Jesse and Dorothy Desm in September 1947 in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up as the middle child of five and was the eldest son. He attended Marshall High School in SE Minneapolis. He joined the US Army in early 1967, after basic was sent to Vietnam, where he eventually survived two tours. He stayed in the US Army until 1978.

In January 1968, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Carol Riley. They had two children, Kristin and John C. After his service, he became a Locomotive Engineer for Burlington Northern Railroad, eventually the BNSF. They relocated to Gillette, WY where John worked the coal trains until 1993. In 1993, they moved to Paynesville, MN, where he continued to work as an Engineer until his retirement in 2009. John and Carol started snow-birding to Florida that next year, and never looked back. He loved to golf, swim, bowl, go fishing, play cards, go on cruises and taking his family to Disney. Known as JD, he was a big quiet man who was loved by many and who cared for all.

JD is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol; daughter, Kristin; son, John C; three sisters, one brother; 7 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Dorothy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Spruce Creek Golf Course Club House on Saturday, October 20 ^th from 5 to 8 pm. Cremation will take place October 19 ^th . A Military Internment with Honors will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Association or any Military Service Organization.

The family is grateful for all the condolences and prayers.