Jon Thomas Lund

Jon Thomas Lund left this world to start his next adventure on February 26, 2026, in Fridley, MN at age 77.

Jon courageously battled cancers and numerous other health issues for five years, never once complaining. He was always optimistic, with a warm smile; he could make goo-goo eyes that would melt hearts. (He did at times use this to his advantage.) He was a kind and gentle soul, a spiritual person who lived by the Golden Rule.

Jon was born November 12, 1948, in Willmar, MN, to Alfred Lund, Jr., and Rachel (Sprengeler) Lund. After graduating from Willmar Senior High School in 1966, and Willmar Junior College in 1968, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. Honorably discharged in 1972, he started a solar business in Mississippi before moving back to Willmar and reconnecting with his high school classmate, Carolyn Manthei. He married Carolyn, his soulmate and the love of his life, on the banks of the Colorado River near Moab, UT, in 1994.

Jon and Carolyn built a life of simple pleasures, shared interests, love of dogs, and travel, often spending time in the American Southwest, which they both loved. Even when fighting health battles, Jon was always up for a road trip.

Nature, gardening, dogs, sports and sales were Jon's passions. Because he loved engaging with people and knew and believed in his product, he excelled in sales and was the 2006 Ecowater Systems national salesman of the year. When he worked part time at a nursery, he would bring home flats of plants that had been thrown out, nurturing and finding homes for them. Jon loved sports, with the Vikings and Minnesota United FC at the top of his list. For more than 30 years, he and Carolyn enjoyed many wonderful times at soccer games.

Dogs, especially miniature schnauzers, were a mainstay in Jon's life. (Though he loved Tesa, his and Carolyn's mixed-breed Bosnian rescue, equally.) Minature schnauzers Sophie and later Zelda gave him comfort while he recovered from fractures, cuddling in bed with him and keeping him supplied with doggie kisses.

Jon is survived by Carolyn, sisters-in-law Colleen Brandt and Gail Manthei, doggie kids Tesa and Zelda, brother Jed Lund (Jody), two nieces, a nephew, two grand nieces, and four grand nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Al and Rachel Lund; uncle and aunt Reynoir and Ina Mae Peterson; brother-in-law Glen Brandt; and doggie kids Stickers, Schultzie, Bugibba, Gus, Milo, and Sophie.

We will honor Jon at a casual, joyful celebration of life April 23, 2026, from 1-4 pm at Moore Lake Community Center, 5890 Central Avenue NE, in Fridley, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter in Willmar, the Cancer Research Institute, or a charity of your choice.

Friends and family are welcome to sign the online guestbook.