John A. Linnell

John Anders Linnell, 68 of Viroqua, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, surrounded by family. John was born in Sacramento, CA, on December 6th, 1956, the first child of John Vernon Swenson and Naomi Evelyn (Seim) Linnell. His parents travelled a lot due to their affiliation with higher education. John quipped he was ‘Cambridge educated’, having attended kindergarten there. John was a French exchange student while in high school and biked around France. Having explored Europe, he acquired his sense of travel and love for food.

After his parents moved away from Decorah, John attended Luther College, taking advanced classes while still in high school. He majored in French and History, earning a degree from Luther College in 1978. While at Luther, John was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, and was dubbed ‘Fly’ and had an afro, a popular hairstyle of the day. He was employed at the restaurant Skol, a small bistro in Decorah. Upon graduation, John was employed by International Dairy Queen, where he lived in Eagan, MN, Raleigh, NC, and later settled in Mesa, AZ, where he made his home for the next 30 years.

He married Barbara Forde on June 17th, 1983, and to that union Zachary and Ariana were born. John spent his career as a district manager and troubleshooter, training many managers in the retail industry of Dairy Queen, A&W, and Book Warehouse. After retail, John was a promotional event marketer, even touring with the soundtrack of ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou’. He met many celebrities, including Judge Judy from his favorite television show. John loved animals and rescued several greyhounds during his time in Arizona. John's COPD diagnosis in 2005 forced him into early retirement in 2011. He then dedicated his efforts to being a COPD advocate and board member, helping many other COPD patients. He was invited to speak at many conferences around the world, promoting better treatment and education. Cruising also became a passion of his during retirement. He cruised several times to the East and West Caribbeans, Alaska, and two transatlantic cruises with tours throughout many ports of call in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Florence, and Tuscany. His mother-in-law, Bev, was always eager for an adventure, and John and Barb gladly included her in their travels. He soon became known as their ‘cruise director’ and went on to become a travel agent for others wanting to explore the world.

John is survived by his wife Barb; children, Zachary (Emily) of Viroqua, WI, and Ariana of Minneapolis, MN. He was also eagerly awaiting the birth of his first grandchild, Evelyn, who is expected to arrive in the coming month. Siblings Erik of Ellsworth, WI, and Anna Louise of Decorah, IA; mother-in-law Beverly Forde of Viroqua; brothers-in-law Curt of Viroqua, Craig (Patty) of Ferryville, and Allan of Viroqua; sisters-in-law Diane (Pete) of Onalaska, and Amy (Joe) of Viroqua; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Naomi Linnell; father-in-law, Arlin Forde; and brother-in-law Dave Muether.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at South West Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Viroqua. Rev. Helen Johnson will officiate. Family and friends may call after 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.