John "Johnny" Altobell was born December 20, 1917, in Dilworth, MN, to Antonio and Letizia (DiBrita) Altobelli. His mother died at an early age, and John was raised with his siblings at St. John's Orphanage, Fargo, ND, until returning at the age of 13 to his family in Dilworth. John graduated from Dilworth High School in 1936, then attended Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN, where he took courses in physical education and industrial arts. He also participated in football and basketball.
In February of 1941, John's guard unit was activated and deployed to Germany, where he served as a Tech. Sgt. in the Army. He was in charge of a battalion communications section and supervised the work of maintaining, repairing, and installing wire and radio communications.
Upon his discharge in 1946, he moved to Chicago, IL, where he graduated from decorating school. He then returned to the area and worked as a carpet salesman in ND, SD, and MN. On August 7, 1965, he married Kathleen "Kathy" Steffes in Andover, SD. They moved to Moorhead in 1966, where they raised two daughters. John continued to work as a carpet salesman until his retirement, at which time he became the manager of the Arvid Benson carpet department.
John loved his family and grandchildren and was an active member of St. Joseph Church parish. He was an avid sports fan, enjoying football, basketball, and baseball.
John died Wednesday, October 8, 2003, in SCCI, Fargo, at the age of eight-five.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, Moorhead; two daughters, Dr. Michelle (Dr. Robert) Bianco, Coralville, IA, and Sheryl (David) Nameniuk, Moorhead; twin granchildren, Amanda "Mandy" and Theodore John "T.J." Nameniuk, both of Moorhead; two sisters, Laura
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mildred and Mary; and a brother, Joseph.
Visitation for John will be Friday, October 10, 2003, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN, with a Prayer Service at 6:30.
The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, October 11, 2003 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Interment at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead, MN