Cross, John Henry 09/26/1931 05/09/2017 Died at Tidewell Hospice in Venice Florida. He is survived by his wife Judy; his children David (Gesile), Michelle (Paige), Julie, John (Karen); stepdaughters Jennifer & Carrie (Jerry) special family member Jay (Diane); grandchildren: Ryan, Andrew, Hannah, MacKenzy, Joanna, Jamie, Shayla, Noah & Jackson; many adored and beloved sisters, nieces, nephews & extended family. He is preceded in death by daughter Lisa & grandson Jack. John Henry attended Shattuck Military School in Faribault, Minnesota. He was a proud member of the Crack Squad and would be the first to tell you he never dropped his rifle. The "Stutter Step" the Squad was so famous for, was amazing. Up until 7 years ago, he could still do it at home. But without the artillery! His education continued at the University of Minnesota until being drafted into the U.S. Army on April 11, 1955 to serve our Country during the Korean War. He was assigned high clearance and reported to Counter Intelligence. As a Developer, he created amazing buildings utilizing architectural antiques, stain glass & beautiful old wrought iron fencing; a proud recipient of the acclaimed Reggie Award. Nothing he did was "cookie-cutter" and most unusual is the fact he would sit at his drafting table and design each project himself. His talent and love of construction was not a job. He would always say, "I've never worked a day in my life". Projects he was most proud of are the Kenilworth Cluster Home Development in the Kenwood area of Minneapolis and the remodel of a lake home into The Shorewood Yacht Club. Both will stand testament to his remarkable artistic flair. His final creation was a home on Blackduck Island, Lake Vermilion. A three-story beauty filled with old wide plank floors, stain glass everywhere, windows placed perfectly to maximize the views and a lift from the dock up to the house, "High Hopes". Many wonderful years of family time were spent there with the grandchildren. He delighted in showing them how to catch crayfish, taught them how to use an outboard motor, and spent hours involving them in one of his little "building projects". John Henry was his own man. He mostly did things "his way". He wanted for very little because he had it all---sailboats, old Cris Craft woodies, with the last boat being, "Papa Dieux", a beautiful Pilot House that he & his buddies would take out into the Gulf of Mexico to gather stone crab claws. Bill W. became a close & personal friend on May 23, 1973, totaling 44 years of sobriety. All of John's medallions remain in safe keeping. John Henry had a servant's heart in donating the old pecky cypress wood to the Venice Presbyterian Church for a Cross in the Sanctuary. This wood was removed from a home in Minneapolis; transported multiple times until we finally decided it would go to the Church and the rest is in our Villa. The last years for John Henry were difficult. He suffered with Diabetes for a long time. His body could no longer handle the drive to create, do projects, travel or play Bridge. Lewy Dementia was the final diagnosis that took his life. He was lovingly cared for by the Tidewell Hospice staff. John Henry died peacefully and in the arms of Judy, his wife of almost 33 years. Immediate family only for Interment at Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis at High Noon on Monday, June 12. People may arrive at 11:30am and gather near the front gate. We will then follow the lead vehicle and drive to the Cross Family Plot for burial of his cremains. Following the graveside service a reception will be held at the Shorewood Yacht Club, 23500 Smithtown Road, Excelsior from 2-5 PM. We hope this will be a time for family & friends to share stories, laughter and tears. John Henry Cross, you have left this earth a better place with your unforgettable artistry and zest for life.