John Frederick Kuettner, age 76, of Apple Valley, passed away  on May 2, 2025.

John was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on March 11th, 1949. When he was in sixth grade his family, including 4 sisters and 3 brothers, moved to Crystal, Minnesota. In grade school he took an interest in science, but he stated his interest in medicine began when he read All About The Human Body. He attended Robbinsdale High School, participated in 3 sports, played French horn, and learned how to play guitar. His father died when he was fourteen and he always felt that this had a great impact on his life. He met his wife Mary and they started dating in 1969. They got married in 1971, while John was still in college. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's in microbiology and became a doctor of medicine. John wrote papers on erythrocytes (red blood cells) and sickle cells. He worked as a physician in different family practice offices and hospitals. John had three kids with his wife Mary and they moved to Apple Valley in 1983. John had two cancers in succession and received a stem cell transplant. Suddenly, in March, issues developed and in April doctors discovered that his cancer had spread to several organs. He was in an unsurvivable situation. John loved his children and grandchildren dearly, and they miss him very much. He was always traveling with the family, across Europe and America. He loved taking photos and thoroughly enjoyed life.

John spent his career as a doctor who genuinely cared for and dedicated his time and energy to his patients. He loved nature and the outdoors. He was happiest on the golf course, touring a garden or park, seeing animals in the zoo or better yet in the wild, and working in the yard at his home. John was a sponge for all kinds of information, especially in medicine, but also history, pop culture, sports, world news, weather, and he always had something friendly, positive, and interesting to add to a conversation whether he knew you or not. John's creative side involved guitar playing, from dabbling with some soft background chords while friends & family hung out, to rocking out breaking strings! He loved playing volleyball (state champ!), watching gymnastics which he used to compete in, piecing large puzzles together, gardening, making giant bubbles, snacking on peanut butter fudge (his Mom's recipe), and being amused by Mel Brooks movies or nature shows. John loved to travel with his wife Mary to France and to numerous destinations with his kids. His later years were filled with enjoying his kids and grandkids in their sports, academics, and various other activities. Most of all, John knew the value of his family, and loved them all, especially his wife of 54 years, Mary.

Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 7, 2025 at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Ave. Burnsville, MN 55337 with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM. A gathering of family and friends will take place after the service starting at 1:00 PM at Spring Lake Park Reserve, West Pavillion, 8395 127th St E, Hastings, MN 55033. Casual attire.

John was a nature enthusiast. Please plant a tree or donate to the Arbor Day Foundation in memory of him at:

https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-for-others?producttype=TIM