John Thomas Pelzman

John Thomas Pelzman of Show Low, Arizona formerly of Chaska, Minnesota peacefully passed away on April 24, 2021 at his home in Show Low. He was 73. John was born on December 16, 1947 in Sacramento, California to his parents, Rudolph and Esther (Broderick) Pelzman.

John spent his childhood at the Folsom State Prison Compound in California, where his father worked, from 1953 until graduating high school in 1966. It was here that his unique childhood took shape and his mechanical aptitude developed. After learning how to attach a lawnmower motor onto a bicycle his father, recognizing his skills, asked him to work on a coworker’s vehicle and from there his career took off. He soon began looking for old used vehicles to fix up and flip and it wasn’t long that his parents were driving cars John repaired.

John enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1967. He served 14 months in Vietnam during the war and was also stationed in Korea and Japan. In 1971 he received his honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In 1974 John moved from California to Chaska, Minnesota and it was there while working for Control Data that John met Linda after helping with some repair work, and as they say the rest is history. John and Linda were married in 1977.

John and Linda first became business owners in October of 1979 when they purchased a local Mobil gas station in Chaska. Soon after John’s Mobil Service operated three full-service gas pumps and a three bay-garage. Upon changing location the name changed to John’s Automotive Service. They employed many workers some were even high school students. After 36 years in business John and Linda sold off the business for new endeavors. Besides his business John found time to serve as a volunteer Fire Fighter for the Chaska Fire Department from 1981-1997.

In 2020 they moved to the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona where they have since resided until John’s passing. John’s legacy of hard work and his love for his family and friends will continue on. We find peace in knowing that we will some day see him again. We love you John.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Linda Pelzman of Show Low formerly of Chaska; brothers, Rudy and wife Patty Pelzman of Roseville, California and Charles Pelzman of Sacramento, California; numerous nieces nephews, extended family members and friends.