John Alan Achelpohl , 70, Minot, went home to his Father's house, Sunday, June 27, 2010, at Mayo Clinic/St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

John Achelpohl was born March 6, 1940, the son of Hazel Achelpohl in Santa Cruz, CA.

He joined the United States Air Force, where he spent 20 years. John met and married Ria Stein on December 16, 1961 in Hahn, Germany. He continued his successful climb through the ranks and retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1977. It was during these years that his love of mentoring and teaching others began to grow.

After retiring from the military to Minot, he began a second career as an insurance salesman with Principle, Inc. until his retirement in 1995. The last several years of his life, he was active in the US Air Force SAC Elite Guard, of which he had been a member of in the early 60's. He did extensive research into their history and kept other former members updated with a newsletter he started sending. His love of mentoring and teaching continued until his death, nurtured through the Ward County jail ministry. He was there to listen, counsel, and teach about the Lord to those that would partake in God's word.

John was a man who loved his Savior, adored his family and lived his life being of service to others through his guidance, teaching and mentoring.

His loving family includes, wife of 48 years, Ria, Minot; children, Jack DePriest, Charleston, WV, Debbie Achelpohl, Minot and Denise Smith, Hatfield, PA; grandchildren, Heather Achelpohl, Jessica Smith, Jeremy Smith, Max DePriest and Nick DePriest; sisters, Dorothy Crownover, San Jose, CA, Norma Morrell, Santa Rosa,CA and CaroleSheffield , Las Vegas, NV and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

Funeral service: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2010 at First Assembly of God, Minot, ND;
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND;
Visitation: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to Teen Challenge, Youth For Christ or the Salvation Army.