Obituary of John Howard Wright

Age 90, of Edina, MN, formerly of Eden Prairie, Hopkins and Lake Park, MN, died peacefully Sept.16, 2016. Preceded in death by wife, Charlene Whittum Wright; parents, Edgar DeVault Wright, veterinarian, and Emily Jordan Corken Wright; sister, Ruth (Robert) Whitesel and brother, William Wright, veterinarian. Survived by children, Douglas (Naomi Smith), Lucy (Randy) Mattson, and Amy (Steven) Krabbenhoft; grandson, Justin Wright-Pedersen; great-grandson, Owen; brother, Dr. Benjamin (Lois) Wright; sister-in-law, Barbara Wright; many nieces and nephews. John was born April 10, 1926 in LaFayette, IN. He graduated from Chester High School in North Manchester, IN and Michigan State University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Member Alpha Gamma Rho (agricultural) Fraternity. He married Charlene Whittum in 1949 in Eaton Rapids, MI. After college he practiced veterinary medicine with his father in Indiana until 1950. He served in US Army from 1950-1954 as a First Lieutenant during the Korean War and was a member of Legion Post 320. John started Eden Prairie’s first veterinary practice in 1954, Wright Animal Hospital (later renamed Eden Prairie Animal Clinic & Hospital) where he enjoyed talking with clients (many of whom called him “Doc”) and treating farm animals and pets. After practicing for 37 years in Eden Prairie, he sold his practice and retired in 1991. John was active in community service. He was a key founder and charter president of Eden Prairie AM Rotary (first Rotary breakfast club in Twin Cities) in 1976 and was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. He was Treasurer of Eden Prairie School Board. John assisted the Eden Prairie Police Department in forming a Canine Unit in 1981 and volunteered his professional services until his retirement, for which he received an Award of Merit from City of Eden Prairie. He was a Shriner and belonged to Albert Pike (Hopkins) Masonic Lodge #237. John enjoyed traveling across country and to Mexico in his Airstream trailer. He loved riding his bicycle, driving his cars and reading. Many thanks to Sunnyside Care Center Lake Park and Sunrise Senior Living Edina. Memorial service at noon, Saturday 10/8, at Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave S, Edina, with visitation 1 hour prior. Private interment. Memorials suggested to Eden Prairie Police Department Crime Fund for Canine Unit (http://www.edenprairie.org/city-government/departments/police-department/crime-prevention-fund) or Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club (http://www.epamrotary.org).