John M. Tillotson

John M. Tillotson, age 73, of Rochester, died on Friday, August 11, 2017, at his home. The memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church in Rochester following the inurnment. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family to be donated towards a school playground fund. John was born on February 9, 1944, in St. Louis, MO to Martin Luther and Ruth (McRae) Tillotson. He graduated from Ritenour High School in Overland, MO. He also graduated from Northeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of science in mathematics and physics and the University of Missouri Rolla with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. On August 15, 1965, John married Linda Morelock in Kirksville, MO. They lived in Iowa and New York before moving to Rochester in 1975. John worked for IBM for over 30 years before his retirement. His biggest passion was music. John sang in the Rochester Male Chorus, the Summer Music Project, and Rochester Civic Music. He also sang in church choirs since he was 11 years old. John enjoyed model railroading and was a member of the Rochester and La Plata, MO Model Railroad clubs, and was a lifetime member of the IEEE Profession Engineering Association. He was also an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and served on many committees over the years. John was very proud of his heritage and his Mayflower descendants. John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda of Rochester; daughter, Victoria Bane of CA; son, Eric Tillotson of MO; grandchildren, Katarina Buettner, Ruben Tillotson and Eian Bane; sister, Lila Barrett; brothers; Stanley Tillotson and Donald Tillotson all of MO. John was preceded in death by his parents. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester MN 55901. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com