John Aventi

John George Aventi, Sr., 79, of Fargo, ND, died Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Innovis Hospital, Fargo. John George Aventi was born February 10, 1928, at Yuma, Arizona, son of Peter and Dorothy Aventi. He spent many of his earlier years in California and Arizona. John entered the 13th U.S. Army Air Force in 1943. He was assigned to the 15th Emergency Rescue Boat Squadron. The majority of his run, in World War II, was spent in the Philippines helping survivors of downed aircraft and watercraft. He also helped retrieve bodies from the immersed vessels. He was honorably discharged January 1, 1946. In 1951, he met Carmen Sanchez. They were married and had two sons. In 1980, he met Cheryl Orman and they had three children. In 1984, he began doing odd jobs for Garaas Law Firm. In 1986, he became manager of Horseshoe Bend. Throughout his life he loved hard work, smoking, coffee and crossword puzzles. When he retired in 2004, his greatest joys were seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, smoking, drinking coffee and watching westerns. He was truly an extremely loving, caring and unique man. He had an amazing gift of gab and was liked by everyone. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, Fargo, ND; five children, Randy (Karen) Mapleton, ND; John Jr. (Carolyn) Fargo, ND; Sharon, Casselton, ND; LaVerne and Samuel, both of Fargo, ND; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, ex-wife Carmen and other family members. He was preceded death by his mother. Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at 2 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Chapel, Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at Hanson-Runsvold. Burial: Springvale Cemetery, Fargo, ND.