John Neilan Oxton

John Neilan Oxton “Neil” was born in Hope, North Dakota on February 13, 1922 and raised in Finley, ND. He died in Moorhead, MN on November 16, 2013 at the age of 91.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Leikny (Iverson); parents John and Mabel (Olson) Oxton; son Lanier; brothers James and Donald, and sisters Betty and Phyllis.

He is survived by his sons Dwight Oxton (Mary Jo) and Jay Oxton (Marilyn); grandchildren, Sara Oxton, Barry (Jami) Oxton, Paul Oxton, Jennifer Oxton, Geoffrey Oxton and Chelsea (Thomas) Dickerson; great-grandchildren, Spencer Oxton, Camden Oxton, Avery Oxton, Davis Oxton, Gavin Oxton and Heidi Dickerson; brothers (sisters-in-law) William (Annette) and Rodney (JoAnn); sisters Marian Chepulis, Francis Miller and Patricia Bradehoft; sister-in-law Tordis Breiland; and many nephews and nieces.

John honorably served his country in the U.S. Army (November 16, 1942 – January 16, 1946) in the India – Burma – China Theatre during World War II and was a proud member of the 31st Signal Construction Battalion, Company “B”, 2nd Platoon. He was employed by Farmers Union and Farmers Union Insurance serving in North Dakota, Nebraska and National offices from 1956 to 1985. As a true champion of the family farm, he spearheaded the Family Farm Initiative 300, which amended the Nebraska Constitution to prohibit corporate farm ownership in the state. He retired in 1985 as President of the Nebraska Farmers Union.

Internment at Ostervold Lutheran Cemetery in Finley, ND.

Memorials are preferred to the Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation.