John Alan Watkins

John Alan Watkins, 56, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Methodist Campus.

John was born on May 5, 1970, in Springfield, Illinois, to John Jr. and Sharon (Besco) Watkins. He grew up and attended school in Springfield before his family later moved to the Austin and Albert Lea communities.

John enjoyed country music, game shows, attending community events, and spending time with friends. He especially loved joking around and playfully scaring people, always bringing laughter to those around him. Despite hardships in his life, John remained strong and carried a golden-hearted smile. He also loved to draw and write. In earlier years, he played in a band with his aunt, Vicki, called Johnny & the Impalas. He attended many activities hosted by ARC and enjoyed participating in local senior center programs and community organizations.

John is survived by his siblings, Jamie Watkins and Mitchell Weller; uncle, Owen (Annette) Besco; nephew, Tristin Watkins; niece, Alyssa Watkins; and other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Jr. and Sharon Watkins; and his grandparents, John and Bernice Watkins and Ray and Gladys Besco.

A celebration of life will be held for John and his mother, Sharon, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. They will be buried in Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Memorial donations may be directed to Life Mower County, formerly known as ARC, or to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Carolyn House, in John’s memory. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.