Gentleman's Quarters Barbershop

Dad’s celebration of life was an epic party! The reception line stretched out the door for 4 hours as 250+ customers and friends queued up to embrace my Dad in a recreated barbershop scene complete with original signage and barber chair.

I’ll never forget the energy of that room as hundreds of people waited in line to congratulate, thank, celebrate, and say goodbye to a local legend. My Dad won’t either. Most of his customers had been coming in for 25-35+ years. One customer shared he had never had his hair cut by anyone else. Another said, “It was always so much more than a haircut.” My Dad cultivated memorable interactions and profound relationships in 15 minute appointments for 53 years. He always looked for an opportunity to connect with people and his influence was obvious at this party. Seeing his customers sit in that chair for “one last chat” with him was magic. 💈❤️💈

We toasted his 53 years of cutting hair, 44 years since helping start the
St. Cloud Area Sertoma Club, ~49 years of marriage, and 72 years of storytelling! Ava sang the National Anthem as a nod to the 1,200 free haircuts he gave to Veterans at St. Cloud Stand Down. I gave a speech about his many years at Gentleman’s Quarters through the lens of the “barber’s daughter”. Beautiful tears of joy, gratitude, and sadness flowed all day long. The nite culminated with Dad dancing to “Freebird” - his favorite song - with old friends from Cathedral High School. He said it was,”One of the best days of my life.” ❤️💈❤️

Special thanks to my cousin Cheryl - party planner extraordinaire - who kept me laser-focused on pulling off this feat in just one week. And gratitude for the many friends and family who provided kitchen help and crowd control 😉 And to DJ Kevin Nyre who donated his time to play 5 hours of Dad’s self-selected classic rock tunes, and to Carolyn Bertsch with the Sartell Newsleader who volunteered to take photos of each guest with Dad. Lastly, appreciation for the clean up crew that tore it all down in 45 minutes. Many, many heartfelt thanks 🙏
. Cloud Stand Down

's Quarters Barbershop

It’s been 5 weeks since my Dad retired after 51 years as a barber. We stopped by The Shop today and realized there were 70+ voicemails on his machine that he hadn’t listened to yet.

I can’t tell you how therapeutic it was to listen to your heartwarming messages of appreciation, hope, and love. And a few stories….
😞🥰😇🥳😬🤫🤭🤪😎😢🤫🙄😳🤭

I guess Dad was doing much more than cutting hair in that chair.
He was listening, supporting, understanding, teaching, and sharing life with these guys. He was building lasting friendships, and leaving a legacy on this Central Minnesota community. I’m so grateful you got to know him and please know how much he loved serving you 💝

❤️ 51 amazing years with you all ❤️

Message from John at Gentlemen’s Quarters

Due to a recent medical diagnosis, I’ve been forced to retire. I just want to let you know how much I appreciated your business for the last 51 years. Barbering has been great for me, and I like to think I was good for barbering. I hope you know how much I will miss you all.

Thanks,
John

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
~John Lennon

I am taking some time off from Friday June 6 - Tuesday June 17. 
I will be back at the shop Wednesday, June 18 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Thanks!

New Summer hours at the shop:

Tuesdays 9 AM - 4 PM
Wednesdays 9 AM - 4 PM
Fridays 9 AM - 2 PM

Give me a call to get on the books! Thanks!

Sunset vibes❣️🧡

Hope to see you in the new year!

Hey guys - I had an unfortunate fall last weekend and am out on medical leave for a few weeks. I will be checking my voicemail at the shop so please reach out. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Wishing my customers a Happy, safe & healthy New Year 2023 !!!
I truly appreciate your support, friendships & business the past year.
THank you ,
Barber John 💈