John Alar

John Alar, whose legendary business career and devotion to church and family served as a model to many, died at his home on February 2, 2018 in Stuart, FL. He was 91 years old.
Graveside memorial services and inurnment are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Prairie Ridge Cemetery at Modena.
Whitaker-Eads Funeral Home in Trenton is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Virginia, MN on March 22, 1926, John was the second-youngest of seven children. He attended the University of Minnesota on the GI Bill after serving in the then-Army/Air Force.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Louise Alar, who he met in California in 1951.  They had two children, Paul John Alar and Jan Louise Alar; two grandchildren, John Paul Alar of Memphis, TN and Mark Charles Alar of Ft. Worth, TX; and a daughter-in-law, Donna Fulcher Alar of Atlanta, GA.
Early in his professional career as product manager for Maxwell House Coffee, John helped start the career of Andy Griffith on “The Andy Griffith Show.” Later, as president of The American Chicle Corporation, he was responsible for launching the Rolaids “Fireman of the Year” Award, an award given to the most valuable relief pitcher in professional baseball. As such, he became a friend and confidant of many owners of professional sports teams seeking his business wisdom and advice. Finally, as vice chairman of Brown and Williamson Tobacco in Louisville, KY, John was the driving force behind both the construction of the Brown and Williamson Towers, a landmark in downtown Louisville, and the refurbishment of the University of Louisville’s football stadium.
John was inducted into the Virginia, MN Hall of Fame in 2006, along with winemaker Robert Mondovi.
While in Stuart, he was deeply involved with the St. Andrew Catholic Church and served on the Board of Directors of both the Willoughby Country Club and the Florida Theatrical Association.
John was also an avid golfer who shot a 74 at the age of 74, an accomplishment he was very proud of.