John Wallace Lettermann was born in Evansville, Indiana, on April 2, 1953. He was lovingly adopted by Edward and Aldine “Denie” (nee Ahrens) Lettermann, and baptized in their home in Elberfeld, Indiana, on April 26, 1953. John was confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Palm Sunday, April 3, 1966. Edward and Denie were curators of the St. Paul, Minnesota, Gibbs Farm Museum, an historic museum interpreting pioneer and Dakota life in the mid-1800s. John graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School, Ramsey County, Minnesota, on June 9, 1971.

John received a diploma upon the completion of Truck Driver Training, in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on September 10, 1982; his career in commercial driving had its start; and he acquired the moniker of “Little John.” While living in the Minneapolis area, John drove buses for the city, accruing his pension from the Minnesota State Retirement System. Upon his move to Las Vegas, John drove cross-country freight hauls for Pan Western Corporation. When John relocated to Milwaukee, he was employed by Riteway Bus Service, driving chartered coaches and airport shuttles. In later years, he drove for Lyft and Uber.

What fueled John’s passion, was singing. He explained that his need to sing was as basic to his soul as his need for air was to his lungs. From a young child on, he sang in church choirs and acapella groups, at weddings and funerals, and in anything that required his clear and sweet tenor voice. Beginning in high school, he was a member of rock and roll groups, playing his guitar, and covering the pop music of the time. While in Las Vegas, and with the careful assistance of an understanding dispatcher who scheduled his trips around his performance schedules, John became affiliated with the Southern Nevada Musical Art Society, Douglas R. Peterson, Music Director; and The Myron Heaton Chorale, Myron Heaton, Music Director. John sang at Carnegie Hall under Terry Danne, Conductor. John’s association with the Heaton Chorale also brought him to the last love of his life, fellow singer and soprano, Rebecca S. Gardinier, who predeceased him in 2005.

After John relocated to Milwaukee, he performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, Bel Canto Chorus, and the Master Singers of Milwaukee. Through John’s long-standing friendship with Myron Heaton, he also performed with the Weston Noble Alumni Choir of Luther College, Deborah, Iowa; Redeemer Summer Choir; and went on tours to Salzburg and Europe with the Heaton Chorale. John also acquired a love for filk (think marriage of folk and science fiction), and attended Capricon, Duckcon, the Ohio Valley Filk Fest, and Wyndycon over the years.

Equal to John’s passion for choral pursuits was his propensity to bring laughter to children of all ages. Starting in November, John never went anywhere without wearing his Santa hat and having a pocket full of Smarties candy. His tag line, “Santa says Smile!” brought many a smile to wait staff, fellow singers, bank tellers, hairdressers, passengers on his coaches, and anyone who crossed his path. I remember walking to our table in a restaurant when a young 3-year-old girl exclaimed, with eyes as big as saucers, “Mama, it’s Santa Claus!” John stopped to greet her with a “ho, ho, ho,” and gave Smarties to her after her mom agreed. I hope this youngster retains this memory for the rest of her life. I know I will.

John is survived by his cousins: Richard Lettermann (Barisha), Nancy (Germer) Showe, Christyne Lettermann, Timothy Germer (Jennifer), Patricia Germer, and Rebekah Deweese (Timothy). Cousin Priscilla (Lettermann) Radcliff predeceased John.

Bringing great comfort to John remained his relationships with his three children: Christina Thompson (Abbey), Janet Burke (Michael), and Timothy Lettermann. The six Burke grandchildren had places in Papa John’s heart that only a proud grandfather’s love can fill: Alexxandra Burke (Darryl Richter), Brittany Laitala (Austin), Cecilia Burke (Xander Neu), Devlin Burke (Michelle Schulz), Emma Burke, and Donna Burke.

In all my conversations with John about end-of-life issues, his one fervent request was for the use of “top shelf drugs; better living through chemistry.” After two weeks in the ICU, John was transferred to Accent Care Hospice at the Lutheran Home. The medical staff ensured his last eight days of life were accomplished with compassion, respect, and dignity; his last wish was honored. John peacefully passed away, due to complications from an unaccompanied fall, on September 19, 2025.

John brought us immense joy, and we loved him well. We will miss getting his texts with the Beatles “Birthday” song on our special days. And as Little John reminds us, “Save the whales!”
Written by Christyne H. Lettermann, cousin

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a memorial to The Myron Heaton Chorale, c/o Redeemer Lutheran Church, 631 North 19th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233.