John Paul Rova was born on August 20th, 1940 in Ely, Minnesota to Nestor and Julia (Koski) Rova. He was raised within the Finnish community in Ely, graduating in 1958. John entered the University of Minnesota, where he found his life’s calling as an architect. John was actively designing buildings until his 78th year.

At the U John met his life’s love, Marion Warner, they were married for 62 years. John and Marion were true partners in life. Sharing a love for food, music, Scandinavian design, travel (the US, Canada, Europe, Uganda and Japan) and most importantly their family. John was a caring father to his three sons, Timo, Joel and Jonathan. He was patient and kind, wise and loving. His seven grandchildren loved their Apu, and his caring ways. He enjoyed spending time with his family at the cabin his father built on Burntside Lake, where he taught them all the essence of sauna.

John’s architectural career spanned over fifty years. Notable projects include the St. Paul Civic Center, Giants Ridge and restoration and renovations at; Notre Dame, West Point, Fort Snelling, the Minnesota State Capitol, the Governor’s mansion, the State Theater, the Brown County Museum and Winona Courthouse. John had projects in numerous states, as well as on Okinawa.

John was a singer and a watercolorist. He sang in numerous choirs, including the Plymouth Music Series and the Augsburg Centennial Singers. His sublime paintings captured the essence of his travels and the places he loved. They are treasured by his family. John was involved in the Finnish American community in Minnesota and was proud of his heritage.

His deeply held faith in Jesus was the source of his loving and forgiving ways. John died on December 27, 2025 in Duluth, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by; his parents Nestor and Julia, brothers and sister-in-law, Bill & Bunny Rova and Broco Rova. Survived by; his wife Marion Rova, sons, Timo Rova & Nancy Moundalexis, Joel & Emily Rova-Hegener, Jonathan & Nancy Rova, grandchildren; Annela Rova & Reese Hunter (Ilmari & Berom), Leif Rova (Brynn), and Suvi Rova, Nestor Rova-Hegener and Johan Rova-Hegener, Paavo Rova and Tuuli Rova, sister Judy & Arlen Olson, sister-in-law Jane Rova, brother-in-law Charles & Carol Warner, numerous nieces and nephews, and those who John loved as sons and daughters.

A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hastings, MN at 1:00 p.m. with visitation at noon and a dessert reception to follow. 400 Ninth St W., Hastings, MN.

In lieu of flowers gifts can be given to: Parkinson's Support Group, Essentia hospice, Solvay House or, Lutheran World Relief.

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